Item 1. Business
Item
1. Business.
Our
Company
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, Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China. We manage our three principal businesses
primarily through our 85.8% owned subsidiary, Alset International Limited (“Alset International”), 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 recent years, the Company expanded
its real estate portfolio to single family rental homes, and we currently own 132 homes that are rented or are available for rent. 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 sale of consumer products. We identify global businesses for acquisition,
incubation and corporate advisory services, primarily related to our operating business segments.
We
also have ownership interests outside of Alset International, including a 36.9% equity interest in American Pacific Financial, Inc.,
a 43.6% equity interest in DSS Inc. (“DSS”), an indirect 45.8% equity interest in Value Exchange International, Inc., a
29.0% equity interest in Sharing Services Global Corporation, and a 41.5% equity interest in New Energy Asia Pacific Company Limited. American Pacific Financial, Inc. is a financial network holding
company. DSS is a multinational company operating businesses with five divisions: product packaging, biotechnology, direct
marketing, commercial lending, and securities and investment management. DSS Inc. is listed on the NYSE American (NYSE: DSS). Value
Exchange International, Inc. is a provider of information technology services for businesses, and is traded on the OTC Expert Market
(OTC: VEII). Sharing Services Global Corporation (OTC: SHRG), is a publicly traded company dedicated to building shareholder value
by developing or acquiring businesses, products and technologies in the direct selling industry and other industries that augment
the Company’s product and services portfolio, business competencies, and geographic reach.
Operating
segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly
by the chief operating decision makers (the “CODMs”), or decision–making group, in deciding how to allocate resources
and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision makers are the two Co-CEOs, who review and assess the performance
of the Company as a whole. The Company reports its segment information to reflect the manner in which the CODMs review and assess performance.
The Company has four operating segments based on the products and services we offer, which include three of our principal businesses
– real estate, digital transformation technology and biohealth – as well as a fourth category consisting of certain other
business activities. In determination of segments, the Company, together with its CODMs, considers factors that include the nature of
business activities, allocation of resources and management structure.
The
primary financial measures used by the CODMs to evaluate performance and allocate resources are net income (loss) and operating income
(loss). The CODMs use net income (loss) and operating income (loss) to evaluate the performance of the Company’s ongoing operations
and as part of the Company’s internal planning and forecasting processes. Information on net income (loss) and operating income
(loss) is disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Segment expenses and other segment items are provided to the CODMs on the
same basis as disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Costs excluded from segment income (loss) before taxes and reported
as “Other” consist of corporate general and administrative activities which are not allocable to the four reportable segments.
The
CODMs do not evaluate performance or allocate resources based on segment assets.
Under
the guidance of Chan Heng Fai, our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who is also our largest stockholder, we have positioned
ourselves as a participant in these key markets through a series of strategic transactions. Our growth strategy is both to pursue acquisition
opportunities that we can leverage on our global network using our capital and management resources and to accelerate the expansion of
our organic businesses.
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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.
We
intend at all times to operate our business in a manner as to not become inadvertently subject to the regulatory requirements under the
Investment Company Act by, among other things, (i) in the event of acquisitions, purchasing all or substantially all of an acquisition
target’s voting stock, and only in limited cases purchase less than 51% of the voting stock; (ii) monitoring our operations and
our assets on an ongoing basis in order to ensure that we own no less than a majority, or other control, of Alset International and that
Alset International, in turn, owns no less than a majority, or other control, of Alset Real Estate Holdings Inc. and other such subsidiaries
with significant assets and operations; and (iii) limiting additional equity investments into affiliated companies including our majority-owned
and/or controlled operating subsidiaries, except in special limited circumstances. Additionally, we will continue to hire in-house management
personnel and employees with industry background and experience, rather than retaining traditional investment portfolio managers to oversee
our group of companies.
The
Company was incorporated in the State of Delaware on March 7, 2018, as HF Enterprises Inc. Effective as of February 5, 2021, the Company
changed its name from “HF Enterprises Inc.” to “Alset EHome International Inc.” The Company effected such name
change pursuant to a merger entered into with a wholly owned subsidiary, Alset EHome International Inc. The Company was the surviving
entity following this merger and had adopted the name of its former subsidiary. In connection with this name change, our trading symbol
on the Nasdaq Stock Market was changed from “HFEN” to “AEI.” On October 4, 2022, through a merger transaction,
the Company was reincorporated in Texas and changed its name to Alset Inc. The Company effected such name change pursuant to a merger
entered into with a wholly owned subsidiary, Alset Inc. The Company is the surviving entity following this merger and has adopted the
name of its former subsidiary. Our trading symbol on Nasdaq Stock Market did not change due to the name change.
The
following chart illustrates the current corporate structure of our key operating entities:
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Our
Current Operations
Real
Estate
Property
Development Business
Our
property development business is primarily conducted through our indirect subsidiary, Alset Real Estate Holdings Inc. (“Alset RE
Holdings”), a 99.9%-owned U.S. subsidiary of Alset International, which owns, operates and manages real estate development projects
with a focus on land subdivision developments. We generally contract out all real estate development activities, working with engineers,
surveyors, architects and general contractors through each phase, including planning, design and construction. Once the contractors complete
the land development, we then sell the developed lots to builders for the construction of new homes. Where possible, we have attempted
to pre-sell these lots before they are fully developed. Alset RE Holdings’ main asset is a subdivision development project near
Houston, Texas (known as Lakes at Black Oak).
Our
property development business is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, our property development
business accounted for 0% and 79% of our total revenues, respectively.
On
March 17, 2023, 150 CCM Black Oak Ltd. entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “DH Purchase and Sale Agreement”)
with Davidson Homes, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (“Davidson”). Pursuant to the terms of the DH Purchase and
Sale Agreement, the Seller had agreed to sell approximately 189 single-family detached residential lots developed within section 2 of
Lakes at Black Oak project. The sale of the first 94 lots closed on May 30, 2023. The sale of remaining lots closed on January 4, 2024.
On
November 13, 2023, 150 CCM Black Oak Ltd. entered into two Contracts for Purchase and Sale and Escrow Instructions (each a “2023
Agreement,” collectively, the “2023 Agreements”) with Century Land Holdings of Texas, LLC. Pursuant to the terms of
one of the aforementioned 2023 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 at the Lakes at Black Oak. Pursuant to the other 2023
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”). The sale of the first 70 lots closed
on July 1, 2024 generating approximately $3.8 million. The sale of the remaining 72 lots at Lakes at Black Oak closed on October 10,
2024 generating approximately $3.9 million. The sale of 63 lots at Alset Villas closed on December 16, 2024 generating approximately
$3.8 million.
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The
Company has retained four model lots within Section 1 of the property. The Company intends to enter into contract-build agreements with
local, regional or national builders to construct single-family, for rent homes. These elevations and floor plans will be carefully selected
to suit the for-rent tenants and/or for-sale customers. The Company will also reserve the right to sell these homes in the event this
is deemed to be the highest and best use in the marketplace. The Company expects to complete these homes within the next twelve months.
Reorganization
of Property Development Business and Spin-off
On
August 1, 2025, the Company’s indirect majority-owned subsidiary Winning Catering Group, Inc. (then known as LiquidValue Development
Inc., or “LVD”) entered into a Contribution Agreement with Alset Real Estate Holdings Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary (“Alset
Real Estate Holdings”). Pursuant to the terms of the Contribution Agreement, LVD agreed to transfer its ownership of all of the
issued and outstanding shares of Alset EHome Inc., the company that owned substantially all of the assets and liabilities of LVD, to
Alset Real Estate Holdings. On August 18, 2025, LVD completed the distribution of substantially all of its assets to holders of its common
stock as of August 15, 2025, in the form of a one-time special dividend (the “Distribution”). The Distribution consisted
of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Alset Real Estate Holdings Inc., having an aggregate fair market value of approximately
$34.8 million as of the date of Distribution, and constituting substantially all of LVD’s net asset value. LVD shareholders received
shares on a pro rata basis, based on the number of shares of the LVD’s common stock. Following this transaction, LVD had no material
operations or sources of revenue and would be considered a shell company. Because of the Contribution Agreement and the Distribution,
the Company’s ownership interest in Alset Real Estate Holdings Inc. mirrors its ownership interest in LVD at the time of the Distribution.
Therefore, the Company’s ownership interest in Alset EHome Inc. and its real estate business remains unchanged following the transactions
described above.
On
September 22, 2025, LiquidValue Development Inc. changed its name to “Winning Catering Group, Inc.” in anticipation of a
planned merger pursuant to an Acquisition Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Acquisition Agreement”) entered into on May
30, 2025 (such merger has not yet closed as of the date hereof). The Acquisition Agreement was entered into by LVD with (i) SeD Intelligent
Home Inc., a Nevada corporation, the majority shareholder of LVD and an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Company (“SeD”);
(ii) LVD Merger Corp., a Nevada corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of LVD (the “Merger Sub”); (iii) Winning Catering
Management Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation (“Winning Group”); (iv) Winning Holdings Limited, a British Virgin
Islands corporation (“Winning Holdings”); and (iv) Pure Talent Group Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation (“PTGL”
and collectively, the “Parties”). Pursuant to the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, the Merger Sub will merge with and
into Winning Group (the “Merger”), with Winning Group surviving the Merger. Following the Merger, Winning Group will become
a wholly owned subsidiary of LVD. In connection with the Merger and as part of the transaction structure, the Parties also agreed that:
3,754,897,728 new fully paid, non-assessable shares of LVD’s common stock will be issued to Winning Holdings and 234,681,108 shares
will be issued to PTGL. At the closing of these transactions, (i) Winning Holdings will own 80% of the issued and outstanding shares
of LVD; (ii) SeD and other existing stockholders will retain 15% of the LVD’s shares; and (iii) PTGL will own 5% of LVD’s
shares. Winning Group’s principal line of business is Wing Nin, a Hong Kong food and beverage brand. Renowned for its cart noodles,
a Hong Kong staple, Wing Nin sells customizable bowls featuring a choice of noodle bases, a wide array of toppings, and a rich homemade
spicy curry sauce. Wing Nin began as a street vendor in the 1960s and has expanded in recent years. Today, Wing Nin has thirteen locations
across Hong Kong.
Home
Rental Business
In
recent years, the Company expanded its real estate portfolio to single family rental houses. During 2022 and 2021 the Company signed
multiple purchase agreements to acquire 20 and 112 homes, respectively, in Montgomery and Harris Counties, Texas. By December 31, 2022,
the acquisition of all 132 homes was completed with an aggregate purchase cost of $30,998,258. All of these purchased homes are properties
of our rental business.
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On
December 9, 2022, Alset Inc. entered into an agreement with Alset EHome Inc. and Alset International Limited pursuant to which Alset
Inc. agreed to reorganize the ownership of its home rental business. Previously, Alset Inc. and certain majority-owned subsidiaries collectively
owned 132 single-family rental homes in Texas, of which 112 were owned by subsidiaries of Alset EHome Inc. Alset Inc. owns 85.8% of Alset
International Limited, and Alset International Limited indirectly owns approximately 99.9% of Alset EHome Inc.
The
closing of the transaction contemplated by this agreement was completed on January 13, 2023. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company
has become the direct owner of American Home REIT Inc. (“AHR”) and its subsidiaries that collectively own these 112 homes,
instead of such homes being owned indirectly through Alset International Limited’s subsidiaries.
Alset
EHome Inc. sold AHR to Alset Inc. for a total consideration of $26,250,933, including the forgiveness of debt in the amount of $13,900,000,
a promissory note in the amount of $11,350,933 and a cash payment of $1,000,000. This purchase price represents the book value of AHR
as of November 30, 2022.
The
closing of this transaction was approved by the shareholders of Alset International Limited. Certain members of Alset Inc.’s Board
of Directors and management are also members of the Board of Directors and management of each of Alset International Limited and Alset
EHome Inc.
As
part of our commitment to advancing smart and healthy sustainable living, we installed Tesla PV solar panels and Powerwalls in approximately
96 of the 132 single-family rental homes. In addition, we added technologies at many of the single-family rental homes such as (i) smart
solar, thermostat, and energy usage controls; (ii) smart lighting controls; (iii) smart locks and security; and (iv) smart home automation
devices. We believe these and other technologies will be attractive to renters.
The
Company has entered into a property management agreement with the property managers under which the property managers generally oversee
and direct the leasing, management and advertising of the properties in our portfolio, including collecting rents and acting as liaison
with the tenants. The Company pays its property managers a monthly property management fee per property unit and a leasing fee.
Potential
Future Projects
In
addition to our main projects, we are embarking on residential development activities in partnership with U.S. homebuilders, and have
commenced discussions to acquire smaller U.S. residential development projects. These projects may be within both the for-sale and for-rent
markets. We consider projects in diverse regions across the United States, and maintain longstanding relationships with local owners,
brokers, attorneys and lenders to source projects. We will continue to focus on off-market deals and raise appropriate financing for
attractive development opportunities. We believe these initiatives will provide a set of solutions to stabilize the long-term revenue
associated with property development in the United States and create new ancillary service opportunities and revenue from this business.
Digital
Transformation Technology
Our
digital transformation technology business unit is committed to enabling enterprises to engage in a digital transformation by providing
support, implementation and development services with various technologies including blockchain, e-commerce, social media, artificial
intelligence customer service applications and metaverse services. We commenced our technology business in 2015 through Hapi Metaverse
Inc. (“Hapi Metaverse”), our 99.6% owned subsidiary. Its technology platform focuses on business-to-business, or B2B, solutions,
such as communications and workflow, through instant messaging, international calling, social media and e-commerce. Hapi Metaverse’s
investment into Value Exchange International Inc. (“VEII”) expanded our offering to retail business digital transformation
such as supermarket and chain stores. Hapi Metaverse is now the largest stockholder of VEII.
Through
Hapi Metaverse, we have successfully implemented several strategic platform developments for clients, including a mobile front-end solution
for network marketing, a hotel e-commerce platform for a company in Asia and a real estate agent management platform in China. We have
also enhanced our technological integration capability to include artificial intelligence in the area of customer service, augmented
reality and the metaverse.
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While
focusing on development and integration services by building white label mobile applications for e-commerce and community engagement
such as direct marketing and affiliate marketing, VEII has been working on I.T. Services for major retailers in Asia for retail solutions
integration.
We
believe that the increasing deployment of the technology, both in membership engagement as well as in the retail industry, will allow
for feedback from customers, and help us build a robust and scalable software. Adding latest technological framework, such as A.I. and
Metaverse, allows the Company to enhance our clients’ digital transformation journey with better consumer engagement and analytics.
Biohealth
Business
With
populations aging and a growing focus on healthcare issues, biohealth science has become increasingly vital. We entered the biomedical
and healthcare market by forming our biohealth division, which is engaged in developing, researching, testing, manufacturing, licensing
and distributing (through retail, direct selling, network marketing and e-commerce) biohealth products and services. We strive to leverage
our scientific know-how and intellectual property rights to provide solutions to pending healthcare issues.
In
October 2019, the Company expanded its biohealth segment into the Korean market through one of the subsidiaries of HWH International
Inc., HWH World Inc. (“HWH World”). HWH World is in the business of sourcing and distributing dietary supplements and other
health products through its network of members in the Republic of Korea (“South Korea”). HWH World generates product sales
via its direct sale model as products are sold to its members. Through the use of a Hapi Gig platform that combines e-commerce, social
media and a customized rewards system, HWH World equips, trains and empowers its members.
On
April 23, 2025, the Company completed the sale of HWH World Inc. by Health Wealth Happiness Pte. Ltd. (“HWHPL”) to AES Group
Inc. (“AES”), a Korean entity. The sale was consummated under a term sheet signed on April 20, 2025, pursuant to which the
Company agreed to transfer its 100% equity interest in HWHKOR to AES. In exchange, AES agreed to issue new shares, representing 19.9%
of the enlarged share capital of AES to the Company upon closing. Total of $384,356 gain was generated from this deal and recorded in
the Company’s statement of operations.
As
of December 31, 2024, the Company held a 39.7% ownership in Impact BioMedical Inc. (“Impact BioMedical”). Impact BioMedical
is focused on discovery, development, and commercialization of products and technologies to address unmet needs in human healthcare and
wellness for specialty biopharmaceuticals, antivirals, antimicrobials, consumer healthcare, and wellness products in the United States.
Impact BioMedical is listed on NYSE American (NYSE: IBO). Between March 31, 2025 and April 4, 2025, the Company and its subsidiaries
Alset International Limited and Global Biomedical Pte. Ltd. collectively sold the Company’s entire equity interest in Impact Biomedical
Inc. consisting of 4,568,165 shares of Impact’s common stock. The disposition of the Impact stock was made through several sales
on the market through a broker. These transactions generated total proceeds of $4,184,575 and resulted in a recognized loss of $2,439,264.
Other
Business Activities
In
addition to our three principal business activities, we oversee several smaller other business activities at the present time, which
we believe complement our three principal businesses.
BMI
Capital Partners. Alset International’s wholly-owned Hong Kong subsidiary, BMI Capital Partners International Limited provides
consultancy services on corporate restructuring efforts, debt restructuring efforts and capital markets related corporate actions, including
potential stock exchange listings.
Alset
F&B. 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. These licenses
allow Alset F&B One and Alset F&B PLQ each to operate a Killiney Kopitiam restaurants 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. In the second quarter of 2024, the Company ceased
operations of its subsidiary Alset F&B (PLQ) Pte. Ltd.
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Hapi
Cafes. The Company, through Hapi Cafe Inc. (“HCI-T”), an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, 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 Hapi Cafe SG Pte. Ltd. (“HCSG”) in Singapore and Hapi Cafe Korea Inc.
(“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. On September 13, 2025, the Company ceased operations of its subsidiary Hapi
Café Korea Inc.
In
2023 the Company incorporated new subsidiaries Guangdong LeFu Wealth Investment Consulting Co., Ltd. (f.k.a. Shenzhen Leyouyou Catering
Management Co., Ltd.) and Dongguan Leyouyou Catering Management Co., Ltd. in the People’s Republic of China. These companies are
principally engaged in the food and beverage business in Mainland China.
Additionally,
through its subsidiary Hapi Group HK Limited (f.k.a. MOC HK Limited), the Company was focusing on operating café business in Hong
Kong. The café was closed on September 16, 2024.
During
the years ended on December 31, 2025 and 2024, the revenue from the other business activities described above was approximately 48% and
7% of the total revenue, respectively.
American
Pacific Financial Inc. (“APF”) APF is a financial network holding company focused on acquiring equity positions in
(i) undervalued commercial bank(s), bank holding companies and nonbanking licensed financial companies operating in the United States,
South East Asia, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, and (ii) companies engaged in—nonbanking activities closely related to banking,
including loan syndication services, mortgage banking, trust and escrow services, banking technology, loan servicing, equipment leasing,
problem asset management, SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) consulting services, and advisory capital raising services.
Acquisition
of New Energy Asia Pacific Inc. On December 13, 2023 the Company entered into a term sheet with Chan Heng Fai (the “Seller”),
the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and largest stockholder of the Company. The Company had agreed to purchase
from the Seller all of the issued and outstanding shares of New Energy Asia Pacific Inc. (“NEAPI”), a corporation incorporated
in the State of Nevada, for the consideration of $103,750,000, to be paid in the form of a convertible promissory note to be issued to
the Seller. NEAPI owns 41.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of New Energy Asia Pacific Limited (“New Energy”), a Hong
Kong corporation.
The
parties mutually agreed to revise this agreement, and on May 8, 2025, the Company and the Seller entered into an Amended Term Sheet (the
“Amended Term Sheet”). Under the terms of the Amended Term Sheet, the Company agreed to purchase from the Seller all of the
outstanding shares of NEAPI through a stock purchase agreement for a purchase price of $83,000,000 in the form of a promissory note convertible
into newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Convertible Note”). The Convertible Note had an interest
rate of 1% per annum. Under the terms of the Convertible Note, the Seller was able to convert any outstanding principal and interest
into shares of the Company’s common stock at $3.00 per share upon ten (10) days’ notice prior to maturity of the Convertible
Note five (5) years from the date of the Amended Term Sheet, and upon maturity of the Convertible Note any outstanding principal and
accrued interest accrued thereunder would automatically be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at the conversion
rate.
New
Energy focuses on distributing all-electric versions of special-purpose and transportation vehicles, charging stations and batteries.
The Company intends for this to be a strategic move, in line with the Company’s commitment to advancing sustainable and eco-friendly
solutions for the future. The Seller is a member of the Board of Directors of New Energy and is a stockholder of New Energy.
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The
closing of the transactions contemplated by the Amended Term Sheet occurred on July 23, 2025. Additionally, on July 23, 2025, Mr. Chan converted the entire balance of the $83,000,000 Convertible Note into 27,666,667 restricted
shares of the Company’s common stock.
Investing
Activities. The Company operates a portfolio of trading securities with the objective of generating profits from short-term fluctuations
in market prices. The portfolio is actively managed, and securities are bought and sold with the intent to realize gains from price movements
within a short-term horizon.
Agreements
to Sell Stock of HWH International Inc.
On
November 21, 2023, Alset International Limited entered into two Stock Purchase Agreements (each, a “Stock Purchase Agreement,”
collectively the “Stock Purchase Agreements”), with each of Teh Wing Kwan, a citizen of Singapore, and Massive Brilliant
Limited, a Hong Kong limited company (each an “Investor,” collectively, the “Investors”), the terms of each Stock
Purchase Agreement being substantially the same. Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreements, Alset International Limited
agreed to sell 640 shares (the “Shares”) of the Common Stock of HWH International Inc., a Nevada corporation and a majority
owned subsidiary of the Company (“HWH International”), to each Investor. The consideration for each of the two purchases
of stock was $8,000,000 paid through the issuance of a promissory note made to Alset International Limited by each Investor.
Each
Investor also entered into a Security Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2023. Security interest in the brokerage account into which
each investor deposited the Shares (the “Collateral”) shall in each case serve as security for the Investor’s repayment
of their respective promissory note, and repossession of such Collateral by Alset International Limited shall be the sole recourse for
non-payment.
Certain
members of the Company’s Board of Directors and management are also members of the Board of Directors and management of each of
Alset International Limited and HWH International.
On
January 9, 2024, HWH International and Alset Capital Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Alset Capital”) closed their
merger as contemplated by an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”). The closing of the Merger Agreement resulted
in HWH International surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Alset Capital (the “Merger”), and Alset Capital
changing its name to HWH International Inc. (“New HWH”).
The
total consideration paid at the closing of the merger by New HWH to HWH International shareholders was 12,500,000 shares of New HWH common
stock. Alset International Limited owned the majority of the outstanding shares of HWH International at the time of the business combination,
and received 10,900,000 shares of New HWH as consideration for its shares of HWH International.
Upon
the closing of the sale of HWH International to Alset Capital, each of the Investors received 6.4% of the consideration for such sale,
in the form of 800,000 shares of New HWH apiece.
Sales
and Marketing
We
focus our corporate marketing efforts on increasing brand awareness, communicating the advantages of our various platforms and generating
qualified leads for our sales team. Our corporate marketing plan is designed to continually elevate awareness of our brand and generate
demand for our offerings. We rely on a number of channels in this area, including digital advertising, email marketing, social media,
affiliate marketing and broad-based media, as well as through various strategic partnerships. We maintain our website at https://www.alsetinc.com,
and our various operating subsidiaries maintain individual websites, many of which are accessible through our main website.
Each
of our businesses has developed a field sales force in their geographic markets. These sales force teams are responsible for identifying
and managing individual sales opportunities in their respective regions.
Competition
The
businesses in which we participate, real estate, digital transformation technology and biohealth, are each highly competitive.
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Existing
and future competitors may introduce products and services in the same markets we serve, and competing products or services may have
better performance, lower prices, better functionality and broader acceptance than our products. Our competitors may also add features
to their products or services similar to features that presently differentiate our product and service offerings from theirs. This competition
could result in decreased sales and increased marketing expenses, thereby materially reducing our operating margins, and could harm our
ability to grow, or cause us to lose market share. Some of our competitors and potential competitors supply a wide variety of products
and services, and have well-established relationships with our current and prospective customers.
Most,
if not all, of our current and potential competitors may have significantly greater resources or better competitive positions in certain
product segments, geographic regions or user demographics than we do. These factors may allow our competitors to respond more effectively
than us to new or emerging technologies and changes in market conditions. By way of example, in our real estate business, some of our
competitors already have the advantage of having created vertically integrated businesses, while other competitors have broader and deeper
relationships with sources of financing. Other competitors in our real estate business may have more substantial ties and experience
in geographical areas in which we operate.
Our
competitors may develop products, features or services that are similar to ours or that achieve greater acceptance, may undertake more
far-reaching and successful product development efforts or marketing campaigns, or may adopt more aggressive pricing policies. This is
particularly relevant for our digital transformation technology business. Certain competitors could use strong or dominant positions
in one or more markets to gain competitive advantage against us in our target market or markets. As a result, our competitors may acquire
and engage customers or generate revenue at the expense of our own efforts.
Protection
of Proprietary Technology
We
rely on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws in the United States and other jurisdictions, as well as
confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions, to protect our proprietary information, technology and brands.
We
protect our proprietary information and technology, in part, by generally requiring our employees to enter into agreements providing
for the maintenance of confidentiality and the assignment of rights to inventions made by them while employed by us. We also may enter
into non-disclosure and invention assignment agreements with certain of our technical consultants to protect our confidential and proprietary
information and technology. We cannot assure that our confidentiality agreements with our employees and consultants will not be breached,
that we will be able to effectively enforce these agreements, that we will have adequate remedies for any breach of these agreements,
or that our trade secrets and other proprietary information and technology will not be disclosed or will otherwise be protected.
We
also rely on contractual and license agreements with third parties in connection with their use of our technology and services. There
is no guarantee that such parties will abide by the terms of such agreements or that we will be able to adequately enforce our rights.
Protection of confidential information, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights in the markets in which we operate and compete
is highly uncertain and may involve complex legal questions. We cannot completely prevent the unauthorized use or infringement of our
confidential information or intellectual property rights as such prevention is inherently difficult. Costly and time-consuming litigation
could be necessary to enforce and determine the scope of our confidential information and intellectual property protection.
Government
Regulation
Like
many similarly diversified companies, our operations are subject to routine regulation by governmental agencies. Much of this regulation
will affect us indirectly, inasmuch as, and to the extent that, it affects our customers more directly. A summary of the laws and regulations
that might affect our customers is set forth below.
Real
Estate Business. The development of our real estate projects will require us to comply with federal, state and local environmental
regulations. In connection with this compliance, our real estate acquisition and development projects will require environmental studies.
To date, we have spent approximately $71,431 on environmental studies and compliance. Such costs were reflected in capitalized construction
costs in our financial statements and subsequently expensed.
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The
cost of complying with governmental regulations is significant and will increase if we add additional real estate projects, become involved
in homebuilding in the future and are required to comply with certain due diligence procedures related to third party lenders.
At
the present time, we believe that we have all of the material government approvals that we need to conduct our business as currently
conducted. We are subject to periodic local permitting that must be addressed, but we do not anticipate that such requirements for government
approval will have a material impact on our business as presently conducted. We are required to comply with government regulations and
to make filings from time to time with various government entities. Such work is typically handled by outside contractors we retain.
Digital
Transformation Technology Business. Companies conducting business on the Internet are subject to a number of foreign and domestic
laws and regulations. In addition, laws and regulations relating to user privacy, freedom of expression, content, advertising, information
security and intellectual property rights are being debated and considered for adoption by many countries throughout the world. Online
businesses face risks from some of the proposed legislation that could be passed in the future.
The
adoption of any laws or regulations that adversely affect the growth, popularity or use of the Internet, including laws impacting Internet
neutrality, could decrease the demand for our services and increase our cost of doing business. As we expand internationally, government
regulation concerning the Internet, and in particular, network neutrality, may be nascent or non-existent. Within such a regulatory environment,
coupled with potentially significant political and economic power of local network operators, we could experience discriminatory or anti-competitive
practices that could impede our growth, cause us to incur additional expense or otherwise negatively affect our business.
In
the United States, laws relating to the liability of providers of online services for activities of their users and other third parties
are currently being tested by a number of claims, which include actions for libel, slander, invasion of privacy and other tort claims,
unlawful activity, copyright and trademark infringement, and other theories based on the nature and content of the materials searched,
the ads posted, or the content generated by users. Certain foreign jurisdictions are also testing the liability of providers of online
services for activities of their users and other third parties. Any court ruling that imposes liability on providers of online services
for activities of their users and other third parties could harm our licensees’ businesses, and thus, indirectly, our business.
Biohealth
Business. Our businesses are subject to varying degrees of governmental regulation in the countries in which our operations are
conducted, and the general trend is toward increasingly stringent regulation. In the United States, the drug, device and cosmetic industries
have long been subject to regulation by various federal and state agencies, primarily as to product safety, efficacy, manufacturing,
advertising, labeling and safety reporting. The exercise of broad regulatory powers by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA,
continues to result in increases in the amounts of testing and documentation required for FDA approval of new drugs and devices and a
corresponding increase in the expense of product introduction. Similar trends are also evident in major markets outside of the United
States. The new medical device regulatory framework and the new privacy regulations in Europe are examples of such increased regulation.
The
costs of human health care have been and continue to be a subject of study, investigation and regulation by governmental agencies and
legislative bodies around the world. In the United States, attention has been focused on drug prices and profits and programs that encourage
doctors to write prescriptions for particular drugs, or to recommend, use or purchase particular medical devices. Payers have become
a more potent force in the market place and increased attention is being paid to drug and medical device pricing, appropriate drug and
medical device utilization and the quality and costs of health care generally. The regulatory agencies under whose purview we operate
have administrative powers that may subject it to actions such as product withdrawals, recalls, seizure of products and other civil and
criminal sanctions. In some cases, our subsidiaries may deem it advisable to initiate product recalls.
In
addition, business practices in the health care industry have come under increased scrutiny, particularly in the United States, by government
agencies and state attorneys general, and resulting investigations and prosecutions carry the risk of significant civil and criminal
penalties.
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Further,
we rely on global supply chains, and production and distribution processes, that are complex, are subject to increasing regulatory requirements,
and may be faced with unexpected changes that may affect sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products. These processes
also are subject to lengthy regulatory approvals.
As
described above, certain of our businesses are subject to compliance with laws and regulations of U.S. federal and state governments,
non-U.S. governments, their respective agencies and/or various self-regulatory organizations or exchanges relating to, among other things,
disclosure and the privacy of client information, and any failure to comply with these regulations could expose us to liability and/or
damage our reputation. Our businesses have operated for many years within a legal framework that requires us to monitor and comply with
a broad range of legal and regulatory developments that affect our activities. However, additional legislation, changes in rules promulgated
by self-regulatory organizations or changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules, either in the United States
or elsewhere, may directly affect our mode of operation and profitability.
Rigorous
legal and compliance analysis of our businesses is endemic to our culture and risk management. Management of each of our businesses supervise
our compliance personnel, who are responsible for addressing all regulatory and compliance matters that affect our activities. We strive
to maintain a culture of compliance through the use of policies and procedures, including a code of ethics, electronic compliance systems,
testing and monitoring, communication of compliance guidance and employee education and training. Our compliance policies and procedures
address a variety of regulatory and compliance matters such as the handling of material non-public information, personal securities trading,
marketing practices, gifts and entertainment, valuation of investments, recordkeeping, potential conflicts of interest, the allocation
of corporate opportunities, collection of fees and expense allocation.
We
also monitor the information barriers that we maintain between the public and private sides of our businesses. We believe that our various
businesses’ access to the intellectual knowledge and contacts and relationships that reside throughout our firm benefits all of
our businesses. To maximize that access without compromising compliance with our legal and contractual obligations, our compliance group
oversees and monitors the communications between groups that are on the private side of our information barrier and groups that are on
the public side, as well as between different public side groups. Our compliance group also monitors contractual obligations that may
be impacted and potential conflicts that may arise in connection with these inter-group discussions.
Facilities
We
manage our worldwide business from our principal executive offices located in Bethesda, Maryland, in a leased space of approximately
2,059 square feet, under a lease that expires in 2027. We also maintain leased spaces in Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, China and
Taiwan through leased spaces aggregating approximately 25,000 square feet, under leases expiring on various dates from May 2026 to April
2029. The leases have rental rates ranging from $1,321 to $23,020 per month. Our total rent expense under these office leases was $793,279
and $1,192,776 in 2025 and 2024, respectively. We expect total rent expense to be approximately $598,372 under office leases in 2026.
We believe our present office space and locations are adequate for our current operations and for near-term planned expansion.
Employees
As
of March 31, 2026, we had a total of 48 full-time employees. In addition to our full-time employees, we occasionally hire part-time employees
and independent contractors to assist us in various operations, including food and beverage services, real estate, research and product
development and production.
Our
future success will depend in part on our ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified technical and sales personnel for
whom competition is intense. Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining unit. We believe our relations with employees
and contractors are good.
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Additional
Information
The
Company is subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance therewith, files annual, quarterly, and special
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Commission. The Commission maintains an Internet website at http://www.sec.gov
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission.
The periodic reports, proxy statements and other information that the Company files with the Commission are available for inspection
on the Commission’s website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished
to the Commission.
The
Company maintains a website at https://www.alsetinc.com where you may also access these materials free of charge. We have included our
website address as an inactive textual reference only and the information contained in, and that can be accessed through, our website
is not incorporated into and is not part of this report on Form 10-K.