MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

CT Hardware Collaborates with Fabbritory to Empower and Inspire Malaysians with DIY culture

3 April 2017, Malaysia

In line with its mission of being the solutions provider of power tools and machinery in the region, CT Hardware Sdn Bhd ("CT Hardware"), an associate company of ASX-listed 8I Holdings Limited, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") to partner Malaysian-grown product design and fabrication workshop, Fabbritory, to empower and inspire Malaysians, especially students, young hobbyist and budding designers, in the concept of self-construction and hands-on assembly.

With the recent technological advances and developments in the modelling and fabrication industry, the design and production process for sophisticated and high quality models and products are no longer limited to the professionals. While the Malaysian secondary school syllabus has imparted some basic tool usage to students, the dominance of technology has left many without the necessary handy skills in using tools for creative expression and practical purposes.

Empowering and Inspiring Malaysians with DIY Culture

The collaboration between Fabbritory and CT Hardware is driven by a simple, common purpose: to empower and inspire Malaysians to be self-reliant.

Reaching out to both schools as well as universities and colleges, Fabbritory is an alternative option for students and institutions with limited resources or equipment. Apart from leasing out tool time and floor space, Fabbritory's mini-design studio also offers product design expertise and know-how to its clientèle.

In support of Fabbritory's outreach, CT Hardware will be filling in the gaps in their tooling needs and provide training in good health & safety practices associated with power tool usage.

Mr. Seen commented, "The CT Hardware-Fabbritory partnership completed a part of the ecosystem within CT Hardware where Malaysians can learn and enhance their skills through DIY projects. The partnership will also strengthen the CT Hardware brand value as we will be able to introduce Fabbritory's services through our online platform for our customers."

Evolution of a brick-and-mortar business: CT Hardware Sdn Bhd

Started as a family-run hardware store back in the 70's, CT Hardware Sdn Bhd has grown to become the region's leading reseller and solution provider of power tools and machinery. With a new 15,000 sqf. headquarters and fulfilment centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, second generation Managing Director, Mr. Seen Chia Toong, is leading the evolution of scaled growth for this traditionally brick-and-mortar business with the use of technology and e-commerce.

The well-designed fulfilment centre which houses physical products of more than 200 global brands (including Bosch and Kärcher, Grundfos, Graco, Makita, Hitachi, Skil, Pferd, Toptul, Stanley, Tsurumi and Fasco) is also integrated with an improved Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The new headquarters also houses an expanded Digital Marketing team which supports CT Hardware's growing B2B and B2C e-commerce business.

Convenient access to conventional tools and digital fabrication

Fabbritory is an open workshop where walk-in customers or members can use the shop's machines and tools to create prototypes, products, furniture or just about anything you can think of - from CNC-cut wooden jigsaw puzzle to laser-etched personalised metallic namecards and everything in-between.

Headed by its founder and head fabricator, Ms. Izlina Ismail has previously worked as a designer in Milan. When she finally decided to move back to Malaysia, she found it cumbersome to work as there's no workshops with designing facilities around. Spotting the opportunity, Izlina decided to fill in the void and started Fabbritory.

"We work with students, hobbyist, designers, basically anyone who wants to fabricate their own product. We aim to educate everyone on the art of making things with digital fabrication machines and conventional hand tools," explains Izlina.

"This collaborative partnership with Fabbritory is like a marriage between two traditional industries that's match-made by creativity and innovation. We admire the work done by Fabritorry and believe that with its resources, manpower and know-how, as well as our experience and tooling expertise, we will definitely make this marriage a success," concludes Mr. Seen.

ENDS

For further information, please email info@8iholdings.com

About 8I Holdings Limited

With offices in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai, 8I Holdings Limited (www.8iholdings.com) is an investment holding company focused on investing in public listed companies and private businesses based on the principles of value investing. Through 8I Education, it is also one of the leading financial education and training providers in Singapore and Malaysia, supporting its participants to build a foundation of value investing knowledge and methodology.