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EPI (Holdings) Ltd

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FY2021 Annual Report · EPI (Holdings) Ltd
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(Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)
(Stock Code : 689)

ANNUAL REPORT  2021

Contents

3

4

6

Corporate Information

Statement from the Board

Management Discussion and Analysis

17

Biographical Details of Directors and  

Senior Management

20

Report of the Directors

27

Corporate Governance Report

39

Environmental, Social and Governance Report

63

Independent Auditor’s Report

70

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and  

Other Comprehensive Income

72

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

74

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

75

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

77

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

160

Five-Year Financial Summary

In this annual report, the following abbreviations have the following meanings unless otherwise specified:

“ARS”

“Board”

“C$”

“Company”

“Director(s)”

“Group”

Argentina Peso

Board of Directors of the Company

Canadian dollars

EPI (Holdings) Limited

director(s) of the Company

the Company and its subsidiaries

“Hong Kong Companies Ordinance”

Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622 of the Laws of Hong Kong)

“HK$” and “HK cent(s)”

Hong Kong dollars and cent(s)

“Listing Rules”

“Model Code”

“PRC”

“RMB”

“SFO”

Rules  Governing  the  Listing  of  Securities  on  the  Hong  Kong  Stock 
Exchange

Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Issuers set 
out in Appendix 10 to the Listing Rules

People’s Republic of China

Renminbi

Securities  and  Futures  Ordinance  (Chapter  571  of  the  Laws  of  Hong 
Kong)

“Hong Kong Stock Exchange”

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

“US$”

“%”

United States dollars

per cent.

The Chinese version of this annual report is a translation of the English version and is for reference only. In case of 
any discrepancies or inconsistencies between the English version and the Chinese version, the English version shall 
prevail.

2

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021AbbreviationsBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Directors

Mr. Sue Ka Lok
Mr. Yiu Chun Kong
Mr. Chan Shui Yuen

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG
Room 2107, 21st Floor
Great Eagle Centre
23 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong

Independent Non-executive Directors

PRINCIPAL BANKERS

Mr. Pun Chi Ping
Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine
Mr. Kwong Tin Lap

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Mr. Pun Chi Ping (Chairman)
Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine
Mr. Kwong Tin Lap

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

Mr. Pun Chi Ping (Chairman)
Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine
Mr. Kwong Tin Lap

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine (Chairlady)
Mr. Pun Chi Ping
Mr. Kwong Tin Lap

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Mr. Kwong Tin Lap (Chairman)
Mr. Sue Ka Lok
Mr. Chan Shui Yuen

COMPANY SECRETARY

Mr. Chan Shui Yuen

REGISTERED OFFICE

Clarendon House
2 Church Street
Hamilton HM11
Bermuda

The  Hongkong  and  Shanghai  Banking  Corporation  

Limited

Hang Seng Bank Limited
Bank of Communications Co., Ltd., Hong Kong Branch
Bank of Communications (Hong Kong) Limited
China CITIC Bank International Limited

LEGAL ADVISERS

Reed Smith Richards Butler
Stevenson, Wong & Co.

AUDITOR

Moore Stephens CPA Limited
Certified Public Accountants
Registered Public Interest Entity Auditors

PRINCIPAL SHARE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFTER  
  OFFICE
MUFG Fund Services (Bermuda) Limited
4th floor North Cedar House
41 Cedar Avenue
Hamilton HM12
Bermuda

HONG KONG BRANCH SHARE REGISTRAR 

  AND TRANSFER OFFICE

Tricor Tengis Limited
Level 54, Hopewell Centre
183 Queen’s Road East
Hong Kong

TRADING OF SHARES

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
(Stock Code: 689)

WEBSITE

http://www.epiholdings.com

3

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate InformationOn  behalf  of  the  Board,  I  hereby  present  to  the  shareholders  the  results  of  the  Group  for  the  year  ended  31 
December 2021 (“FY2021”).

RESULTS

For FY2021, the Group was principally engaged in the business of petroleum exploration and production, solar 
energy, money lending and investment in securities.

Following  the  launch  of  vaccination  programs  to  combat  COVID-19  in  many  countries,  there  are  signs  that 
the  conditions  of  major  economies  including  China,  the  US  and  the  UK  have  stabilised  and  moving  towards 
full-reactivation,  with  the  result  that  the  market  conditions  for  the  petroleum  industry  have  improved 
considerably  during  the  year,  amidst  the  emergence  of  the  coronavirus  variants  and  the  new  waves  of 
outbreak  in  some  countries.  With  the  backdrop  of  a  global  economic  recovery,  the  price  of  Brent  crude  oil, 
one  of  the  benchmarks  of  international  oil  price,  increased  from  around  US$50  per  barrel  in  December  2020 
to around US$80 per barrel in December 2021, showing a positive outlook of the industry. Leveraging on the 
Group’s business experience of its oil operation in Argentina and with the intent of continuing its petroleum 
exploration  and  production  business,  the  Group  has  been  actively  pursuing  the  acquisition  of  an  oilfield 
project in Canada. As announced by the Company on 9 February 2022, the proposed acquisition is eventually 
materialised  and  the  Group  has  successfully  entered  into  a  conditional  asset  purchase  and  sale  agreement 
(the  “APA”)  with  the  vendor  for  the  target  oil  assets  in  Canada  for  an  initial  consideration  of  C$22,500,000 
(approximately  HK$138,375,000).  The  APA  has  been  duly  approved  by  the  shareholders  in  a  special  general 
meeting of the Company held on 29 March 2022 and the Group’s management is in the process of completing 
the  transactions  contemplated  thereunder.  The  acquisition  of  the  oil  assets  under  the  APA  represents  a 
valuable  and  attractive  opportunity  for  the  Group  to  continue  developing  its  petroleum  exploration  and 
production business.

In  alignment  with  the  Group’s  strategic  initiatives  to  develop  a  diversified  and  balanced  energy  business 
portfolio, on 23 July 2021, the Group has entered into a cooperation framework agreement (the “Cooperation 
Agreement”) with a specialist solar energy total solution and services provider to invest in solar energy power 
generation  projects  participating  in  the  Renewable  Energy  Feed-in  Tariff  Scheme  (the  “FiT  Scheme”),  which 
is  a  scheme  promoted  by  the  Hong  Kong  Government  to  incentivise  the  private  sector  to  produce  clean 
energy  for  sale  to  the  two  power  companies  in  Hong  Kong.  On  30  August  2021,  for  further  development  of 
the solar energy business, the Group has entered into an acquisition agreement (the “Acquisition Agreement”) 
to  acquire  a  portfolio  of  existing  and  to-be-completed  solar  energy  power  generation  projects  which  are 
participating  in  the  FiT  Scheme.  As  of  the  year  end,  the  Group  has  invested  over  HK$43.6  million  in  solar 
energy power generation projects under the two aforementioned agreements and is committed to invest over 
HK$34.3 million in 2022.

For  FY2021,  the  Group’s  petroleum  exploration  and  production  business  recorded  a  loss  of  HK$4,112,000 
(2020:  HK$2,647,000),  the  newly  established  solar  energy  business  recorded  a  profit  of  HK$89,000  (2020: 
nil),  the  money  lending  business  recorded  a  profit  of  HK$17,440,000  (2020:  HK$29,518,000),  and  the  Group’s 
investment in securities recorded a loss of HK$32,533,000 (2020: HK$3,383,000).

Overall  speaking,  the  Group  recorded  a  decline  in  revenue  by  42%  to  HK$24,820,000  (2020:  HK$42,449,000), 
largely  due  to  the  cessation  of  the  Group’s  interest  in  an  oil  concession  in  Argentina  in  March  2021,  and 
reported a loss attributable to owners of the Company of HK$29,371,000 (2020: profit of HK$8,519,000), mainly 
due to the provision of expected credit loss of HK$49,247,000 (2020: HK$4,574,000) on debt instruments held 
by the Group at the year end. Basic loss per share was HK0.56 cent (2020: basic earnings per share were HK0.16 
cent).

4

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Statement from the BoardPROSPECTS

It is the Group’s business strategy to continue developing its petroleum exploration and production business, 
while expanding and diversifying its business in the energy sector to the next level by investing in renewable 
energy business, including solar energy power generation, which would support the healthy and sustainable 
business development of the Group in the long term and create new value to shareholders. In pursuit of these 
strategic initiatives, the Group has entered into the APA for the development of its petroleum business, as well 
as the Cooperation Agreement and Acquisition Agreement for the development of its solar energy business.

The  oil  assets  under  the  APA  are  located  near  Calgary  City,  Alberta  Province  in  Canada.  The  Group  considers 
Canada is one of the ideal countries for developing petroleum exploration and production business as it has 
a  stable  political  environment,  a  well-established  system  of  oil  regulations  and  industrial  policies,  a  well-
developed business infrastructure for the oil industry and the third largest oil reserves in the world. There are 
thus enormous business opportunities available in Canada for the Group to develop its petroleum business.

The  solar  energy  power  generation  projects  the  Group  investing  in  are  projects  participating  in  the  FiT 
Scheme.  The  FiT  Scheme  is  a  policy  initiative  introduced  by  the  Hong  Kong  Government  to  encourage  the 
private sector to participate in producing cleaner fuel and developing renewable energy technologies. Under 
the FiT Scheme, scheme participants who install solar or wind power generation system at their premises can 
sell the renewable energy generated to the two power companies in Hong Kong at a rate considerably higher 
than the normal electricity tariff rate. The FiT Scheme will be offered until the end of 2033, through investing 
in solar energy power generation projects participating in the FiT Scheme, the Group is able to secure a long-
term  and  stable  stream  of  revenue  from  the  tariff  income  earning  by  the  projects  participating  in  the  FiT 
Scheme.

China  has  achieved  strong  positive  GDP  growth  in  2021  and  there  are  indications  that  its  economy  is 
undergoing a solid and sustainable growth, from which Hong Kong, being one of the nation’s major cities and 
gateways, is well positioned to be benefited.

Looking  forward,  the  Group  will  continue  to  actively  pursue  its  interest  in  the  petroleum  and  solar  energy 
businesses  and  will  manage  its  businesses  in  a  cautious  and  disciplined  approach  in  view  of  the  business 
uncertainties brought by the recent Omicron outbreak in Hong Kong, the heightened political and economic 
tension  between  China  and  the  US,  and  the  conflict  between  Russia  and  Ukraine  which  brings  significant 
volatilities to international prices of oil and gas.

It is the Group’s business strategy of building a diversified and balanced energy business portfolio, comprising 
petroleum  as  well  as  solar  energy  businesses,  which  will  present  the  Group  with  favourable  long-term 
prospects, and is in line with the Group’s sustainable corporate strategy to broaden its income stream with the 
goal of achieving stable, long-term and attractive returns for the shareholders.

APPRECIATION

On  behalf  of  the  Board,  I  would  like  to  take  this  opportunity  to  express  my  sincere  appreciation  to  all 
shareholders, bankers, business associates and customers for their continuing support to the Group, the board 
members for their valuable services, and all staff members for their dedications and hard work during the past 
year.

Sue Ka Lok
Executive Director

Hong Kong, 31 March 2022

5

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Statement from the BoardBUSINESS REVIEW

For  the  year  ended  31  December  2021  (“FY2021”),  the  Group  was  principally  engaged  in  the  business  of 
petroleum exploration and production, solar energy, money lending and investment in securities.

Following  the  launch  of  vaccination  programs  to  combat  COVID-19  in  many  countries,  there  are  signs  that 
the  conditions  of  major  economies  including  China,  the  US  and  the  UK  have  stabilised  and  moving  towards 
full-reactivation,  with  the  result  that  the  market  conditions  for  the  petroleum  industry  have  improved 
considerably  during  the  year,  amidst  the  emergence  of  the  coronavirus  variants  and  the  new  waves  of 
outbreak  in  some  countries.  With  the  backdrop  of  a  global  economic  recovery,  the  price  of  Brent  crude  oil, 
one  of  the  benchmarks  of  international  oil  price,  increased  from  around  US$50  per  barrel  in  December  2020 
to around US$80 per barrel in December 2021, showing a positive outlook of the industry. Leveraging on the 
Group’s business experience of its oil operation in Argentina and with the intent of continuing its petroleum 
exploration  and  production  business,  the  Group  has  been  actively  pursuing  the  acquisition  of  an  oilfield 
project in Canada. As announced by the Company on 9 February 2022, the proposed acquisition is eventually 
materialised  and  the  Group  has  successfully  entered  into  a  conditional  asset  purchase  and  sale  agreement 
(the  “APA”)  with  the  vendor  for  the  target  oil  assets  in  Canada  for  an  initial  consideration  of  C$22,500,000 
(approximately  HK$138,375,000).  The  APA  has  been  duly  approved  by  the  shareholders  in  a  special  general 
meeting of the Company held on 29 March 2022 and the Group’s management is in the process of completing 
the  transactions  contemplated  thereunder.  The  acquisition  of  the  oil  assets  under  the  APA  represents  a 
valuable  and  attractive  opportunity  for  the  Group  to  continue  developing  its  petroleum  exploration  and 
production business.

In  alignment  with  the  Group’s  strategic  initiatives  to  develop  a  diversified  and  balanced  energy  business 
portfolio, on 23 July 2021, the Group has entered into a cooperation framework agreement (the “Cooperation 
Agreement”) with a specialist solar energy total solution and services provider to invest in solar energy power 
generation  projects  participating  in  the  Renewable  Energy  Feed-in  Tariff  Scheme  (the  “FiT  Scheme”),  which 
is  a  scheme  promoted  by  the  Hong  Kong  Government  to  incentivise  the  private  sector  to  produce  clean 
energy  for  sale  to  the  two  power  companies  in  Hong  Kong.  On  30  August  2021,  for  further  development  of 
the solar energy business, the Group has entered into an acquisition agreement (the “Acquisition Agreement”) 
to  acquire  a  portfolio  of  existing  and  to-be-completed  solar  energy  power  generation  projects  which  are 
participating in the FiT Scheme.

For FY2021, the Group recorded a decline in revenue by 42% to HK$24,820,000 (2020: HK$42,449,000), largely 
due  to  the  cessation  of  the  Group’s  interest  in  an  oil  concession  in  Argentina  in  March  2021,  and  reported  a 
loss attributable to owners of the Company of HK$29,371,000 (2020: profit of HK$8,519,000), mainly due to the 
provision of expected credit loss (“ECL”) of HK$49,247,000 (2020: HK$4,574,000) on debt instruments held by 
the Group at the year end.

6

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Management Discussion and AnalysisPetroleum Exploration and Production

As stated in the Company’s announcement dated 16 March 2021, the Group’s interest in an oil concession in 
the Chañares Herrados area (the “CHE Concession”) located in Cuyana Basin, Mendoza Province of Argentina 
had  been  taken  over  by  a  new  concessionaire  on  13  March  2021.  Accordingly,  for  FY2021,  the  Group’s 
petroleum  exploration  and  production  business  had  recorded  an  87%  decline  in  revenue  to  HK$1,847,000 
(2020:  HK$14,097,000),  due  to  the  cessation  of  the  Group’s  interest  in  the  CHE  Concession,  and  reported  an 
operating loss of HK$4,112,000 (2020: HK$2,647,000).

Since  May  2020,  the  Group  has  been  actively  exploring  other  investment  opportunities  in  natural  resources 
exploration and production, including an oilfield investment in Canada. This proposed investment in Canada 
is  eventually  materialised,  as  announced  by  the  Company  on  9  February  2022,  EP  Resources  Corporation,  an 
indirect  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  the  Company  (“EP  Resources”),  as  purchaser  and  RockEast  Energy  Corp. 
(“RockEast”)  as  vendor  has  entered  into  the  APA,  pursuant  to  which  EP  Resources  has  conditionally  agreed 
to  acquire,  and  RockEast  has  conditionally  agreed  to  sell  an  operating  oil  field  which  comprises  petroleum 
and  natural  gas  rights,  facilities  and  pipelines,  together  with  all  other  properties  and  assets  located  in 
Alberta  Province  of  Canada  (the  “Target  Assets”)  at  an  initial  consideration  of  C$22,500,000  (approximately 
HK$138,375,000)  (the  “Acquisition”).  The  Acquisition,  upon  completion,  will  be  a  valuable  and  attractive 
opportunity  for  the  Group  to  continue  developing  its  petroleum  business  as  the  Group  will  immediately  be 
entitled  to  the  oil  production  and  cash  flow  generated  from  the  32  producing  wells  of  the  Target  Assets. 
Moreover,  it  is  expected  that  the  contributions  from  the  Target  Assets  to  the  Group  in  terms  of  revenue  and 
EBITDA  (i.e.  earnings  before  interest,  taxes,  depreciation  and  amortisation)  will  continue  to  grow  according 
to  the  Group’s  current  four-year  development  plan  in  respect  of  the  Target  Assets.  Further  details  of  the 
Acquisition  are  contained  in  the  Company’s  circular  dated  11  March  2022.  The  APA  has  been  duly  approved 
by  the  shareholders  in  a  special  general  meeting  of  the  Company  held  on  29  March  2022  and  the  Group’s 
management  is  in  the  process  of  completing  the  transactions  contemplated  thereunder.  The  Company  will 
publish announcement(s) to inform shareholders of the progress of this transaction as and when appropriate.

Solar Energy

In  recent  years,  major  countries  in  the  world  are  actively  formulating  their  energy  policies  to  curb  carbon 
emissions. On 23 July 2021, in order to capture the business opportunities in decarbonization, the Group has 
entered  into  the  Cooperation  Agreement  with  a  specialist  solar  energy  total  solution  and  services  provider 
to  invest  in  solar  energy  power  generation  projects,  from  which  the  electricity  generated  can  be  sold  to 
the  two  power  companies  in  Hong  Kong,  thereby  earning  the  feed-in  tariff  income  under  the  FiT  Scheme. 
Further details of the transaction are stated in the Company’s announcement dated 23 July 2021. For further 
development  of  the  solar  energy  business,  on  30  August  2021,  the  Group  has  entered  into  the  Acquisition 
Agreement  with  a  vendor  to  acquire  a  portfolio  of  existing  and  to-be-completed  solar  energy  power 
generation  projects  participating  in  the  FiT  Scheme  for  a  consideration  of  not  exceeding  HK$75,000,000. 
Further details of the transaction are stated in the Company’s announcements dated 30 August 2021 and 16 
September 2021.

7

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Management Discussion and AnalysisIt is the Group’s business strategy to expand its footprints in the energy sector through investing in renewable 
energy business, including solar energy projects, which could provide the Group with healthy and sustainable 
business  development.  As  of  the  year  end,  the  Group  has  invested  HK$43,645,000  in  solar  energy  power 
generation projects under the two aforementioned agreements and is committed to invest HK$34,390,000 in 
2022. For FY2021, the solar energy business contributed a revenue and an operating profit of HK$652,000 and 
HK$89,000  respectively  to  the  Group  since  the  commencement  of  the  business  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year. 
The  contributions  from  the  solar  energy  business  are  expected  to  grow  in  2022  following  completion  of  a 
series of projects now in progress and incorporation of the full year results of the business.

Money Lending

For  FY2021,  the  Group’s  money  lending  business  reported  decreases  in  revenue  by  26%  to  HK$13,182,000 
(2020:  HK$17,870,000)  and  operating  profit  (before  reversal  of  ECL)  by  24%  to  HK$13,084,000  (2020: 
HK$17,286,000), which were mainly due to the lower average amount of loans advanced to borrowers during 
FY2021. During the year, a reversal of ECL amounting to HK$4,356,000 (2020: HK$12,232,000) was recognised 
which primarily represented the settlement of certain loans which had been previously considered as credit-
impaired.

The  Group  performs  impairment  assessment  on  loan  receivables  under  the  ECL  model.  The  measurement  of 
ECL is a function of the probability of default, the loss given default (i.e. the magnitude of the loss if there is a 
default) and the exposure at default (i.e. the magnitude of the loss after accounting for value of the collateral 
if  there  is  a  default).  The  assessment  of  probability  of  default  and  loss  given  default  is  based  on  historical 
data  and  forward-looking  information,  whilst  the  valuation  of  the  assets/properties  pledged  to  the  Group 
as  collaterals  are  performed  by  independent  professional  valuers  engaged  by  the  Group,  where  applicable, 
at  each  reporting  date  for  the  purpose  of  determining  ECL.  In  accordance  with  the  Group’s  loan  impairment 
policy,  the  amount  of  ECL  is  updated  at  each  reporting  date  to  reflect  the  changes  in  credit  risk  on  loan 
receivables  since  initial  recognition.  At  the  year  end,  the  net  impairment  allowance  recognised  primarily 
represented  the  credit  risk  involved  in  collectability  of  certain  default  and  non-default  loans  determined 
under the Group’s loan impairment policy, with reference to factors including the credit history and financial 
conditions  of  the  borrowers,  the  ageing  of  the  overdue  balances,  the  realisation  value  of  the  collaterals 
pledged  to  the  Group,  and  forward-looking  information  including  the  future  macro-economic  conditions 
affecting  the  borrowers  (the  negative  impact  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  on  the  economy  had  also  been 
considered).

The Group has a system in place to closely monitor the recoverability of its loan portfolio, its credit monitoring 
measures  include  regular  collateral  reviews  against  market  information  and  regular  communication  with 
the  borrowers  of  their  financial  position,  through  which  the  Group  will  be  able  to  keep  updated  with  the 
latest  credit  profile  and  risk  associated  with  each  individual  borrower  and  could  take  appropriate  actions 
for  recovery  of  a  loan  at  the  earliest  time.  If  circumstances  require,  the  Group  will  commence  legal  actions 
against  the  borrowers  for  recovery  of  the  overdue  loans  and  taking  possession  of  the  collaterals  pledged. 

8

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Management Discussion and AnalysisFor FY2021, a reversal of ECL of HK$4,356,000 (2020: HK$12,232,000) was recognised with the balance of the 
impairment allowance reduced by 30% or HK$14,786,000 to HK$34,915,000 (2020: HK$49,701,000) at the year 
end,  of  which  a  sum  of  HK$14,872,000  was  impairment  allowance  for  the  year,  a  sum  of  HK$20,074,000  was 
reversal  of  allowance  owing  to  settlement  of  loans,  and  a  sum  of  HK$10,430,000  was  related  to  the  disposal 
of  subsidiaries  with  loan  and  interest  receivables  of  gross  carrying  amount  HK$41,334,000.  Further  details  of 
the  credit  risk  and  impairment  assessment  on  the  loan  receivables  are  contained  in  Notes  23  and  37  to  the 
consolidated financial statements.

The  size  of  the  Group’s  loan  portfolio  was  reduced  during  FY2021  as  the  management  has  been  prudent  in 
granting  new  loans  in  light  of  the  prevailing  economic  conditions  in  Hong  Kong.  The  Group  aims  to  make 
loans that could be covered by sufficient collaterals, preferably properties and assets with good quality, and to 
borrowers with good credit history. The target customer groups of the business are individuals and corporate 
entities  that  have  short-term  funding  needs  for  business  purpose  and  could  provide  sufficient  collaterals  for 
their  borrowings.  The  Group  has  a  stable  source  of  loan  deals  from  its  own  business  network  and  its  sales 
agents.

At 31 December 2021, the carrying value of the loan portfolio held by the Group amounted to HK$115,001,000 
(after  impairment  allowance  of  HK$34,915,000)  (2020:  HK$161,382,000  (after  impairment  allowance  of 
HK$49,701,000)) with details as follows:

Category of borrowers

Corporate
Individual

Approximate 
weighting to the 
carrying amount 
of the Group’s 
loan portfolio
%

Interest 
rate per 
annum
%

Maturity

10 – 12
10 – 18

Within one year
Within one year

55.00
45.00

100.00

At  31  December  2021,  100%  (2020:  87.79%)  of  the  carrying  amount  of  the  loan  portfolio  (after  impairment 
allowance)  was  secured  by  collaterals  with  nil  (2020:  12.21%)  being  unsecured.  At  the  year  end,  the  loans 
made  to  all  borrowers  were  term  loans  with  maturity  within  one  year,  and  the  loan  made  to  the  largest 
borrower  and  the  five  largest  borrowers  accounted  for  32%  and  100%  respectively  of  the  Group’s  loan 
portfolio (on a net of impairment allowance basis).

9

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Management Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
The Group has credit policies, guidelines and procedures in place which cover key internal controls of a loan 
transaction  including  (i)  due  diligence,  (ii)  credit  appraisal,  (iii)  proper  execution  of  documentations,  (iv) 
continuous  monitoring  and  (v)  collection  and  recovery.  Before  granting  loan  to  a  potential  customer,  the 
Group  performs  credit  appraisal  process  to  assess  the  potential  borrower’s  credit  quality  and  defines  the 
credit  limit  granted  to  the  borrower.  The  credit  appraisal  process  encompasses  detailed  assessment  on  the 
credit  history  and  financial  background  of  the  borrower,  as  well  as  the  value  and  nature  of  the  collateral  to 
be pledged. The credit limit of the loan successfully granted to the borrower will be subject to regular credit 
review by the management as part of the ongoing loan monitoring process.

The following is a summary of the key internal controls of the Group’s money lending operation:

Due diligence

Credit appraisal

Proper execution of 
documentations

Continuous monitoring

Collection and recovery

10

Identity  check  and  financial  background  check  on  the  loan  applicant 
will  be  performed.  Information  provided  by  the  loan  applicant  including 
identity,  financial  statements  and  income  proof  of  the  applicant  will  be 
checked  and  verified  by  the  responsible  loan  officer,  where  appropriate, 
company,  legal,  credit  and  bankruptcy  search  on  the  loan  applicant,  and 
land  search  and  site  visit  on  the  property  offered  as  collateral,  will  be 
conducted.

Detailed  assessment  on  the  credit  history  and  financial  background  of 
the  loan  applicant,  as  well  as  the  value  and  nature  of  the  collateral  to  be 
pledged,  will  be  conducted.  There  will  be  credit  assessment  including 
analysis on the repayment ability and credit history of the loan applicant, 
and  analysis  on  the  potential  recovery  from  realisation  of  the  collateral. 
The  credit  assessment  process  will  be  conducted  by  the  responsible  loan 
officer and reviewed by the responsible loan manager.

For  loan  application  recommended  by  the  responsible  loan  manager  and 
duly  approved  by  the  board  of  directors  of  the  Group’s  money-lending 
subsidiary,  the  responsible  loan  officer  will  arrange  preparation  and 
proper execution of the loan documentations under the supervision of the 
responsible  loan  manager,  and  usually  with  the  support  of  professional 
lawyers.

There  will  be  continuous  monitoring  on  the  repayments  from  borrower, 
regular  communication  with  the  borrower  of  its  updated  financial 
position, and regular review on credit limit of the loan granted and market 
value  of  the  collateral  pledged  performed  by  the  responsible  loan  officer 
and manager.

Formal  reminder  and  legal  demand  letter  will  be  issued  to  the  borrower 
if  there  is  an  overdue  payment.  Where  appropriate,  legal  action  will  be 
commenced  against  the  borrower  for  recovery  of  the  amount  due  and 
taking possession of the collateral pledged.

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Management Discussion and AnalysisInvestment in Securities

The  Group  generally  acquires  securities  listed  on  the  Hong  Kong  Stock  Exchange  or  other  recognised  stock 
exchanges  and  over-the-counter  markets  with  good  liquidity  that  can  facilitate  swift  execution  of  securities 
transactions.  For  making  investment  or  divestment  decision  on  securities  of  individual  target  company, 
references  will  usually  be  made  to  the  latest  financial  information,  news  and  announcements  issued  by 
the  target  company,  investment  analysis  reports  that  the  Company  has  access  to,  as  well  as  industry  or 
macro-economic  news.  When  deciding  on  acquiring  securities  to  be  held  for  long-term  purpose,  particular 
emphasis will be placed on the past financial performance of the target company including its sales and profit 
growth,  financial  healthiness,  dividend  policy,  business  prospects,  industry  and  macro-economic  outlook. 
When  deciding  on  acquiring  securities  to  be  held  other  than  for  long-term  purpose,  in  addition  to  the 
factors  mentioned,  references  will  also  be  made  to  prevailing  market  sentiments  on  different  sectors  of  the 
investment markets. In terms of return, for long-term securities investments, the Company mainly emphasises 
on  return  of  investment  in  form  of  capital  appreciation  and  dividend/interest  income.  For  securities 
investment  other  than  for  long-term  holding,  the  Company  mainly  emphasises  on  return  of  investment  in 
form of trading gains.

At  31  December  2021,  the  Group’s  securities  investments  comprised  a  financial  asset  at  fair  value  through 
profit  or  loss  (“FVTPL”)  portfolio  valued  at  HK$6,724,000  (2020:  HK$25,097,000),  comprising  equity  securities 
listed  in  Hong  Kong,  and  a  debt  instrument  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive  income  (“FVTOCI”) 
portfolio (constituted by non-current and current portions) valued at HK$78,396,000 (2020: HK$132,198,000), 
comprising  debt  securities  listed  in  Hong  Kong  or  Singapore.  As  a  whole,  the  Group’s  securities  investments 
recorded a revenue of HK$9,139,000 (2020: HK$10,482,000) and a loss of HK$32,533,000 (2020: HK$3,383,000).

Financial assets at FVTPL

At 31 December 2021, the Group held a financial asset at FVTPL portfolio amounting to HK$6,724,000 (2020: 
HK$25,097,000) measured at market/fair value. For FY2021, the portfolio generated a revenue of HK$268,000 
(2020:  HK$340,000),  representing  dividends  from  equity  securities.  The  Group  recognised  a  net  gain  on 
financial  assets  at  FVTPL  of  HK$7,870,000  (2020:  loss  of  HK$9,183,000)  for  FY2021,  which  comprised  net 
realised  gain  and  net  unrealised  loss  of  HK$9,099,000  and  HK$1,229,000  (2020:  net  realised  loss  and  net 
unrealised loss of HK$7,432,000 and HK$1,751,000) respectively.

The  net  realised  gain  recorded  during  the  year  represented  the  gain  on  disposal  of  equity  securities  in  open 
market  and  the  unrealised  loss  represented  the  decrease  in  market  value  of  those  equity  securities  held  by 
the Group at the year end. The Group continued to adopt a prudent and disciplined approach in managing its 
financial asset at FVTPL portfolio in view of the significant market volatilities during FY2021.

11

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Management Discussion and AnalysisDuring FY2021, the Group disposed of most of its investments in equity securities, at 31 December 2021, the 
Group’s  financial  asset  at  FVTPL  portfolio  of  HK$6,724,000  comprised  one  major  investment  with  details  as 
below:

Approximate 
weighting to
the carrying 
amount of the 
Group’s total 
assets at 
31 December 
2021
%

% of 
shareholding 
interest
%

Unrealised
loss
recognised 
during the
year ended 
31 December 
2021
HK$’000

Dividend
income 
recognised 
during the 
year ended
31 December 
2021
HK$’000

Market/fair 
value at 
31 December 
2021
HK$’000

B

C = B – A

Carrying
amount at
1 January
2021
HK$’000

A

Investee company’s name 
and its principal activities#

Emperor International 
Holdings Limited 
(HKEX stock code: 163) 
Property investment and 
development and  
hospitality businesses

1.52

0.20

7,953

6,724

(1,229)

268

# 

Extracted from published financial information of the investee company.

#Investee company’s 
financial performance

#Future prospects of the 
investee company

For the six months ended  
30 September 2021, 
revenue increased by 118% 
to HK$1,392,682,000 and 
its results experienced a 
turnaround and recorded 
a profit for the period 
of HK$188,894,000 as 
compared to the loss of 
HK$1,067,484,000 incurred 
in the same period in 2020.

For property investment business, 
the investee company possesses 
a geographically balanced 
property portfolio which focuses 
on commercial buildings and 
quality street-level retail spaces 
in prominent locations. For 
property sales business, it pursues 
a strategy of providing quality 
residential properties including 
luxury composite buildings in 
popular urban areas, and low-rise 
detached houses in unique spots.

Debt instruments at FVTOCI

At  31  December  2021,  the  Group’s  debt  instrument  at  FVTOCI  portfolio  (constituted  by  non-current  and 
current  portions)  of  HK$78,396,000  (2020:  HK$132,198,000)  was  measured  at  market/fair  value.  During 
FY2021,  the  Group’s  debt  instrument  at  FVTOCI  portfolio  generated  a  revenue  amounting  to  HK$8,871,000 
(2020:  HK$10,142,000),  representing  interest  income  from  debt  securities.  According  to  the  maturity  profile 
of  the  debt  instruments,  part  of  the  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  of  HK$47,712,000  (2020:  HK$2,213,000)  was 
classified as current assets.

During  FY2021,  the  Group  had  not  acquired  any  debt  securities  (2020:  HK$7,903,000).  At  the  year  end,  a  net 
fair value loss on debt instruments at FVTOCI amounting to HK$54,714,000 (2020: HK$885,000) was recognised 
as  other  comprehensive  expense  primarily  due  to  the  fall  in  market  value  of  these  debt  securities  and 
downward adjustment on fair value of certain debt instruments due to their increased credit risks. For FY2021, 
a  provision  of  ECL  on  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  of  HK$49,247,000  (2020:  HK$4,574,000)  was  recognised  in 
profit or loss (with a corresponding adjustment to other comprehensive income) as the credit risks of certain 
debt  instruments  held  by  the  Group  had  increased  significantly  since  initial  recognition.  During  FY2021, 
the  credit  ratings  of  these  debt  instruments,  which  were  corporate  bonds  issued  by  property  companies 
based  in  the  Mainland,  were  downgraded  by  the  rating  agencies  as  the  credit  risks  of  these  bonds  had 
increased  significantly  due  to  the  bond  issuers’  defaults  in  making  interest  and  principal  payments  for  their 
indebtedness. As the Group expected the financial uncertainties of these bond issuers would ultimately affect 
the  collection  of  contractual  cash  flows  of  these  bonds,  a  provision  of  ECL  on  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  of 
HK$49,247,000 was recognised.

12

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Management Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  Group  had  engaged  an  independent  professional  valuer  to  perform  an  impairment  assessment  on  the 
debt  instruments  held  under  the  ECL  model.  The  measurement  of  ECL  is  a  function  of  the  probability  of 
default and loss given default (i.e. the magnitude of the loss if there is a default), with the assessment of the 
probability  of  default  and  loss  given  default  is  based  on  historical  data  and  forward-looking  information. 
The  estimation  of  ECL  reflects  an  unbiased  and  probability-weighted  amount  that  is  determined  with  the 
respective  risks  of  default  occurring  as  the  weights,  and  also  with  reference  to  the  time  value  of  money.  In 
determining  the  ECL  on  the  Group’s  debt  instruments  for  the  year,  the  management  had  work  closely  with 
the  independent  professional  valuer  and  taking  into  accounts  factors  including  the  downgrading  of  credit 
rating of the debt instruments by the rating agencies and the defaults of the bond issuers in making payments 
of  interest  and  principal  for  their  indebtedness,  as  well  as  forward-looking  information  including  the  future 
macro-economic  conditions  at  places  where  the  bond  issuers  are  operating.  There  was  no  change  in  the 
method  used  in  determining  the  ECL  on  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  from  last  year.  Further  details  of  the 
credit  risk  and  impairment  assessment  on  the  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  are  contained  in  Note  37  to  the 
consolidated financial statements.

At 31 December 2021, the Group invested in debt securities issued by an aircraft leasing company and seven 
property companies and their respective weightings to the market/fair value of the Group’s debt instruments 
at FVTOCI portfolio of HK$78,396,000 (together with other information) were as below:

Approximate 
weighting to the 
market/fair value 
of the Group’s 
debt instrument 
at FVTOCI 
portfolio at 
31 December 
2021
%

Approximate 
weighting to the 
carrying amount 
of the Group’s 
total assets at 
31 December 
2021
%

19.99
80.01

100.00

3.54
14.16

17.70

*Acquisition
costs during the 
year/carrying 
amount at 
1 January 
2021
HK$’000

B

14,455
117,743

Yield to maturity 
on acquisition 
date
%

4.93
5.26 – 12.50

Acquisition
costs
HK$’000

A

15,444
120,497

135,941

132,198

Accumulated 
fair value 
gain (loss) 
recognised 
up to 
31 December 
2021
HK$’000

Fair value 
gain (loss) 
recognised 
during the 
year ended 
31 December 
2021
HK$’000

Market/
fair value at 
31 December 
2021
HK$’000

C

D = C – A

E = C – B

15,675
62,721

78,396

231
(57,776)

1,220
(55,022)

(57,545)

(53,802)

Category of companies

Aircraft leasing
Property#

* 

The amount represented the costs of the securities acquired during the year ended 31 December 2021 and/or the 

carrying  amount  of  the  securities  brought  forward  from  the  prior  financial  year  after  accounting  for  additional 

acquisition and/or disposal of the securities (if any) during the current year.

# 

The weighting of individual debt securities to the carrying amount of the Group’s total assets at 31 December 2021 

did not exceed 5%.

13

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Management Discussion and Analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  yield  to  maturity  on  acquisition  of  the  debt  securities  which  were  held  by  the  Group  at  the  year  end 
ranging from 4.93% to 12.50% per annum.

Overall Results

For  FY2021,  the  Group’s  petroleum  exploration  and  production  business  recorded  a  loss  of  HK$4,112,000 
(2020:  HK$2,647,000),  the  newly  established  solar  energy  business  recorded  a  profit  of  HK$89,000  (2020: 
nil),  the  money  lending  business  recorded  a  profit  of  HK$17,440,000  (2020:  HK$29,518,000),  and  the  Group’s 
investment in securities recorded a loss of HK$32,533,000 (2020: HK$3,383,000).

Overall  speaking,  the  Group  reported  a  loss  attributable  to  owners  of  the  Company  of  HK$29,371,000  (2020: 
profit  of  HK$8,519,000)  mainly  due  to  the  provision  of  ECL  on  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  of  HK$49,247,000 
(2020:  HK$4,574,000)  (with  a  corresponding  adjustment  to  other  comprehensive  income),  and  a  total 
comprehensive expense attributable to owners of the Company of HK$33,508,000 (2020: total comprehensive 
income  of  HK$15,983,000)  which  included  a  fair  value  loss  on  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  of  HK$54,714,000 
(2020: HK$885,000).

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Liquidity, Financial Resources and Capital Structure

During  FY2021,  the  Group  financed  its  operation  mainly  by  cash  generated  from  its  operations  and 
shareholders’ funds. At the year end, the Group had current assets of HK$363,774,000 (2020: HK$308,845,000) 
and  liquid  assets  comprising  bank  balances  and  cash  as  well  as  financial  assets  at  FVTPL  totaling 
HK$198,542,000  (2020:  HK$159,724,000).  The  Group’s  current  ratio,  calculated  based  on  current  assets  over 
current liabilities of HK$14,105,000 (2020: HK$14,196,000), was at a liquid level of about 25.8 (2020: 21.8). It is 
intended that a part of the Group’s cash holding will be applied for completion of the acquisition of the Target 
Assets under the APA.

At  31  December  2021,  the  Group’s  total  assets  amounted  to  HK$442,915,000  (2020:  HK$475,763,000),  the 
Group’s  gearing  ratio,  calculated  on  the  basis  of  total  liabilities  of  HK$16,925,000  (2020:  HK$16,265,000) 
divided  by  total  assets,  was  at  a  low  level  of  about  4%  (2020:  3%).  Finance  costs  represented  the  imputed 
interest on lease liabilities of HK$101,000 (2020: HK$166,000) for the year.

At 31 December 2021, the equity attributable to owners of the Company amounted to HK$425,990,000 (2020: 
HK$459,879,000)  and  was  equivalent  to  an  amount  of  approximately  HK8.13  cents  (2020:  HK8.78  cents)  per 
share  of  the  Company.  The  decrease  in  equity  attributable  to  owners  of  the  Company  of  HK$33,889,000  was 
mainly due to loss incurred during the year.

With  the  amount  of  liquid  assets  on  hand,  the  management  is  of  the  view  that  the  Group  has  sufficient 
financial resources to meet its ongoing operational requirements.

14

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Management Discussion and AnalysisForeign Currency Management

The  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  as  well  as  business  transactions  of  the  Group  are  mainly  denominated  in 
Hong Kong dollars, United States dollars and Renminbi. The Group has not experienced any significant foreign 
exchange exposure to United States dollars as the exchange rate of Hong Kong dollars to United States dollars 
is  pegged.  The  Group  does  not  have  significant  foreign  exchange  exposure  to  Renminbi,  and  will  consider  a 
formal foreign currency hedging policy for Renminbi should the needs arise.

Contingent Liability

At 31 December 2021, the Group had no significant contingent liability (31 December 2020: nil).

Pledge of Assets

At 31 December 2021, the Group had not pledged any assets (31 December 2020: nil).

Capital Commitment

At  31  December  2021,  the  Group  had  a  total  capital  commitment  of  HK$34,390,000  in  relation  to  the 
acquisition of a portfolio of solar photovoltaic systems which was a capital expenditure contracted for but not 
provided (31 December 2020: nil).

Events after the Reporting Period

On  9  February  2022,  EP  Resources  and  RockEast  entered  into  the  APA,  pursuant  to  which  EP  Resources 
has  conditionally  agreed  to  acquire,  and  RockEast  has  conditionally  agreed  to  sell,  the  Target  Assets  at  an 
initial  consideration  of  C$22,500,000  (approximately  HK$138,375,000).  The  APA  has  been  duly  approved 
by  the  shareholders  in  a  special  general  meeting  of  the  Company  held  on  29  March  2022  and  the  Group’s 
management is in the process of completing the transactions contemplated thereunder. Further details of the 
transaction are contained in the Company’s circular dated 11 March 2022.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND REMUNERATION POLICY

At 31 December 2021, the Group had a total of 21 (2020: 30) employees  including  directors of  the  Company 
with 18 (2020: 23) employees in Hong Kong and the PRC and 3 (2020: 7) employees in Argentina. Staff costs, 
including directors’ emoluments, amounted to HK$9,799,000 (2020: HK$14,214,000) for the year. The drop in 
staff costs of HK$4,415,000 was mainly due to the decrease of the Group’s headcounts for its operation in the 
PRC and Argentina. The remuneration packages for directors and staff are normally reviewed annually and are 
structured by reference to prevailing market terms and individual competence, performance and experience. 
The  Group  operates  a  Mandatory  Provident  Fund  Scheme  (the  “MPF  Scheme”)  for  employees  in  Hong  Kong 
and  operates  employees’  pension  schemes  for  employees  in  the  PRC  and  Argentina.  In  addition,  the  Group 
provides  other  employee  benefits  which  include  medical  insurance,  discretionary  bonus  and  participation  in 
the Company’s share option scheme.

The  Group’s  contributions  to  the  MPF  Scheme  and  other  employees’  pension  schemes  are  calculated  as  a 
percentage  of  the  employees’  relevant  income  and  vest  fully  and  immediately  with  employees,  thus  there 
are no forfeited contributions available to the Group to reduce the existing level of contributions to the MPF 
Scheme and other employees’ pension schemes.

15

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Management Discussion and AnalysisPRINCIPAL RISK AND UNCERTAINTIES

The  Group  is  principally  engaged  in  the  business  of  petroleum  exploration  and  production,  solar  energy, 
money  lending  and  investment  in  securities.  The  financial  position,  operations,  businesses  and  prospects  of 
the  Group  and  its  individual  business  segment  are  affected  by  the  following  significant  risk  and  uncertainty 
factors:

Business Risk

The  global  economic  conditions  and  the  state  of  international  financial  and  investment  markets,  including 
the  economy,  financial  and  investment  markets  of  the  US,  Mainland  China  and  Hong  Kong,  of  which  the 
Group has no control, have significant influences on the business and financial performance of the Group. The 
management policy to mitigate this risk is to diversify the Group’s businesses and to diversify its investments 
(where possible) within the same business, as in the case of the Group’s securities investments.

Market Risk

The Group’s money lending business is operating in a very competitive environment that put pressure on the 
revenue  and  profitability  of  this  business.  The  management  policy  to  mitigate  this  risk  is  to  continue  to  put 
effort  in  enlarging  the  market  share  and  enhancing  the  market  competitiveness  of  this  business  by  various 
means.

Environmental Risk

The  Group’s  solar  energy  business  is  constantly  exposed  to  inherent  risks  such  as  mechanical  breakdown 
of  equipment,  adverse  weather  conditions,  flood,  fire  or  other  calamities.  Any  of  these  factors  may  cause 
disruptions to the Group’s operations. The Group may also be liable to pay compensations resulting from the 
above events which may adversely affect its financial performance.

Financial Risk

The  Group  is  exposed  to  financial  risks  relating  to  interest  rate,  foreign  currency,  securities  price,  credit  and 
liquidity risk in its ordinary course of business. Further details of such risks and relevant management policies 
are set out in Note 37 to the consolidated financial statements.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE RELEVANT LAWS AND REGULATIONS

As  far  as  the  Board  and  the  management  are  aware,  the  Group  has  complied  in  material  respects  with  the 
relevant  laws  and  regulations  that  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  businesses  and  operations  of  the  Group. 
During FY2021, there was no material breach of or non-compliance with the applicable laws and regulations 
by the Group.

RELATIONSHIP WITH EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS

The  Group  understands  the  importance  of  maintaining  good  relationships  with  its  employees,  customers 
and suppliers to meet its immediate and long-term business goals. During FY2021, there were no significant 
disputes between the Group and its employees, customers and suppliers.

16

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Management Discussion and AnalysisThe biographical details of Directors and senior management are set out below:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Mr. Sue Ka Lok (“Mr. Sue”)

Aged  56,  joined  the  Company  as  Executive  Director  and  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  in  October  2016  and 
stepped  down  from  his  position  as  Chief  Executive  Officer  in  January  2018.  Mr.  Sue  is  a  member  of  the 
Corporate  Governance  Committee  and  a  director  of  certain  subsidiaries  of  the  Company.  Mr.  Sue  holds  a 
Bachelor  of  Economics  degree  from  The  University  of  Sydney  in  Australia  and  a  Master  of  Science  in  Finance 
degree from the City University of Hong Kong. Mr. Sue is a fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public 
Accountants, a certified practising accountant of the CPA Australia, a fellow of the Hong Kong Securities and 
Investment  Institute,  and  a  chartered  secretary,  a  chartered  governance  professional  and  a  fellow  of  both 
The  Hong  Kong  Chartered  Governance  Institute  (formerly  known  as  The  Hong  Kong  Institute  of  Chartered 
Secretaries)  and  The  Chartered  Governance  Institute  in  the  United  Kingdom.  He  has  extensive  experience 
in  corporate  management,  finance,  accounting  and  company  secretarial  practice.  Mr.  Sue  is  an  executive 
director,  the  company  secretary  and  the  chief  executive  officer  of  China  Strategic  Holdings  Limited  (HKEX 
stock  code:  235),  an  executive  director  and  the  chairman  of  Courage  Investment  Group  Limited  (“Courage 
Investment”)  (HKEX  stock  code:  1145),  and  a  non-executive  director  of  Birmingham  Sports  Holdings  Limited 
(“Birmingham  Sports”)  (HKEX  stock  code:  2309).  All  the  aforementioned  companies  are  listed  on  the  Main 
Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and with Courage Investment is also secondarily listed on the Main 
Board of Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited.

Mr. Yiu Chun Kong (“Mr. Yiu”)

Aged  37,  joined  the  Company  as  Executive  Director  in  October  2016.  Mr.  Yiu  is  also  a  director  of  certain 
subsidiaries  of  the  Company.  He  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Business  Administration  in  Accountancy  degree  from 
The  Hong  Kong  Polytechnic  University.  Mr.  Yiu  is  a  certified  public  accountant  of  the  Hong  Kong  Institute 
of  Certified  Public  Accountants.  He  has  rich  experience  in  auditing,  accounting  and  finance.  Mr.  Yiu  is  an 
executive  director  of  Birmingham  Sports,  a  Company  listed  on  the  Main  Board  of  the  Hong  Kong  Stock 
Exchange.

Mr. Chan Shui Yuen (“Mr. Chan”)

Aged  41,  joined  the  Company  as  Executive  Director  in  October  2016  and  was  appointed  the  Company 
Secretary  in  November  2017.  Mr.  Chan  is  a  member  of  the  Corporate  Governance  Committee  and  a  director 
of  certain  subsidiaries  of  the  Company.  Mr.  Chan  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Business  Administration  (Honours)  in 
Accountancy  degree  from  the  City  University  of  Hong  Kong  and  a  Master  of  Financial  Analysis  degree  from 
The University of New South Wales in Australia. Mr. Chan is a CFA charterholder, a fellow of the Association of 
Chartered  Certified  Accountants,  a  certified  public  accountant  of  the  Hong  Kong  Institute  of  Certified  Public 
Accountants  and  a  certified  practising  accountant  of  the  CPA  Australia.  He  has  rich  experience  in  auditing, 
accounting, finance and compliance.

17

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Biographical Details of Directors and Senior ManagementINDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Mr. Pun Chi Ping (“Mr. Pun”)

Aged  55,  joined  the  Company  as  Independent  Non-executive  Director  in  October  2016.  Mr.  Pun  is  the 
Chairman  of  the  Audit  Committee  and  the  Remuneration  Committee  and  a  member  of  the  Nomination 
Committee.  He  holds  a  Master  of  Science  in  Finance  degree  from  the  City  University  of  Hong  Kong  and  a 
Bachelor  of  Arts  in  Accountancy  degree  from  the  City  Polytechnic  of  Hong  Kong  (now  known  as  the  City 
University  of  Hong  Kong).  Mr.  Pun  is  a  fellow  of  the  Association  of  Chartered  Certified  Accountants  and  an 
associate of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has extensive experience in corporate 
finance, accounting and auditing. Mr. Pun is an independent non-executive director of Birmingham Sports and 
China  Huajun  Group  Limited  (HKEX  stock  code:  377)  and  the  financial  controller  of  Poly  Property  Group  Co., 
Limited (HKEX stock code: 119). All the aforementioned companies are listed on the Main Board of the Hong 
Kong Stock Exchange.

Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine (“Ms. Leung”)

Aged  52,  joined  the  Company  as  Independent  Non-executive  Director  in  October  2016.  Ms.  Leung  is  the 
Chairlady  of  the  Nomination  Committee  and  a  member  of  the  Audit  Committee  and  the  Remuneration 
Committee.  She  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Business  Administration  degree  from  The  Chinese  University  of  Hong 
Kong.  Ms.  Leung  has  extensive  experience  in  banking  and  financial  services  industries  and  had  worked  at 
several  international  financial  institutions  including  Citibank,  N.A.  Hong  Kong,  Bank  of  America,  Industrial 
and  Commercial  Bank  of  China  (Asia)  Limited  and  Fubon  Bank  (Hong  Kong)  Limited.  She  is  an  independent 
non-executive  director  of  Birmingham  Sports,  a  company  listed  on  the  Main  Board  of  the  Hong  Kong  Stock 
Exchange.

Mr. Kwong Tin Lap (“Mr. Kwong”)

Aged  57,  joined  the  Company  as  Independent  Non-executive  Director  in  December  2018.  Mr.  Kwong  is  the 
Chairman  of  the  Corporate  Governance  Committee,  a  member  of  the  Audit  Committee,  the  Remuneration 
Committee  and  the  Nomination  Committee.  He  holds  a  Professional  Diploma  in  Accountancy  from  the 
Hong  Kong  Polytechnic  (now  known  as  The  Hong  Kong  Polytechnic  University)  and  a  Master  of  Science 
in  Information  Systems  degree  from  The  Hong  Kong  Polytechnic  University.  Mr.  Kwong  is  a  Certified 
Public  Accountants  (Practising)  in  Hong  Kong,  an  associate  of  the  Hong  Kong  Institute  of  Certified  Public 
Accountants and a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. He has extensive experience 
in accounting, finance, auditing and corporate management. Mr. Kwong had been a director of certain Hong 
Kong listed companies and is currently a director of CCTH CPA Limited.

18

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Biographical Details of Directors and Senior ManagementSENIOR MANAGEMENT

Mr. Pak Ka Kei (“Mr. Pak”), Financial Controller

Aged  51,  joined  the  Company  as  Financial  Controller  in  November  2009.  Mr.  Pak  is  a  director  of  certain 
subsidiaries of the Company. Mr. Pak graduated from the City University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Arts 
in  Accounting  degree.  Mr.  Pak  has  extensive  experience  in  the  fields  of  audit,  internal  control,  accountancy, 
taxation  and  treasury.  Prior  to  joining  the  Company,  he  had  worked  for  Ernst  &  Young,  an  international 
accounting  firm,  and  TCL  Multimedia  Technology  Holdings  Limited  (now  known  as  TCL  Electronics  Holdings 
Limited)  in  its  finance  department  in  Hong  Kong,  emerging  markets  and  Europe  as  deputy  internal  control 
director and deputy financial controller.

Mr. Quiroga Daniel Federico (“Mr. Quiroga”), General Manager, Argentina

Aged  57,  joined  the  Company  as  Operation  Manager  of  the  Group’s  Argentina  operation  in  December  2010 
and  was  appointed  as  General  Manager  of  the  Argentina  operation  in  late  2012.  Mr.  Quiroga  oversees  the 
Company’s  oil  projects  in  Argentina.  He  has  extensive  experience  in  operations,  exploration  and  production 
management  of  oil  field  projects  in  Argentina  and  Mexico.  Mr.  Quiroga  had  been  employed  by  Tecpetrol 
S.A.  since  1991  and  his  last  position  in  2000  was  the  head  of  secondary  recovery  division.  During  his  work 
in  Tecpetrol  S.A.,  Mr.  Quiroga  was  appointed  as  operation  engineer,  production  manager,  field  operation 
manager  and  had  gained  experiences  in  operations,  production  management  for  various  oil  fields  in 
Argentina. During 2002 to 2006, Mr. Quiroga was the operation superintendent and field manager who was in 
charge of field operations in oil fields located in Neuquina Basin and S.J. Gulf Basin, Argentina for Pioneer NRA 
S.A. After that, Mr. Quiroga also worked for Apache Corp Argentina and Petrolera El Trebol. Before joining the 
Company, Mr. Quiroga had worked for Weatherford Regional Mexico as the operation coordinator and was in 
charge of field operations for oil field in Mexico. Mr. Quiroga graduated from the National University of Cuyo 
in  Mendoza  Province,  Argentina  majoring  in  Petroleum  Engineer  in  1991.  Mr.  Quiroga  was  a  postgraduate  in 
Business & Finance at National University of Cuyo in Mendoza Province, Argentina.

19

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Biographical Details of Directors and Senior ManagementThe  Directors  are  pleased  to  present  their  report  and  the  audited  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the 
Company for the year ended 31 December 2021.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND BUSINESS REVIEW

The Company acts as an investment holding company. The principal activities of its principal subsidiaries are 
set out in Note 38 to the consolidated financial statements.

Further  discussion  and  analysis  of  the  Group’s  activities  as  required  by  Schedule  5  to  the  Hong  Kong 
Companies  Ordinance,  including  a  discussion  of  the  review  of  the  Group’s  businesses,  the  principal  risks 
and  uncertainties  the  Group  facing,  particulars  of  important  events  affecting  the  Group  that  have  occurred 
since  the  end  of  the  financial  year,  an  indication  of  likely  future  developments  in  the  Group’s  businesses, 
key  relationships  with  employees,  customers  and  suppliers  and  compliance  with  laws  and  regulations,  can 
be  found  in  the  “Statement  from  the  Board”  and  “Management  Discussion  and  Analysis”  sections  set  out  on 
pages 4 to 16 of this annual report, and the “Corporate Governance Report” set out on pages 27 to 38 of this 
annual report. In addition, discussions on the Group’s environmental policies and performance are contained 
in the Environmental, Social and Governance Report on pages 39 to 62 of this annual report.

RESULTS

The  results  of  the  Group  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2021  are  set  out  in  the  consolidated  statement  of 
profit or loss and other comprehensive income on pages 70 to 71.

FINAL DIVIDEND

The Board does not recommend the payment of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2021 (2020: 
nil).

FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

A  summary  of  the  published  results  and  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  Group  for  the  last  five  financial  years,  as 
extracted  from  the  audited  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Company,  is  set  out  on  page  160.  The 
summary does not form part of the audited consolidated financial statements.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Details of movement in the property, plant and equipment of the Group during the year are set out in Note 18 
to the consolidated financial statements.

SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARE OPTIONS

Details of movements in the Company’s share capital and share options during the year are set out in Notes 30 
and 31 to the consolidated financial statements, respectively.

20

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Report of the DirectorsPRE-EMPTIVE RIGHTS

There is no provision for pre-emptive rights under the Company’s Bye-laws or the applicable laws of Bermuda 
which would oblige the Company to offer new shares on a pro-rata basis to existing shareholders.

PURCHASE, SALE OR REDEMPTION OF THE COMPANY’S LISTED SECURITIES

During  the  year  ended  31  December  2021,  neither  the  Company  nor  any  of  its  subsidiaries  had  purchased, 
sold or redeemed any of the Company’s listed securities.

RESERVES

Details of movements in the reserves of the Company and of the Group during the year are set out in Note 41 
to the consolidated financial statements and in the consolidated statement of changes in equity, respectively.

DISTRIBUTABLE RESERVES

At 31 December 2021, the Company had no reserve available for distribution as computed in accordance with 
the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda. The Company’s share premium account, in the amount of approximately 
HK$918,270,000, may be distributed in the form of fully paid bonus shares.

MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS

During  the  year,  revenue  from  the  Group’s  five  largest  customers/sources  accounted  for  approximately  43% 
of  the  total  revenue  for  the  year  and  revenue  from  the  largest  customer  accounted  for  approximately  13%. 
Purchases from the Group’s five largest suppliers accounted for 100% of the total purchases for the year and 
purchases from the largest supplier accounted for 91%.

None  of  the  directors  or  any  of  their  associates  or  any  shareholders  (which,  to  the  best  knowledge  of  the 
directors,  own  more  than  5%  of  the  Company’s  issued  shares)  had  any  beneficial  interest  in  the  Group’s  five 
largest customers or suppliers during the year.

21

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Report of the DirectorsDIRECTORS

The directors of the Company during the year and up to the date of this report were:

Executive Directors:

Mr. Sue Ka Lok
Mr. Yiu Chun Kong
Mr. Chan Shui Yuen
Mr. Liang Weijie (appointed on 8 April 2021 and resigned on 18 October 2021)

Independent Non-executive Directors:

Mr. Pun Chi Ping
Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine
Mr. Kwong Tin Lap

In  accordance  with  bye-law  100(A)  of  the  Company’s  Bye-laws,  Mr.  Sue  Ka  Lok  and  Mr.  Kwong  Tin  Lap  will 
retire  by  rotation  at  the  forthcoming  annual  general  meeting  of  the  Company  (the  “2022  AGM”)  and,  being 
eligible, will offer themselves for re-election at the 2022 AGM.

PERMITTED INDEMNITY PROVISION

Pursuant to the Company’s Bye-laws, subject to the statutes, the directors for the time being of the Company 
shall  be  indemnified  and  secured  harmless  out  of  the  assets  of  the  Company  from  and  against  all  actions, 
costs,  charges,  losses,  damages  and  expenses  which  they  or  any  of  them,  shall  or  may  incur  or  sustain  by 
reason of any act done, concurred in or omitted in or about the execution  of  their  duty  or supposed  duty in 
their  respective  offices  or  trusts  or  otherwise  in  relation  thereto  except  through  their  own  wilful  neglect  or 
default, fraud and dishonesty. The Company has arranged appropriate directors’ and officers’ liability coverage 
for the directors and other officers of the Company during the year.

DIRECTORS’ SERVICE CONTRACTS

None  of  the  directors  being  proposed  for  re-election  at  the  2022  AGM  has  a  service  contract  with  the 
Company or any of its subsidiaries which is not determinable by the Group within one year without payment 
of compensation, other than statutory compensation.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Details of the directors’ remuneration are set out in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

22

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Report of the DirectorsUPDATE ON DIRECTOR’S INFORMATION

The following is updated information of a director of the Company required to be disclosed pursuant to Rule 
13.51B(1) of the Listing Rules:

– 

– 

Mr.  Sue  Ka  Lok  was  appointed  as  the  company  secretary  of  China  Strategic  Holdings  Limited  (HKEX 
stock  code:  235),  a  company  listed  on  the  Main  Board  of  the  Hong  Kong  Stock  Exchange,  with  effect 
from 12 November 2021.

Mr.  Sue  Ka  Lok  was  appointed  as  executive  director  and  the  chairman  of  the  board  of  Courage 
Investment Group Limited (HKEX stock code: 1145), a company primarily listed on the Main Board of the 
Hong Kong Stock Exchange and secondarily listed on the Main Board of Singapore Exchange Securities 
Trading Limited, with effect from 30 November 2021 and 1 January 2022, respectively.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN TRANSACTIONS, ARRANGEMENTS OR CONTRACTS

Save  for  the  related  party  transactions  as  disclosed  in  Note  35  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  no 
other transactions, arrangements or contracts of significance to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries 
was  a  party  and  in  which  a  Director  or  an  entity  connected  with  a  Director  has  or  had  a  material  interest, 
whether directly or indirectly, subsisted at the end of the year or at any time during the year.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS AND SHORT POSITIONS IN SHARES, UNDERLYING SHARES AND 
DEBENTURES

As at 31 December 2021, none of the directors or chief executive of the Company had registered an interest 
or  short  positions  in  the  shares,  underlying  shares  and  debentures  of  the  Company  or  any  of  its  associated 
corporations (within the meaning of Part XV of the SFO) that was required to be recorded pursuant to section 
352 of the SFO, or as otherwise notified to the Company and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange pursuant to the 
Model Code.

DIRECTORS’ RIGHTS TO ACQUIRE SHARES OR DEBENTURES

Save for the “Share Option Scheme” disclosure in Note 31 to the consolidated financial statements, at no time 
during the year was the Company or any of its subsidiaries a party to any arrangements to enable the directors 
of the Company to acquire benefits by means of the acquisition of shares in, or debentures of, the Company or 
any other body corporate, and none of the directors of the Company or their spouse or minor children had any 
rights to subscribe for the securities of the Company, or had exercised any such rights during the year.

SHARE OPTION SCHEME

Details  of  the  share  option  scheme  of  the  Company  are  set  out  in  Note  31  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements.

23

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Report of the DirectorsINTERESTS AND SHORT POSITIONS OF SHAREHOLDERS DISCLOSEABLE UNDER THE SFO

As at 31 December 2021, the following interests of more than 5% of the issued shares of the Company were 
recorded in the register of interests required to be kept by the Company pursuant to section 336 of the SFO.

Long positions in the shares of the Company:

Name of shareholders

Capacity and
nature of interest

Number of
shares held

Mr. Suen Cho Hung, Paul (“Mr. Suen”)

Interests of controlled 

corporation

Premier United Group Limited 

Interests of controlled 

(“Premier United”)

corporation

Billion Expo International Limited 

Beneficial owner

(“Billion Expo”)

China Shipbuilding Capital Limited

Beneficial owner

China State Shipbuilding Corporation 

Interests of controlled 

Limited

corporation

862,085,620 
(Notes (ii) and (iii))

862,085,620 
(Notes (ii) and (iii))

862,085,620 
(Notes (ii) and (iii))

700,170,000
(Note (iv))

700,170,000
(Note (iv))

Approximate 
percentage 
of the 
Company’s 
issued shares
(Note (i))

16.45%

16.45%

16.45%

13.36%

13.36%

China Create Capital Limited

Beneficial owner

357,705,000

6.83%

Notes:

(i) 

The approximate percentage of the Company’s issued shares was calculated on the basis of 5,240,344,044 shares of 

the Company in issue as at 31 December 2021.

(ii) 

These  interests  were  held  by  Billion  Expo,  which  was  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Premier  United  which  in  turn 

was wholly owned by Mr. Suen. Mr. Suen was the sole director of Billion Expo and Premier United. Accordingly, Mr. 

Suen was deemed to be interested in 862,085,620 shares of the Company under the SFO.

(iii) 

The interests of Mr. Suen, Premier United and Billion Expo in 862,085,620 shares of the Company referred to in Note 

(ii) above related to the same parcel of shares.

(iv) 

The interests of China Shipbuilding Capital Limited and China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited related to the 

same parcel of shares.

24

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Report of the Directors 
Save as disclosed above, the Company had not been notified of any other relevant interests or short positions 
in the shares and underlying shares of the Company as at 31 December 2021 as required pursuant to section 
336 of the SFO.

CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS

The related party transactions as disclosed in Note 35 to the consolidated financial statements fall under the 
scope of “Connected Transactions” or “Continuing Connected Transactions” under Chapter 14A of the Listing 
Rules but are exempted from reporting, annual review, announcement or independent shareholders’ approval 
requirements.

REMUNERATION POLICY

The  Group  remunerates  its  employees  based  on  their  competence,  performance,  experience  and  prevailing 
market  terms.  Other  employee  benefits  include  provident  fund  scheme,  medical  insurance,  share  option 
scheme as well as discretionary bonus.

EQUITY-LINKED AGREEMENTS

Save  for  the  share  option  scheme  of  the  Company  as  disclosed  in  Note  31  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements, no equity-linked agreements were entered into by the Group, or existed during the year.

MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS

No  contract  concerning  the  management  and  administration  of  the  whole  or  any  substantial  part  of  any 
business of the Company was entered into or existed during the year.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The  audited  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Company  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2021  have 
been  reviewed  by  the  Audit  Committee  and  duly  approved  by  the  Board  under  the  recommendation  of  the 
Audit Committee.

25

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Report of the DirectorsAUDITOR

The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Company  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2021  have  been 
audited by Moore Stephens CPA Limited.

Moore  Stephens  CPA  Limited  has  been  appointed  as  the  auditor  of  the  Company  with  effect  from  4  January 
2021 to fill the casual vacancy arising from the resignation of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu on 4 January 2021.

A  resolution  will  be  proposed  at  the  2022  AGM  to  re-appoint  Moore  Stephens  CPA  Limited  as  the  auditor  of 
the Company.

Save for the above, there was no change of the auditor of the Company in the preceding three years.

On behalf of the Board

Sue Ka Lok
Executive Director

Hong Kong, 31 March 2022

26

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Report of the DirectorsThe  Company  has  recognised  the  importance  of  transparency  and  accountability,  and  believes  that 
shareholders  can  benefit  from  good  corporate  governance.  The  Company  aims  to  achieve  good  standard  of 
corporate governance.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The  Company  has  complied  with  all  the  applicable  provisions  of  the  Corporate  Governance  Code  (the  “CG 
Code”)  set  out  in  Appendix  14  to  the  Listing  Rules  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2021,  except  for  the 
following deviations with reasons as explained:

Chairman and chief executive

Code Provision A.2.1 (renumbered as Code Provision C.2.1 since 1 January 2022)

Code Provision A.2.1 of the CG Code requires the roles of the chairman and chief executive should be separate 
and should not be performed by the same individual.

Deviation

The  Company  had  deviated  from  the  Code  Provision  A.2.1  during  the  year  ended  31  December  2021  due  to 
the  positions  of  Chairman  of  the  Board  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  have  been  left  vacant.  The  Company  is 
still looking for suitable candidates to fill the vacancies of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive 
Officer of the Company. The day-to-day management responsibilities are taken up by the Executive Directors 
of  the  Company;  and  the  overall  direction  and  strategy  of  the  businesses  of  the  Group  are  decided  by 
the  agreement  of  the  Board.  There  are  three  Independent  Non-executive  Directors  on  the  Board  offering 
independent  and  differing  perspectives.  The  Board  is  therefore  of  the  view  that  there  are  adequate  balance 
of  power  and  safeguards  in  place  to  enable  the  Company  to  make  and  implement  decisions  promptly  and 
effectively.

Shareholders meetings

Code Provision E.1.2 (renumbered as Code Provision F.2.2 since 1 January 2022)

Code  Provision  E.1.2  of  the  CG  Code  stipulates  that  the  chairman  of  the  board  should  attend  the  annual 
general meeting.

Deviation

As  the  position  of  Chairman  of  the  Board  has  been  left  vacant,  Mr.  Sue  Ka  Lok,  Executive  Director  of  the 
Company, was elected and acted as the chairman of the annual general meeting of the Company held on 29 
June 2021 (the “2021 AGM”) in accordance with bye-law 70 of the Company’s Bye-laws.

27

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance ReportDIRECTORS’ SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

The  Company  has  adopted  the  Model  Code  as  its  own  code  of  conduct  regarding  securities  transactions  by 
directors  of  the  Company.  Having  made  specific  enquiry  with  the  directors,  all  of  them  confirmed  that  they 
have  complied  with  the  required  standards  set  out  in  the  Model  Code  during  the  year  ended  31  December 
2021.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The  Board  formulates  the  overall  strategy  of  the  Group,  monitors  its  financial  performance  and  maintains 
effective  oversight  over  the  management.  The  Board  members  are  fully  committed  to  their  roles  and  have 
acted  in  good  faith  to  maximise  the  shareholders’  value  in  the  long  run,  and  have  aligned  the  Group’s  goals 
and  directions  with  the  prevailing  economic  and  market  conditions.  Daily  operations  and  administration  are 
delegated to the management.

The  Board  met  regularly  throughout  the  year  to  discuss  the  overall  strategy  as  well  as  the  operation  and 
financial performance of the Group. The directors are kept informed on timely basis of major changes that may 
affect  the  Group’s  businesses,  including  relevant  rules  and  regulations.  The  directors  can,  upon  reasonable 
request, seek independent professional advice in appropriate circumstances, at the Company’s expenses. The 
Board shall resolve to provide separate appropriate independent professional advice to the directors to assist 
the relevant directors to discharge their duties.

As  at  31  March  2022,  the  date  of  this  annual  report,  the  Board  comprises  six  directors,  three  are  Executive 
Directors, namely Mr. Sue Ka Lok (“Mr. Sue”), Mr. Yiu Chun Kong (“Mr. Yiu”) and Mr. Chan Shui Yuen, and three 
are  Independent  Non-executive  Directors,  namely  Mr.  Pun  Chi  Ping  (“Mr.  Pun”),  Ms.  Leung  Pik  Har,  Christine 
(“Ms.  Leung”)  and  Mr.  Kwong  Tin  Lap.  The  directors  are  considered  to  have  a  balance  of  skill  and  experience 
appropriate for the requirements of the businesses of the Group. The Company has received from each of the 
independent  non-executive  directors  an  annual  confirmation  of  his/her  independence  pursuant  to  Rule  3.13 
of the Listing Rules. The Company considers all the independent non-executive directors are independent in 
accordance with the independence guidelines set out in the Listing Rules. Biographical details of the directors 
are set out under the section headed “Biographical Details of Directors and Senior Management” on pages 17 
to 19 of this annual report.

Mr.  Sue  is  a  non-executive  director,  Mr.  Yiu  is  an  executive  director,  and  Mr.  Pun  and  Ms.  Leung  are 
independent  non-executive  directors  of  Birmingham  Sports  Holdings  Limited  (HKEX  stock  code:  2309).  Save 
for  the  aforesaid,  there  is  no  other  financial,  business,  family  or  other  material/relevant  relationship  among 
members of the Board.

The  Company  will  provide  a  comprehensive,  formal  and  tailored  induction  to  each  newly  appointed 
director  on  his/her  first  appointment  in  order  to  enable  him/her  to  have  an  appropriate  understanding  of 
the  businesses  and  operations  of  the  Group  and  that  he/she  is  fully  aware  of  his/her  responsibilities  and 
obligations under the Listing Rules and relevant regulatory requirements.

28

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance ReportBOARD OF DIRECTORS (continued)

All  directors  are  encouraged  to  participate  in  continuous  professional  development  to  develop  and  refresh 
their  knowledge  and  skills,  and  are  continually  updated  on  developments  in  the  statutory  and  regulatory 
regime  and  the  Group’s  business  environment  to  facilitate  the  discharge  of  their  responsibilities.  The 
Company  has  provided  timely  technical  updates,  including  the  briefing  on  the  amendments  on  the  Listing 
Rules and the news releases published by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, to the directors. In-house briefings 
and professional development for directors are arranged where necessary.

The  directors  have  participated  in  continuous  professional  development  by  attending  seminars,  in-house 
briefings or reading materials on the related areas to develop and refresh their knowledge and skills. During 
the  year  ended  31  December  2021,  all  the  directors  including  Mr.  Sue  Ka  Lok,  Mr.  Yiu  Chun  Kong,  Mr.  Chan 
Shui  Yuen,  Mr.  Pun  Chi  Ping,  Ms.  Leung  Pik  Har,  Christine  and  Mr.  Kwong  Tin  Lap  have  complied  with  Code 
Provision A.6.5 of the CG Code (renumbered as Code Provision C.1.4 since 1 January 2022) and have provided 
the Company with their respective training records pursuant to the CG Code.

During  the  year  ended  31  December  2021,  four  regular  Board  meetings  and  2021  AGM  were  held  and  the 
attendance of each director is set out below:

Executive Directors
Mr. Sue Ka Lok
Mr. Yiu Chun Kong
Mr. Chan Shui Yuen
Mr. Liang Weijie 

(appointed on 8 April 2021 and resigned on 18 October 2021)

Independent Non-executive Directors
Mr. Pun Chi Ping
Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine
Mr. Kwong Tin Lap

Number of attendance

Board Meetings

2021 AGM

4/4
4/4
4/4

1/1

4/4
4/4
4/4

1/1
1/1
1/1

0/1

1/1
0/1
0/1

29

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance Report 
 
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Code  Provision  A.2.1  of  the  CG  Code  (renumbered  as  Code  Provision  C.2.1  since  1  January  2022)  requires 
the  roles  of  the  chairman  and  chief  executive  should  be  separate  and  should  not  be  performed  by  the  same 
individual.  The  Company  had  deviated  from  the  requirement  during  the  year  ended  31  December  2021  as 
the  positions  of  Chairman  of  the  Board  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  have  been  left  vacant.  The  Company  is 
still looking for suitable candidates to fill the vacancies of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive 
Officer of the Company. The day-to-day management responsibilities are taken up by the Executive Directors 
of  the  Company;  and  the  overall  direction  and  strategy  of  the  businesses  of  the  Group  are  decided  by 
the  agreement  of  the  Board.  There  are  three  Independent  Non-executive  Directors  on  the  Board  offering 
independent  and  differing  perspectives.  The  Board  is  therefore  of  the  view  that  there  are  adequate  balance 
of  power  and  safeguards  in  place  to  enable  the  Company  to  make  and  implement  decisions  promptly  and 
effectively.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

According to the CG Code, non-executive directors should be appointed for a specific term and subject to re-
election.  Currently,  all  the  Independent  Non-executive  Directors  are  appointed  for  a  term  of  twelve-month 
period  which  automatically  renews  for  successive  twelve-month  periods  unless  terminated  by  either  party 
in  writing  prior  to  the  expiry  of  the  term.  All  the  Independent  Non-executive  Directors  are  also  subject  to 
retirement  by  rotation  and  re-election  at  least  once  every  three  years  at  the  annual  general  meetings  of  the 
Company in accordance with the Company’s Bye-laws.

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

The  Remuneration  Committee  has  specific  written  terms  of  reference  that  is  in  compliance  with  the  CG 
Code.  As  at  the  date  of  this  annual  report,  the  Remuneration  Committee  comprises  three  Independent  Non-
executive Directors, namely Mr. Pun Chi Ping, Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine and Mr. Kwong Tin Lap. Mr. Pun Chi 
Ping is the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee.

The  Remuneration  Committee  is  mainly  responsible  for  formulating  the  remuneration  policy,  reviewing 
and  recommending  to  the  Board  the  annual  remuneration  policy  and  the  remuneration  of  the  directors. 
The  overriding  objective  of  the  remuneration  policy  is  to  ensure  that  the  Group  is  able  to  attract,  retain  and 
motivate  a  high-caliber  team  which  is  essential  to  the  success  of  the  Group.  The  full  terms  of  reference  are 
available on the Company’s website and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s website.

30

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance ReportREMUNERATION COMMITTEE (continued)

The  Remuneration  Committee  met  twice  during  the  year  ended  31  December  2021  to  review  and  make 
recommendations to the Board on the remuneration packages for directors. The attendance of each member 
is set out below:

Members

Number of attendance

Mr. Pun Chi Ping
Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine
Mr. Kwong Tin Lap

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

2/2
2/2
2/2

The  Nomination  Committee  has  specific  written  terms  of  reference  that  is  in  compliance  with  the  CG  Code. 
As at the date of this annual report, the Nomination Committee comprises three Independent Non-executive 
Directors,  namely  Mr.  Pun  Chi  Ping,  Ms.  Leung  Pik  Har,  Christine  and  Mr.  Kwong  Tin  Lap.  Ms.  Leung  Pik  Har, 
Christine is the Chairlady of the Nomination Committee.

The  Nomination  Committee  is  mainly  responsible  for  identifying  potential  directors  and  making 
recommendations to the Board on the appointment or re-appointment of directors of the Company. Potential 
new  directors  are  selected  on  the  basis  of  their  qualifications,  skills  and  experience  that  he/she  could  add 
value to the management through his/her contributions in the relevant strategic business areas. The full terms 
of reference are available on the Company’s website and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s website.

The Nomination Committee met twice during the year ended 31 December 2021 to review the board diversity 
policy  (the  “Board  Diversity  Policy”)  of  the  Company,  the  independence  of  independent  non-executive 
directors,  the  structure,  size  and  composition  of  the  Board;  and  review  and  make  recommendations  to  the 
Board on the appointment of director and the re-election of directors. The attendance of each member is set 
out below:

Members

Number of attendance

Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine
Mr. Pun Chi Ping
Mr. Kwong Tin Lap

2/2
2/2
2/2

31

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance Report 
 
BOARD DIVERSITY POLICY

The Company recognises the benefits of having a diverse Board to enhance the quality of its performance and 
has adopted the Board Diversity Policy of the Company. The Board Diversity Policy sets out that in determining 
the  optimum  composition  of  the  Board,  differences  in  skills,  regional  and  industry  experience,  background, 
race,  gender  and  other  qualities  of  directors  shall  be  considered.  All  Board  appointments  are  made  on 
merits, in the context of skills and experience the Board as a whole requires, with due regard to the benefits 
of  diversity  on  the  Board,  and  the  Nomination  Committee  shall  review  and  assess  the  Board  composition 
and  its  effectiveness  on  an  annual  basis.  When  there  is  a  vacancy  on  Board,  the  Nomination  Committee  will 
recommend  suitable  candidates  for  appointment  to  the  Board  on  merits,  based  on  the  terms  of  reference  of 
the Nomination Committee, with due regard to the Company’s own circumstances.

NOMINATION POLICY

The  Board  has  adopted  a  nomination  policy  (the  “Nomination  Policy”)  setting  out  the  principles  which 
guide  the  Nomination  Committee  to  identify  and  evaluate  a  candidate  for  nomination  to  (i)  the  Board  for 
appointment; and (ii) the shareholders for election as a director of the Company. According to the Nomination 
Policy,  in  assessing  the  suitability  of  a  proposed  candidate,  the  Board  shall  take  into  account,  among  other 
things,  the  following  factors:  (i)  qualifications,  professional  experience,  skills  and  knowledge  relevant  to  the 
businesses  of  the  Group;  (ii)  commitment  in  respect  of  available  time  and  relevant  interest;  (iii)  diversity 
perspectives  set  out  in  the  Board  Diversity  Policy;  (iv)  in  case  of  independent  non-executive  directors, 
regulatory  requirement  for  appointment  of  independent  non-executive  directors  and  the  independence 
criteria set out in the Listing Rules; and (v) any other factors that the Board considers appropriate.

For  filling  a  casual  vacancy  or  as  an  addition  to  the  existing  Board,  the  Nomination  Committee  shall  make 
recommendations for the Board’s consideration and approval. For proposing candidates to stand for election 
at  a  general  meeting,  the  Nomination  Committee  shall  make  nominations  to  the  Board  for  its  consideration 
and recommendation. On making recommendation, the Nomination Committee may submit to the Board for 
consideration a proposal comprising, inter alia, the personal profile of the proposed candidate, which contains 
at  least  the  candidate’s  information  required  to  be  disclosed  under  Rule  13.51  of  the  Listing  Rules.  The 
Board  shall  be  vested  with  power  to  make  the  final  decision  on  all  matters  relating  to  the  recommendation 
of  candidates  (i)  for  appointment;  and  (ii)  for  standing  for  election  at  a  general  meeting  as  a  director  of  the 
Company.

The Nomination Committee will review the Board Diversity Policy and the Nomination Policy from time to time 
to ensure that the polices will be implemented effectively.

32

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance ReportAUDITOR AND AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

The  statement  of  the  external  auditor  of  the  Company  about  their  responsibilities  on  the  Company’s 
consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2021  is  set  out  in  the  “Independent 
Auditor’s Report” on pages 63 to 69 of this annual report.

For the year ended 31 December 2021, the remuneration payable to the Company’s auditor, Moore Stephens 
CPA  Limited,  for  the  provision  of  audit  services  amounted  to  HK$1,198,000.  During  the  year,  a  sum  of 
HK$148,000 was paid as remuneration to Moore Stephens CPA Limited for the provision of non-audit related 
services.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The  Audit  Committee  has  specific  written  terms  of  reference  that  is  in  compliance  with  the  CG  Code.  At 
the  date  of  this  annual  report,  the  Audit  Committee  comprises  three  Independent  Non-executive  Directors, 
namely Mr. Pun Chi Ping, Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine and Mr. Kwong Tin Lap, who among themselves possess 
a wealth of management experience in the accounting profession and in commercial fields. Mr. Pun Chi Ping is 
the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee is mainly responsible for reviewing the financial statements of the Company, reviewing 
the risk management and internal control systems of the Group and meeting with the auditor of the Company 
for audit matters. Any findings and recommendations of the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Board 
for consideration.

The Audit Committee is authorised by the Board to investigate any activity within its terms of reference. It is 
authorised to seek any information it requires from any employee. It is also authorised to obtain outside legal 
or other independent professional advice and to secure the attendance of outsiders with relevant experience 
and expertise if it considers necessary. The full terms of reference are available on the Company’s website and 
the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s website.

The Audit Committee met three times during the year ended 31 December 2021 and the attendance of each 
member is set out below:

Members

Number of attendance

Mr. Pun Chi Ping
Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine
Mr. Kwong Tin Lap

3/3
3/3
3/3

33

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance Report 
AUDIT COMMITTEE (continued)

The following is a summary of work performed by the Audit Committee during the year:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

reviewed  and  discussed  the  audited  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Company  for  the  year 
ended 31 December 2020 and recommended the same to the Board for approval;

reviewed  and  discussed  the  unaudited  condensed  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Company 
for the six months ended 30 June 2021 and recommended the same to the Board for approval;

reviewed and discussed with the management and the auditor of the Company the accounting policies 
and  practices  which  may  have  significant  impact  on  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the 
Company and the scope of the audit;

reviewed report from the auditor of the Company regarding their audit on the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020;

reviewed the effectiveness of the risk management and internal control systems of the Group; and

reviewed and approved the remuneration and the terms of engagement of the Company’s auditor; and 
reviewed and made recommendations to the Board on the re-appointment of the Company’s auditor.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

The  Board  has  delegated  the  corporate  governance  duties  to  the  Corporate  Governance  Committee.  The 
Corporate  Governance  Committee  has  specific  written  terms  of  reference  that  includes  the  corporate 
governance  functions  set  out  in  the  CG  Code.  At  the  date  of  this  annual  report,  the  Corporate  Governance 
Committee comprises three members, including two Executive Directors, namely Mr. Sue Ka Lok and Mr. Chan 
Shui Yuen, and one Independent Non-executive Director, namely Mr. Kwong Tin Lap. Mr. Kwong Tin Lap is the 
Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee.

The  main  responsibilities  of  the  Corporate  Governance  Committee  are  (i)  to  develop  and  review  the  Group’s 
policies  and  practices  on  corporate  governance  and  make  recommendations  to  the  Board;  (ii)  to  review  and 
monitor  the  training  and  continuous  professional  development  of  directors  and  senior  management;  (iii)  to 
review and monitor the Group’s policies and practices on compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; 
(iv)  to  develop,  review  and  monitor  the  code  of  conduct  and  compliance  manual  applicable  to  employees 
and  directors  of  the  Group;  and  (v)  to  review  the  Group’s  compliance  with  the  CG  Code  and  its  disclosure 
requirements in the Corporate Governance Report. The full terms of reference are available on the Company’s 
website and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s website.

34

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance ReportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE (continued)

The  Corporate  Governance  Committee  met  once  during  the  year  ended  31  December  2021  to  review  the 
training and continuous professional development of directors; and the Group’s compliance with the CG Code. 
The attendance of each member is set out below:

Members

Mr. Kwong Tin Lap
Mr. Sue Ka Lok
Mr. Chan Shui Yuen

Number of attendance

1/1
1/1
1/1

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  Directors  acknowledge  their  responsibility  for  preparing  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for 
the  year  ended  31  December  2021,  which  give  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  state  of  affairs  of  the  Company 
and  of  the  Group  at  that  date  and  of  the  Group’s  results  and  cash  flows  for  the  year  then  ended,  and  are 
properly prepared on the going concern basis in accordance with the statutory requirements and applicable 
accounting standards.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL CONTROL

The Board acknowledges its responsibility for maintaining sound and effective risk management and internal 
control  systems  and  reviewing  their  effectiveness  to  safeguard  the  shareholders’  interests  and  the  Group’s 
assets  at  least  annually.  The  systems  are  designed  to  identifying,  analysing,  evaluating  and  mitigating  risk 
exposures  that  may  impact  the  continued  efficiency  and  effectiveness  of  the  operations  of  the  Group.  The 
goal of the risk management and internal control mechanism is to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
fulfilment of corporate development strategies and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or 
loss.

Effective  risk  management  is  essential  in  the  long-term  growth  and  sustainability  of  the  Group’s  businesses. 
The  Board  monitors  the  risk  management  and  internal  control  systems  on  an  ongoing  basis,  evaluates 
and  determines  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  risks  it  is  willing  to  take  in  achieving  the  strategic  objectives. 
An  annual  review  of  effectiveness  of  the  Group’s  risk  management  and  internal  control  systems  has  been 
conducted. The annual review covers financial, operational and compliance controls of key operations of the 
Group  and  ensures  the  adequacy  of  resources,  staff  qualifications  and  experience,  training  programmes  and 
budget of the Group’s accounting, internal audit and financial reporting functions.

35

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance Report 
RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL CONTROL (continued)

The  process  used  to  identify,  evaluate  and  manage  the  significant  risks  (including,  environmental,  social  and 
governance (“ESG”) risks) of the Group is embedded in the Group’s normal business operations. Organisational 
structure is well established with clearly defined authorities and responsibilities, and the Group has developed 
various risk management and internal control policies and procedures for each business unit to follow. Business 
units are responsible for identifying, assessing and monitoring risks (including ESG risks) associated with their 
respective units regularly. The results of the assessment are reported to the management which subsequently 
assesses  the  likelihood  of  risk  occurrence,  provides  remedial  plan  and  monitors  the  progress  of  rectification 
with  the  assistance  of  the  head  of  the  business  units.  The  results  of  the  assessment  and  effectiveness  of  the 
Group’s risk management and internal control systems have been reported to the Audit Committee.

In  connection  with  the  controls  on  compliance  aspect,  guidelines  are  provided  to  the  directors,  officers, 
management and relevant staff in handling and disseminating sensitive and confidential inside information with 
due care. Only personnel at appropriate level can get reach of the sensitive and confidential inside information.

The  Group  does  not  have  an  internal  audit  function  due  to  the  size  of  the  Group  and  consideration  for 
cost  effectiveness.  Instead,  the  Company  had  engaged  an  external  consultant  to  conduct  a  review  on  the 
Group’s  risk  management  and  internal  control  systems  to  identify  and  evaluate  significant  risks  (including 
ESG  risks)  of  the  business  operations  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2021.  The  Board  believes  that  the 
involvement of the external consultant could enhance the objectivity and transparency of evaluation process. 
The  external  consultant  had  conducted  an  annual  review  to  identify  risks  (including  ESG  risks)  that  could 
potentially  impact  the  businesses  of  the  Group,  review  key  operational  and  financial  processes  as  well  as 
regulatory  compliance  and  information  security,  and  assess  the  adequacy  and  effectiveness  of  the  Group’s 
risk  management  and  internal  control  systems.  The  review  covered  all  material  controls,  including  financial, 
operational  and  compliance  controls.  After  the  review,  a  Risk  Management  and  Internal  Control  Report  (the 
“RM and IC Report”) with findings and recommendations for improvement in relation to the systems had been 
provided  to  the  Audit  Committee  and  the  management.  The  RM  and  IC  Report  has  been  endorsed  by  the 
Audit Committee and the management is required to establish remedial plans and take actions to rectify those 
internal control deficiencies identified (which are all at low risk level) according to the respective risk level and 
priorities. Subsequent review will be performed by the external consultant to monitor the implementation of 
those agreed recommendations and to report the results of the follow-up review to the Audit Committee.

After reviewing the RM and IC Report, the Board is not aware of any significant risk management and internal 
control  weaknesses  or  inconsistencies  with  the  Group’s  risk  management  and  internal  control  policies,  and 
considers  the  existing  risk  management  and  internal  control  systems  are  effective  and  adequate.  The  Board 
is  also  of  the  opinion  that  the  Group  has  adequate  financial  and  human  resources  for  its  accounting  and 
financial  reporting  function  as  well  as  those  relating  to  the  Group’s  ESG  performance.  The  Company  has 
complied with the relevant code provisions of the CG Code relating to risk management and internal control.

COMPANY SECRETARY

Mr.  Chan  Shui  Yuen  (“Mr.  Chan”),  Executive  Director  of  the  Company,  was  appointed  the  Company 
Secretary  on  10  November  2017.  The  biographical  details  of  Mr.  Chan  are  set  out  under  the  section  headed 
“Biographical Details of Directors and Senior Management” on pages 17 to 19 of this annual report. Mr. Chan 
has taken no less than 15 hours of the relevant professional training during the year ended 31 December 2021.

36

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance ReportSHAREHOLDER RIGHTS

The  annual  general  meeting  (“AGM”)  of  the  Company  provides  a  forum  for  communication  between 
shareholders and the Board. The notice of the AGM is despatched to all shareholders at least 20 clear business 
days prior to such AGM. The chairmen of all Board committees are invited to attend the AGM. The chairman of 
the Board and the chairmen of all the Board committees, or in their absence, other members of the respective 
committees,  are  available  to  answer  questions  at  the  AGM.  The  auditor  of  the  Company  is  also  invited  to 
attend  the  AGM  to  answer  questions  about  the  conduct  of  the  audit,  the  preparation  and  content  of  the 
auditor’s report, the accounting policies and the auditor’s independence.

Procedures for shareholders to convene a special general meeting

In  accordance  with  bye-law  64  of  the  Company’s  Bye-laws,  the  Board  may,  whenever  it  thinks  fit,  convene 
a  special  general  meeting,  and  special  general  meetings  shall  also  be  convened  on  requisition,  as  provided 
by  the  Companies  Act  1981  of  Bermuda  (the  “Companies  Act”)  and  in  default,  may  be  convened  by  the 
requisitionists. Pursuant to the Companies Act, shareholders holding at the date of deposit of the requisition 
not less than one-tenth of the paid up capital of the Company carrying the right of voting at general meetings 
of the Company shall at all times have the right, by written requisition to the Board or the Company Secretary 
of  the  Company,  to  require  a  special  general  meeting  to  be  called  by  the  Board  for  the  transaction  of  any 
business  specified  in  such  requisition.  If  the  Board  does  not  within  twenty-one  days  from  the  date  of  the 
deposit of the requisition proceed duly to convene a meeting, the requisitionists, or any of them representing 
more  than  one  half  of  the  total  voting  rights  of  all  of  them,  may  themselves  convene  a  meeting,  but  any 
meeting so convened shall not be held after the expiration of three months from the said date in accordance 
with the provisions of Section 74(3) of the Companies Act.

Procedures for shareholders to put forward proposals at general meetings

Pursuant to the Companies Act, any number of shareholders representing not less than one-twentieth of the 
total voting rights of all the shareholders having at the date of the requisition a right to vote at the meeting to 
which the requisition relates; or not less than one hundred shareholders, can request the Company in writing 
to:

(a) 

(b) 

give  to  shareholders  of  the  Company  entitled  to  receive  notice  of  the  next  annual  general  meeting 
notice  of  any  resolution  which  may  properly  be  moved  and  is  intended  to  be  moved  at  that  meeting; 
and

circulate to shareholders of the Company entitled to have notice of any general meeting send to them 
any  statement  of  not  more  than  one  thousand  words  with  respect  to  the  matter  referred  to  in  any 
proposed resolution or the business to be dealt with at that meeting.

The  requisition  must  be  deposited  to  the  Company  not  less  than  six  weeks  before  the  meeting  in  case  of  a 
requisition requiring notice of a resolution or not less than one week before the meeting in case of any other 
requisition.

37

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance ReportSHAREHOLDER RIGHTS (continued)

Procedures for shareholders to propose a person for election as a director of the Company
According to bye-law 104 of the Company’s Bye-laws, no person other than a director retiring at the general 
meeting  of  the  Company  shall,  unless  recommended  by  the  directors  for  election,  be  eligible  for  election  as 
a  director  at  any  general  meeting  of  the  Company  unless  a  notice  signed  by  a  shareholder  of  the  Company 
(other  than  the  person  to  be  proposed)  duly  qualified  to  attend  and  vote  at  the  general  meeting  of  the 
Company  for  which  such  notice  is  given  of  his/her  intention  to  propose  such  person  for  election  and  also  a 
notice signed by the person to be proposed of his/her willingness to be elected shall have been lodged at the 
Company’s principal place of business in Hong Kong or at the Company’s branch share registrar and transfer 
office  in  Hong  Kong,  Tricor  Tengis  Limited  provided  that  the  minimum  length  of  the  period,  during  which 
such notice(s) are given, shall be at least seven days and that the period for lodgement of such notice(s) shall 
commence  no  earlier  than  the  day  after  the  despatch  of  the  notice  of  the  general  meeting  and  end  no  later 
than seven days prior to the date of such general meeting.

Procedures for directing shareholders’ enquiries to the Board
Shareholders  may  at  any  time  send  their  enquiries  and  concerns  in  writing  to  the  Company  Secretary  at  the 
Company’s principal place of business in Hong Kong at Room 2107, 21st Floor, Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour 
Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.

INVESTOR RELATIONS

The  Company  has  established  a  range  of  communication  channels  between  itself  and  its  shareholders, 
investors and other stakeholders. These include the annual general meetings, the annual and interim reports, 
notices, announcements and circulars and the Company’s website at www.epiholdings.com.

A  printed  copy  of  the  Bye-laws  has  been  published  on  the  websites  of  the  Company  and  the  Hong  Kong  Stock 
Exchange.  There  had  been  no  changes  in  the  Company’s  constitutional  documents  during  the  year  ended  31 
December 2021.

DIVIDEND POLICY

According  to  the  dividend  policy  adopted  by  the  Company,  in  deciding  whether  to  propose  a  dividend  and 
in  determining  the  dividend  amount,  the  Board  shall  take  into  account,  among  other  things,  the  following 
factors:  (i)  the  actual  and  expected  financial  performance  of  the  Group;  (ii)  the  retained  earnings  and 
distributable reserves of the Group; (iii) the expected working capital requirements and future expansion plans 
of the Group; (iv) liquidity position of the Group; and (v) any other factors that the Board deems appropriate. 
The  declaration  and  payment  of  dividends  by  the  Company  shall  be  determined  at  the  sole  and  absolute 
discretion of the Board and is also subject to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations including the 
Companies Act and the Company’s Bye-laws.

SUFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC FLOAT

Based  on  information  that  is  publicly  available  to  the  Company  and  within  the  knowledge  of  the  Directors, 
at  least  25%  of  the  Company’s  total  issued  shares  is  held  by  the  public  as  at  22  April  2022,  being  the  latest 
practicable date before printing of this annual report.

38

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Corporate Governance ReportOVERVIEW

The Board is pleased to present this Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Report (the “ESG Report”) 
of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group” or “we” or “our”) for the year ended 31 December 2021 (the 
“Reporting Period”). The ESG Report summarises the policies, sustainability strategies, management approach 
and  initiatives  implemented  by  the  Group  as  well  as  performance  of  the  Group  in  environmental  and  social 
aspects of its businesses.

REPORTING SCOPE

The ESG Report covers the Group’s businesses of petroleum exploration and production, solar energy, money 
lending  and  investment  in  securities  in  Argentina,  the  PRC  and  Hong  Kong,  which  are  the  Group's  core 
businesses and in aggregate generating 100% of the Group's revenue. Except for the newly established solar 
energy business, there were no significant changes to the scope of reporting for the Reporting Period.

REPORTING BASIS

The  ESG  Report  discloses  the  required  information  under  the  “comply  or  explain”  provisions  of  the  ESG 
Reporting  Guide  set  out  in  Appendix  27  to  the  Listing  Rules.  Information  relating  to  the  Group's  corporate 
governance practices is set out in the "Corporate Governance Report" of this annual report.

REPORTING PRINCIPLES

The Group adheres to the following reporting principles as the basis for the preparation of the ESG Report.

Materiality: The content of this report is determined by stakeholder participation and materiality assessment 
process, which includes identifying material environmental and social related issues, collecting and reviewing 
the views and suggestions of the management and stakeholders, assessing the relevance and significance of 
different issues, and compiling and validating the reported content.

Quantitative:  The  key  performance  indicators  (“KPIs”)  relating  to  the  environmental  and  social  aspects 
are  disclosed  in  this  report  to  give  stakeholders  of  the  Group  a  comprehensive  picture  of  the  Group’s  ESG 
performance. The information is accompanied by a narrative description, explaining its purposes and impacts.

Balance:  Every  effort  has  been  made  in  this  report  to  reflect  the  performance  of  the  Group’s  ESG  activities 
impartially and has avoided selection, omission or presentation of format that might inappropriately influence 
the decision or judgment of the readers of this report.

Consistency:  As  far  as  is  reasonably  practicable,  the  Group  has  used  consistent  methodologies  in  preparing 
this report to allow for meaningful comparisons of ESG data over time.

39

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportA. 

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE MANAGEMENT

Report from the Board

The  Group  is  committed  to  corporate  social  responsibility  and  balancing  environmental,  social  and 
economic benefits. The Group also hopes to balance its business development with the interests of its 
key stakeholders and operates its businesses in a sustainable manner. To achieve this vision, the Group 
has  set  a  sustainability  framework  that  focuses  on  environmental  protection,  resource  management, 
employee  and  community  well-being  and  guides  its  sustainability  efforts  to  ensure  that  sustainability 
elements are integrated into all operation and all business decisions.

Global  warming  is  a  growing  concern.  As  a  socially  responsible  corporate,  the  Group  is  committed 
to  mitigating  its  environmental  impact  and  integrating  responsible  environmental  practices  into  its 
businesses. Moreover, the Group is endeavoured to foster a sense of environmental stewardship within 
the Company, with an aim to make joint efforts with the employees to build an environmental-friendly 
and  resource-saving  enterprise.  During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group  entered  into  the  solar  energy 
business  segment,  with  a  view  to  contribute  its  efforts  in  promoting  the  use  of  clean  and  renewable 
energy, and building a greener environment.

In the midst COVID-19, the employees of the Group have shown strong team spirit and the Group has 
provided multi-pronged support to the employees to avoid infection and helped to prevent the spread 
of  COVID-19  in  the  community.  The  Group  has  provided  various  supportive  measures  to  employees 
which  include  providing  epidemic  prevention  materials  and  rapid  antigen  test  kit  to  employees,  and 
facilitating  “work  from  home”  arrangement.  Despite  the  severity  of  the  pandemic,  the  Group  remains 
concerned  about  employees’  remuneration  and  benefits,  career  development  opportunities,  provision 
of  safe  working  environment,  and  fulfilling  corporate  social  responsibility.  There  might  still  be  a  long 
way  to  fight  against  the  pandemic,  nevertheless,  the  Group  hopes  that  all  of  the  employees  and  the 
community  will  continue  to  put  unremitting  efforts  in  going  through  the  adversities  and  challenges, 
and make continuous progress towards sustainable development.

To achieve this vision, the Board has set a number of environmental and social KPIs and has taken a top-
down approach to disintegrate the KPIs into the functional departments. The Board not only aimed to 
improve the well-being of the employees, but also encourages the employees to participate in making 
changes in different areas, which include reducing greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions and making good 
use  of  resources.  During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Board  has  actively  supported  the  implementation 
of  the  Group's  sustainable  development  strategies  and  action  plans  by  the  management  team  and  all 
employees.  The  relevant  scope,  progress  and  achievements  relating  to  the  environmental  and  social 
KPIs are disclosed in this report.

The  Group  hopes  that  its  professional  management  team  can  continue  to  commit  to  stable  operation 
and  prudent  financial  management  policy,  meet  the  challenges  ahead  with  success,  implement 
sustainable development strategies, improve business performance and create more meaningful long-
term value for the enterprise and its stakeholders.

40

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportGovernance Structure

The  Board  believes  that  sound  ESG  strategies  can  create  investment  value  for  the  Group  and  deliver 
long-term  returns  to  its  stakeholders.  The  establishment  of  an  appropriate  governance  framework 
is  critical  to  the  successful  implementation  of  the  Group's  ESG  sustainability  strategies  and  an  ESG 
governance  structure  with  clear  duties  and  responsibilities  has  been  set  up  by  the  Group.  The  Board 
has  established  the  long-term  policies  and  strategies  for  all  sustainability  matters,  and  will  review  the 
implementation  status  and  progress  of  the  ESG  matters  annually  and  report  on  its  performance.  The 
Board  has  also  identified,  reviewed  and  evaluated  the  corporate  responsibility,  sustainability  and  the 
Group's  response  to  climate  change  through  internal  meetings.  The  management  team  reports  to 
the  Board  on  a  regular  basis  to  assist  the  Board  in  assessing  and  determining  whether  the  Company 
has  established  an  appropriate  and  effective  internal  control  system  to  contain  the  ESG  risks.  At 
the  operational  level,  functional  units  are  responsible  for  ensuring  the  integration  of  sustainability 
strategies  and  practices  into  the  Group’s  business  operations  as  well  as  exploring  new  action  plans/
initiatives.

Board members are responsible for: 
  Developing long-term sustainable development policies and strategies 
  Assessing and iden�fying risks and opportuni�es associated with ESG 
  Ensuring appropriate and effec�ve ESG risk management and internal 

The Board 

monitoring systems 

  Reviewing and approving policies, objec�ves and ac�on plans/measures 

rela�ng to ESG ma�ers
  Approving ESG reports 

Management 
Team 

The management team is responsible for: 
  Developing and reviewing ESG-related policies, objec�ves and ac�on 

plans/measures   

  Monitoring and repor�ng to the Board on the progress of the implementa�on 

of the ac�on plan/measures
Iden�fying ESG risks and opportuni�es 

 
  Reviewing ESG reports

Func�onal 
Department 

The func�onal departments are responsible for: 
 

Iden�fying, assessing, defining and repor�ng to the management on 
significant ESG issues

  Performing ESG risk management and internal monitoring   
  Ensuring ESG policies, objec�ves and ac�on plans/measures are integrated 

into business opera�ons 

  Repor�ng to management on progress and quality of ac�on plan/measures  

The  Board  has  appointed  an  independent  consultant  to  provide  advice  on  the  ESG  matters  and  assist 
in  collecting  data  and  information  for  conducting  various  analyses,  and  providing  improvement 
recommendations  on  the  Group's  ESG  performance.  The  Group  has  also  collected  the  views  of  key 
stakeholders on ESG matters during daily operations and conducted a materiality assessment to identify 
important ESG issues for the Group, details of which are disclosed in the sections headed “Stakeholders’ 
Engagement” and “Materiality Assessment” below. To effectively lead the ESG process of the Group, the 
Board  monitors  the  work  of  all  departments  to  ensure  that  they  work  closely  together  to  achieve  the 
sustainable development goals of operational compliance and social responsibility.

41

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance Report 
 
 
 
 
Stakeholders’ Engagement

The  Group  is  committed  to  maintaining  the  sustainable  development  of  its  business  and  providing 
support  to  environmental  protection  and  the  community  in  which  it  operates.  The  Group  maintains 
a  close  tie  with  its  stakeholders,  including  government/regulatory  organisations,  shareholders/
investors,  employees,  customers,  suppliers,  community,  etc.  and  strives  to  balance  their  opinions  and 
interests  through  constructive  communications  in  order  to  determine  the  directions  of  its  sustainable 
development.  The  Group  assesses  and  determines  its  environmental,  social  and  governance  risks,  and 
ensures  that  the  relevant  risk  management  and  internal  control  systems  are  operating  properly  and 
effectively.

The following table contains the expectations and concerns of the key stakeholders, as identified by the 
Group, and the corresponding management response:

Stakeholders

Government/
regulatory 
organisations

Expectations and Concerns

Management Response

  Compliance with laws and 

  Uphold integrity and compliance 

regulations

in operations

  Fulfill tax obligation

 

Joint efforts in combating 
COVID-19

  Pay tax on time, which in return 
contributing to the society

  Establish comprehensive and 

effective internal control system

  Follow the government’s 

COVID-19 prevention measures 
and guidelines to prevent the 
spread of COVID-19

Shareholders/
investors

  Return on investment

  Management possesses 

 

Information transparency

  Corporate governance system

experience and professional 
knowledge in business 
sustainability

  Regular information 

dissemination via publications 
on the websites of the Hong 
Kong Stock Exchange and the 
Company

  Dedicated to improvement of 

internal control system and focus 
on risk management

42

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportStakeholders’ Engagement (continued)

Stakeholders

Employees

Expectations and Concerns

Management Response

  Labour rights

  Set up contractual obligations to 

  Career development

  Compensation and welfare

  Health and workplace safety

 

Joint efforts in combating 
COVID-19

protect labour rights

  Encourage employees to 
participate in continuous 
education and professional 
trainings to enhance competency

  Establish fair, reasonable and 
competitive remuneration 
scheme

  Pay attention to occupational 

health and workplace safety

  Provide epidemic prevention 

materials

Customers

  High quality products and 

  Provide high quality products 

customer services

Suppliers

 

Integrity

  Corporate reputation

and services continuously in 
order to maintain customer 
satisfaction

  Ensure proper contractual 
obligations are in place

  Ensure the performance of 
contractual obligations

  Establish policy and procedures 

regarding supply chain 
management

  Stringent selection of suppliers

Community

  Environmental protection

  Pay attention to climate change

  Reduce GHG emissions

  Effective resources utilisation

  Strengthen management in 
energy saving and emission 
reduction

  Community contribution

  Economic development

 

Joint efforts in combating 
COVID-19

  Encourage employees to actively 
participate in charitable activities 
and voluntary services

  Ensure good and stable financial 
performance and business 
growth

  Follow the government’s 

COVID-19 prevention measures 
and guidelines to prevent the 
spread of COVID-19

43

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportMateriality Assessment

During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Board  held  discussions  with  the  management  team  and  conducted 
materiality assessment through various channels to identify ESG issues in which both the Group and its 
key stakeholders are interested and assessed the level of concern as viewed by them so as to select the 
material ESG-related issues. For the materiality assessment, the Group has adopted the following three 
processes:

Iden�fica�on 

 Iden�fies ESG issues through diverse channels and

internal discussion

 Examines and adopts the ESG issues of concern in the 

past stakeholders’ engagement 

 Draws a�en�on to emerging ESG issues 

Prioritisa�on 

  Synthesises, analyses and evaluates the views of all 
par�es to iden�fy and priori�ses poten�al and
important issues  

  Develops materiality matrix based on the importance of 

the issue to the Group and its key stakeholders 

Valida�on 

  Interacts with the management team to validate the 

materiality assessment and ensure that these issues are 
aligned with the sustainable development direc�on 
sought by the Group 

  Reports the materiality assessment to the Board and 

makes disclosure in the ESG Report  

44

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance Report 
 
 
 
 
 
Materiality Assessment (continued)

Materiality assessment helps the Group to ensure its business objectives and development direction are 
in line with the expectations and requirements of its stakeholders. The matters of concern of the Group 
and its stakeholders are presented in the following materiality matrix:

h
g
H

i

m
u

i

d
e
M

w
o
L

s
r
e
d

l

o
h
e
k
a
t
S
o
t
e
c
n
a
t
r
o
p
m

I

Materiality Matrix

  Anti-discrimination 

  Talent management

measures

 

Labour rights 
protection

  Staff training 

and promotion 
opportunity

  Customer’s 
satisfaction

  Product and customer 

service quality

  Staff compensation 

  Suppliers 

and welfare

management

  Occupational health 
and workplace safety

  Community 
contribution

  Anti-corruption 
measures

  Operational 
compliance

  Air and GHG emission

  Client’s privacy 

  Energy conservation 

measures

measures and 
protection

  Product safety

  Preventive measures 
for child and forced 
labour

  Water resources 
utilisation

  Generation of non-

hazardous wastes

Low

Medium

High

Importance to the Group

  Environmental

  Employee

  Operation

45

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance Report 
 
B. 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Petroleum Exploration and Production Business

The  Group  has  commenced  its  petroleum  exploration  and  production  business  since  the  end  of  2009.  
As  referred  to  in  the  “Management  Discussion  and  Analysis”  on  pages  6  to  16  of  this  annual  report, 
the  Group's  interest  in  the  CHE  Concession  ceased  in  March  2021.  As  such,  the  Group  was  engaged  in 
petroleum  exploration  and  production  activities  in  the  CHE  Concession  situated  at  the  Cuyana  Basin, 
Mendoza Province of Argentina until March 2021.

Chañares Energia S.A. (“Chañares”) was the concessionaire and operator of the CHE Concession, and was 
responsible to comply with the rules and regulations of the hydrocarbon and oil industry in Argentina 
relating to environmental protection and labour practice.

During  the  Reporting  Period  (until  the  Group's  cessation  of  interest  in  the  CHE  Concession),  crude  oil 
after processing was delivered to the collection point and sold to the customer, YPF S.A. (a state-owned 
petroleum company). Chañares had been handling the above sales process for the Group and charging 
the Group handling fees for services provided.

The  Group  daily  works  in  the  oil  field  mainly  included  monitoring  and  controlling  the  production 
process performed by Chañares, and recording the quantity and quality of crude oil produced and sold.

During  the  Reporting  Period  (until  the  Group's  cessation  of  interest  in  the  CHE  Concession),  the  daily 
production  and  sales  processes  of  the  Group’s  petroleum  exploration  and  production  operation  were 
handled  by  Chañares,  whilst  the  Group  had  not  drilled  any  new  well  and  performed  any  workover  on 
existing wells during the period. Accordingly, the Group did not directly produce any air emissions and 
hazardous wastes, and had not directly caused any significant impact on the environment where the oil 
field was situated.

Solar Energy Business

During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group  has  commenced  to  engage  in  the  solar  energy  business 
through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, EPI Energy Investments Limited, which invests in various 
solar  energy  power  generation  projects  located  in  Hong  Kong  and  selling  the  electricity  generated 
by  the  systems  to  the  two  power  companies  in  Hong  Kong,  thereby  earning  the  feed-in  tariff  income 
under  the  Renewable  Energy  Feed-in  Tariff  Scheme  launched  by  the  Hong  Kong  Government  and  the 
two power companies in Hong Kong. During the Reporting Period, the Group was entitled to a share of 
electricity generated by the solar energy power generation systems of approximately 163,000 kilowatt 
hours ("kWh").

46

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportEnvironmental protection issues relating to the Group’s other operations are analysed below:

Emissions and Energy Consumption

The Group has always been committed to assessing and reporting its carbon footprint to the public. As 
the Group’s operations (other than the petroleum exploration and production and solar energy power 
generation activities) are mainly operated in an office setting, their impact to the environment are GHG 
and air emissions generated by consumption of electricity and natural gas, and fuel consumption of the 
office vehicles. The Group’s operating initiatives are to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide generated 
in its business activities. Therefore, the Group focuses on carrying out various energy saving measures 
to minimise the impact on the environment resulted from the emissions. During the Reporting Period, 
the  Group  produced  17.64  Carbon  Dioxide  Equivalent  (“CO2e”)  tonnes  of  GHG  emission,  including  4.62 
CO2e tonnes of Scope 1 GHG emissions and 13.02 CO2e tonnes of Scope 2 GHG emissions.

The GHG emission from the operation has been calculated and measured as follows:

2021

2020

Scope 1 – Direct Emission

Consumption

Gasoline and diesel

1,678 Liters

Intensity (per employee):

80 Liters

Carbon 
Dioxide 
Equivalent 
Emission 
(in tonne)

4.62

0.22

Consumption

5,010 Liters

167 Liters

Carbon 
Dioxide 
Equivalent 
Emission 
(in tonne)

13.60

0.45

47

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emissions and Energy Consumption (continued)

2021

2020

Scope 2 – Indirect Emission

Consumption

Electricity
Natural gas

13,879 kWh
2,129,782 Liters

Intensity (per employee):
Electricity
Natural gas

661 kWh
101,418 Liters

Carbon 
Dioxide 
Equivalent 
Emission 
(in tonne)

8.45
4.57

13.02

0.40
0.22

0.62

Consumption

29,224 kWh
2,689,776 Liters

974 kWh
89,659 Liters

Carbon 
Dioxide 
Equivalent 
Emission 
(in tonne)

20.76
5.78

26.54

0.69
0.19

0.88

Fuel Consumption

The  Group  has  established  policies  relating  to  fuel-saving  of  business  vehicles  such  as  minimising 
their  use,  eliminating  excessive  fuel  consumption,  and  carrying  out  regular  vehicle  inspection  and 
maintenance.  Owing  to  the  Group's  cessation  of  interest  in  the  CHE  Concession,  the  Group’s  fuel 
consumption  dropped  by  3,332  liters  or  66.50%  when  compared  to  the  consumption  in  2020,  with  a 
corresponding  decrease  in  CO2e  emissions.  During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Nitrogen  Oxide  (“NOX”), 
Sulphur Oxide (“SOX”) and Particulate Matters (“PM”) emitted by vehicles used by the Group's operation 
in Argentina had increased to 11.74 kilograms, 0.03 kilograms, 1.08 kilograms respectively, compared to 
8.83 kilograms, 0.07 kilograms, 0.76 kilograms in 2020, which was mainly a result of the switch in use of 
fuel by the vehicles from gasoline to diesel due to costs concern.

At  the  beginning  of  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group  set  target  to  reduce  fuel  consumption  and  the 
corresponding GHG emission by 10% when compared with the previous year. The target is considered 
as achieved this year. Relevant data are set out in the section headed “Summary of Environmental Data 
and Performance” below.

48

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emissions and Energy Consumption (continued)

Natural Gas Consumption

The  office  of  the  Group's  operation  in  Argentina  mainly  uses  natural  gas  for  heating.  To  minimise  gas 
consumption, the  Group  advises its employees to turn off the heater after work,  and  conducts  regular 
inspection  and  carries  out  corrective  repairs  and  maintenance  to  the  equipment  and  pipelines  to 
enhance  thermal  efficiency  of  natural  gas.  In  2021,  the  natural  gas  consumption  was  2,129,782  liters. 
The Group's operation in Argentina has moved to a new office in October 2021 where there is no supply 
of natural gas, as a result, the natural gas consumption of the Group's office in Argentina decreased by 
20.82% when compared to 2020, with a  corresponding decrease in CO2e emission.

At the beginning of the Reporting Period, the Group set target to reduce the gas consumption and the 
corresponding GHG emission by 10% when compared with the previous year. The target is considered 
as achieved this year. Relevant data are set out in the section headed “Summary of Environmental Data 
and Performance” below.

Electricity Consumption

The  Group  encourages  its  employees  to  change  their  habit  of  using  electrical  appliance,  and  has 
introduced  control  measures  including  switch  off  lightings,  air-conditioners,  computers,  personal 
electronic  devices  and  office  equipment  after  work  and/or  when  they  are  idle,  and  turn  on  the  power 
saving  mode.  The  Group  also  aims  to  keep  all  electronic  appliances  well-maintained  so  as  to  extend 
the  life  of  the  equipment.  The  Group  encourages  its  employees  to  avoid  wastage  of  resources,  and 
promoting  their  awareness  of  environmental  protection  in  work  and  life  through  various  means 
including  posting  eye-catching  stickers  of  energy  efficiency  in  visible  place  in  office.  The  Group's 
operation in Hong Kong has moved to a smaller office and the Group's operation in the PRC has scaled 
down  since  mid-2020,  which  mainly  led  to  the  Group’s  electricity  consumption  to  drop  during  the 
Reporting  Period.  The  Group’s  electricity  consumption  was  13,879  kWh  during  the  Reporting  Period, 
decreased by 15,345 kWh or 52.51% when compared to 2020.

At  the  beginning  of  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group  set  target  to  reduce  electricity  consumption 
and  the  corresponding  GHG  emission  by  10%  when  compared  with  the  previous  year.  The  target 
is  considered  as  achieved  this  year.  Relevant  data  are  set  out  in  the  section  headed  “Summary  of 
Environmental Data and Performance” below.

49

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportWater Consumption

The Group does not have any water supply problem as water is adequately supplied by the government 
authorities to the office buildings where the Group’s offices are located. For drinking water, the Group 
regularly orders drinking water from external suppliers to fulfill the needs of the employees. Although 
the  Group  does  not  have  full  controls  over  water  supply,  it  recognises  the  scarcity  of  resources  the 
environment  could  offer  and  always  encourages  its  staff  members  to  cherish  water  usage,  such  as 
putting  up  “save  water”  sign  in  prominent  places  in  the  pantry  and  toilets  as  a  reminder.  For  the 
Reporting  Period,  the  Group  consumed  35  tonnes  of  water,  reduced  by  64  tonnes  or  64.65%  when 
compared to 2020.

At  the  beginning  of  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group  set  target  to  reduce  water  consumption  by  10% 
when compared with the previous year. The target is considered as achieved this year. Relevant data are 
set out in the section headed “Summary of Environmental Data and Performance” below.

Waste Reduction

The  Group  does  not  generate  any  hazardous  waste.  Waste  management  mainly  involves  recycling 
waste  papers  and  collection  of  domestic  wastes.  During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group’s  operations 
consumed  0.47  tonne  of  paper,  showing  a  decrease  of  26.56%  from  the  consumption  of  0.64  tonne  in 
2020. The scale down of the Group's office in the PRC since mid-2020 and the cessation of the Group's 
interest in the CHE Concession during the Reporting Period led to the reduced consumption of papers 
during  the  Reporting  Period.  In  addition  to  the  energy  conservation  practices  aforementioned,  the 
Group has introduced measures to reduce wastes production. The Group encourages its employees to 
read documents in electronic format, to consider the environment before printing, to despatch memos 
and  announcements  via  emails,  to  preview  document  layout  on  computer  screen,  to  print  documents 
on both sides of the papers, to use recycled papers for financial reports printing and promoting “green 
office” concepts in the office. Clearly labelled recycling bins are provided for collection of waste papers, 
plastic bottles, ink cartridges, etc. The Group also encourages its employees to reduce the use of non-
recyclable materials to minimise the adverse impact on the environment.

At  the  beginning  of  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group  set  target  to  reduce  the  waste  by  10%  when 
compared with the previous year. The target is considered as achieved this year.

50

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportThe Environment and Natural Resources

Other  than  the  Group’s  petroleum  exploration  and  production  operation  in  Argentina  and  the  solar 
energy  business  (which  commenced  in  the  second  half  of  2021),  the  Group’s  other  operations  do 
not  have  significant  impact  on  the  environment  and  natural  resources.  The  Group  has  always  been 
actively  bringing  environmental  responsibility  into  its  daily  operations,  and  encourages  staff  to  adopt 
environmentally responsible behaviour and raise awareness of environmental protection. As mentioned 
in the above sections, the Company has implemented various measures to reduce energy consumption, 
save water resources and reduce waste.

The process in generating solar electricity does not produce air pollution and GHG. Solar energy could 
have a positive impact on the environment when solar energy reduces the use of other energy sources 
that  have  negative  effects  on  the  environment.  The  Group  promote  the  use  of  energy  which  is  clean 
and renewable, with a view to contribute its efforts in building a greener environment.

Climate Change

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events and cause 
catastrophic  damage.  Climate  change  is  also  changing  seasonal  and  annual  patterns  of  temperature, 
precipitation  and  other  weather  phenomena.  The  unprecedented  crisis  from  the  global  spread  of 
COVID-19 has created significant challenges worldwide while the risks of climate change are imminent. 
Understanding of these trends and the relationships with our businesses can help the Group to prepare 
and analyse possible risks and opportunities, seize the opportunities of potential benefits and establish 
the  response  capacity  of  the  Group  in  the  long  run.  The  Group  believes  that  a  robust  response  to 
climate  change  requires  concerted  efforts  of  all  stakeholders.  Therefore,  it  will  continuously  identify 
and  address  stakeholders’  expectations  to  optimise  its  environmental  measures  in  order  to  achieve 
sustainable development and create long-term values for the stakeholders and society as a whole.

In response to climate change and cessation of the Group's interest in the CHE Concession, the Group 
has  been  actively  seeking  alternative  investment  opportunities  in  the  energy-related  business.  The 
Group  recognises  that  the  sun  is  an  incredible  and  renewable  resource  that  has  the  power  to  fuel 
life  on  earth  and  provide  clean  and  sustainable  energy  to  all  people.  Therefore,  during  the  Reporting 
Period, the Group has invested in solar photovoltaic systems which convert solar energy to electricity, 
and  selling  the  electricity  generated  to  the  two  power  companies  in  Hong  Kong.  The  Group  aims  to 
promote the use of clean and renewable energy with a view to contribute its effort in building a greener 
environment.

Compliance

During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group  had  not  involved  in  any  non-compliance  incidents  relating  to 
environmental protection. In addition, the Group had not involved in any non-compliance in relation to 
air and GHG emissions, discharge into water and land, and generation of hazardous and non-hazardous 
waste.

51

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportC. 

SOCIAL

Connecting  with  the  right  people,  building  social  capital  and  relationships,  showing  appreciation  to 
staff members, vendors and customers who keep the business running are the cornerstones of business 
success.

Employment and Labour Practices

Employment

Our  employees  are  critical  for  our  operations.  We  always  view  employees  as  the  core  asset  of  the 
Group  for  establishing  the  foundation  of  success  and  long-term  development.  When  we  formulate 
human  resources  strategies,  we  devote  to  create  an  equitable,  non-discriminatory  and  safe  working 
environment.  We  strive  to  build  a  harmonious  working  environment  for  our  employees  based  on 
mutual  respect,  trust,  impartiality,  transparency  and  truthfulness,  dynamism  and  teamwork  to 
encourage  creativity,  flexibility  and  commitment  to  accomplish  our  corporate  mission.  We  provide 
equal  opportunities  to  employees  to  capture,  promote  and  retain  talents  and  promote  personal  and 
professional  growth  by  offering  them  attractive  and  commensurate  remuneration  packages  as  well 
as  providing  various  career  development  training.  Ongoing  education  and  training  for  employees 
in  relation  to  ethical  conduct,  roles  and  responsibilities,  specific  skills  and  technological  and  market 
development are very important to nurturing talents, as are performance feedback and appraisals from 
direct  manager  to  uncover  potentials  of  employees  and  offer  competitive  compensation  packages  to 
retain  competent  staff.  In  addition,  we  strictly  comply  with  the  relevant  laws  and  regulations  in  hiring 
employees.

The  Group  has  observed  the  applicable  laws  and  regulations  of  each  business  location  relating 
to  compensation  and  dismissal,  recruitment  and  promotion,  working  hours,  rest  periods,  equal 
opportunities,  diversity,  anti-discrimination,  and  other  benefits  and  welfare,  and  always  follows  the 
principles of fairness, equality, competitiveness and non-discrimination to hire outstanding talents. We 
devote  to  protect  human  right  and  privacy  of  employees.  We  select  the  best  qualified  candidates  by 
considering various criteria such as education background, relevant working experiences, demonstrated 
knowledge,  competencies  and  skills,  desirable  personal  traits,  physical  fitness  and  development 
potential.

The Group gives equal opportunity for employment to all individuals, regardless of their race, religion, 
colour, nationality, age, marital status, gender, sexual orientation or disability. This fair treatment policy 
applies  to  all  phases  of  the  employment  relationships,  including  but  not  limited  to  hiring,  promotion, 
dismissal,  personal  development  opportunities  and  determining  wages  and  benefits.  Diversity  is  the 
strength  of  the  Group.  Every  employee  must  respect  the  people  and  cultures  with  whom  or  in  which 
they work. As an organisation, we seek diversity at all levels and expect a work environment in which all 
employees  can  develop  and  contribute  to  their  full  potential.  We  hope  to  achieve  a  win-win  situation 
through joint development of employees and the Group.

52

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportEmployment and Labour Practices (continued)

Workforce

As  at  31  December  2021,  the  number  and  distribution  of  the  Group’s  directors  and  employees  are  as 
follows:

2021

2020

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Gender1

Male

Female

Age1

20-30

31-40

41-50

>50

Geographical Region1

Hong Kong

Mainland China

Argentina

Note:

21

–

15

6

–

6

3

12

15

3

3

30

2

16

14

3

10

5

12

19

4

7

1 

The  analysis  for  workforce  by  gender,  age  group  and  geographical  region  was  based  on  the  number  of 

directors and full-time employees.

53

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportEmployment and Labour Practices (continued)

Workforce (continued)

During the Reporting Period, the Group’s director and employee turnover rate is as follows:

Gender

Male

Female

Age

20-30

31-40

41-50

>50

Geographical Region

Hong Kong

Mainland China

Argentina

2021

2020

18.80%

42.90%

100.00%

40.00%

20.00%

8.30%

21.10%

25.00%

57.10%

29.60%

50.00%

87.50%

30.80%

35.70%

21.40%

29.60%

73.30%

–

The  significant  difference  between  the  two  years  in  respect  of  the  employee  composition  analysis  by 
gender,  age  group  and  geographical  region  was  mainly  due  to  the  scale-down  of  the  PRC  operation 
during 2020 and the cessation of the Group's interest in the CHE Concession during 2021.

54

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportEmployment and Labour Practices (continued)

Working Hours, Promotion, Termination, Compensation and Other Benefits

To  retain  quality  staff,  we  offer  competitive  remuneration  scheme  and  regularly  evaluate  their  salary 
levels  to  make  sure  that  their  remuneration  packages  are  competitive.  Though  the  remuneration 
scheme  varies  in  different  nations  where  we  operate,  we  strive  to  build  a  fair,  reasonable  and 
competitive  remuneration  scheme.  Staff  salaries  are  determined  based  on  their  knowledge,  skills, 
experience  and  education  background  relevant  to  the  job  requirements.  Basic  remuneration  of  staff 
includes fixed salary, bonuses, paid holidays, etc.

Additional  allowances  that  are  also  available  to  the  employees  include  meal  allowance,  overseas 
travelling allowance, education subsidy and gymnastics allowance. Education subsidy includes courses/
modules/seminars  that  are  directly  relevant  to  the  job  and  organised  by  reputable  institutions,  other 
allowances include reimbursement of membership fee to professional institutions which are relevant to 
the job, and birthday celebration for our employees.

In  order  to  enhance  the  quality  of  work  and  competency  of  employees,  the  Group  conducts  periodic 
performance  appraisal  and  fairly  assesses  the  level  of  awards,  salary  adjustment  and/or  promotion 
recommendations  based  on  a  number  of  criteria,  including  working  experience,  seniority,  knowledge 
and skills, performance, contributions, etc.

In  compliance  with  local  labour  laws,  social  security  laws  and  regulations,  the  Group  operates 
retirement  plans  (pension  schemes  for  employees  in  the  PRC  and  Argentina,  and  the  Mandatory 
Provident  Fund  Scheme  for  employees  in  Hong  Kong)  for  its  employees.  The  Group  handles  the 
dismissal of employees and compensates them in accordance with local laws and regulations.

The  Group  attaches  importance  to  employees’  health  and  work-life  balance.  All  staff  are  expected  to 
discharge  their  job  responsibilities  within  reasonable  work  hours.  In  general,  we  implement  five-day 
work  system  with  40  working  hours  per  week.  All  employees  are  entitled  to  rest  days  and  holidays  in 
accordance  with  applicable  labour  laws  and  regulations.  In  addition  to  national  mandatory  holidays, 
employees  are  entitled  to  annual  leave,  compensation  leave  and  other  compassionate  leave.  Those 
employees  who  have  demonstrable  experience  in  the  oil  industry  are  entitled  to  additional  holidays 
under the laws in Argentina.

In  order  to  improve  employee  job  satisfaction,  to  enhance  the  cohesion  between  employees  and 
help  them  to  build  up  sense  of  belongings,  the  Group  continues  to  optimise  the  annual  performance 
appraisal,  remuneration,  recognition  and  reward  process  to  improve  the  work  environment  and 
organise various recreational activities.

The  Group  did  not  lay  off  any  employees  because  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  in  2021  (except  for  the 
voluntary  resignation  of  employees  of  the  Group’s  operation  in  the  PRC)  and  with  the  compensation 
and  welfare  of  the  employees  remain  unchanged  during  the  Reporting  Period.  In  order  to  reduce  the 
risk  of  infection,  the  Group  has  adopted  various  preventive  measures  for  the  health  and  safety  of  its 
employees as detailed in the section headed “Health and Safety” below.

55

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportEmployment and Labour Practices (continued)

Health and Safety

The  Group  always  puts  health  and  safety  of  its  employees  as  its  first  priority,  and  injury  prevention  is 
especially  important  as  part  of  our  management  practices.  The  Group  will  not  compromise  health  or 
safety  in  the  workplace  for  production  or  profit.  It  is  the  goal  of  each  location  to  have  and  maintain  a 
safe  workplace.  Health  and  safety  policies  and  procedures  are  published  for  all  our  plants,  offices  and 
work  sites.  All  employees  must  perform  their  duties  following  the  published  health  and  safety  rules, 
and  must  promptly  report  any  concerns,  safety  violations  or  incidents.  Work  performance  within  the 
operation fields are checked to verify that it is executed safely so as to minimise incidents and potential 
risks.

The Group established strict risk assessment and management policies and procedures to identify and 
minimise  potential  hazard  that  might  lead  to  injury,  illness  or  human  loss  by  providing  staff  training 
and planning in advance for the coordinated action in case of emergency. The policies and procedures 
provide  clear  and  identified  guidelines  for  staff  to  identify  and  assess  risks,  delineate  procedures  for 
handling  situations  involving  security  and  safety  of  workers  and  facilities,  carefully  plan  for  business 
operations  (including  tools  required  for  eliminating  or  controlling  risks)  and  promote  good  working 
atmosphere.  The  Group  aims  to  maintain  and  practice  the  highest  standards  in  terms  of  preventing 
incidents  and  potential  accidents  by  developing  specific  procedures,  as  well  as  identify,  assess  and 
minimise risks by scheduling operations performed in the work field.

We  provide  on-the-job  technical  training  regularly,  arrange  safety  assessment  and  organise  team-
building  activities  to  promote  job  safety.  This  is  to  ensure  that  our  employees  are  equipped  with  the 
required knowledge and skills to fulfill their job duties and able to meet the safety standards.

The Group also has insurance policies in place that are in compliance with the Employment Ordinance 
and the common law in Hong Kong, Regulation on Work-related Injury Insurance and Social Insurance 
Law  in  the  PRC  and  Risks  at  Work  Law  in  Argentina  for  injuries  at  work  for  every  employee.  We  care 
about  the  occupational  health  and  safety  programmes  as  they  strengthen  safety  awareness  and  self-
protecting tendencies of employees and maintain a safe production environment.

The  Group  believes  that  good  working  relationship  among  staff  can  minimise  hazards  within  the 
operation  site.  We  set  up  comprehensive  contingency  plan  detailing  the  handling  procedures  for 
different  types  of  contingencies  (fires,  electrical  failure,  flood  and  water  damage,  earthquakes, 
typhoons, heavy rains, etc.) When a contingency occurs, the procedure starts by notifying through any 
available  media,  according  to  the  employees’  emergency  roles.  The  primary  purpose  of  the  business 
contingency plan is to safeguard assets of the Group such as the physical safety and mental well-being 
of human life, to establish and resume critical functions as quickly as possible by providing an alternate-
processing site and to re-establish critical functions of the Group. A responsible personnel is designated 
for coordinating and supervising the work necessary during and after the incident.

56

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportEmployment and Labour Practices (continued)

Health and Safety (continued)

We  also  establish  and  optimise  our  occupational  health  management  system  to  protect  our  workers 
and  their  rights.  We  provide  all  site  workers  with  safety  protective  equipment  such  as  protective 
gloves, shock-proof glasses, hearing protectors, fire resistant jacket, helmet, boots with toes and ankles 
protection,  working  clothes,  etc.  in  sufficient  quantity  and  quality  and  the  use  of  the  safety  protective 
equipment  is  mandatory,  in  accordance  with  the  instructions  issued  by  the  Group.  All  personnel 
involved in the operation and within the scope of the location are responsible for the use of the safety 
protective  equipment  which  must  be  suitable  to  perform  the  work.  In  addition,  prior  to  the  start-up 
of  any  operational  task  within  or  outside  the  location,  a  meeting  with  the  involved  staff  present  on 
location is conducted to give knowledge of the involved maneuvers, identified risks and scope or needs 
that are required to complete such an operation.

We  attach  great  importance  to  hazard  prevention  and  control  in  order  to  effectively  improve  the 
intrinsic  safety.  Operation  department  is  responsible  for  monitoring  the  daily  conditions  of  our  wells, 
well fluid collection tanks and pipelines, and the works performed by the operator on our wells. In case 
of problem detected, the responsible personnel reports to the operator immediately. Records of works 
performed on our wells are properly documented and filed.

During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group  has  adopted  various  preventive  measures  to  reduce  the  risk 
of  infection  and  the  spread  of  the  COVID-19.  These  precautions  include  provision  of  surgical  masks 
and  alcohol-based  hand  sanitizers  to  the  employees,  reminding  employees  to  follow  good  respiratory 
and  hand  hygiene,  ensuring  the  workplace  is  clean  and  hygienic,  measuring  body  temperature  of 
employees and visitors at the reception. Also, the Group only allows employees and visitors who do not 
have symptoms of infection of COVID-19 to access to the offices and requires them to wear masks and 
maintain social distance.

There  was  no  work-related  fatality  occurred  in  each  of  the  past  three  years  including  the  Reporting 
Period. There was also no lost day due to work injury during the Reporting Period.

Development and Training

An excellent corporate team is critical to the Group’s sustainable and long-term business development. 
Therefore,  the  Group  encourages  its  employees  to  continue  studying  and  lifelong  learning.  Ongoing 
training  can  enhance  the  employees’  professional  knowledge  and  work  skills,  and  also  provides  a 
reasonable  assurance  that  the  employees  have  the  necessary  technical  knowledge,  professional 
skills  and  business  ethics  to  discharge  their  duties  efficiently  and  with  integrity.  The  Group  organises 
internal  and  external  trainings  in  explaining  the  operational  procedures  by  business,  risk  assessment 
and  management  policies  and  contingency  plan,  and  subsidises  employees  to  attend  training  courses 
whenever  necessary.  New  hires  are  required  to  participate  in  induction  orientation  which  introduces 
the  Group’s  corporate  culture,  industry  knowledge,  organisational  structure,  operational  safety,  etc. 
The latest industry information and related legislation updates in connection with the operations of the 
Group are also despatched to staff from time to time.

57

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportEmployment and Labour Practices (continued)

Development and Training (continued)

During the Reporting Period, the percentage of the Group’s trained employees is as follows:

Gender
Male
Female

Employee Category
Directors
Senior Management
Lower Level Management
Ordinary Staff

2021

2020

33%
–

100%
20%
33%
–

–
14%

–
20%
–
11%

During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  average  training  hours  attained  per  employee  of  the  Group  is  as 
follows:

Gender
Male
Female

Employee Category
Directors
Senior Management
Lower Level Management
Ordinary Staff

Note:

2021

2020

0.33
–

1.00
0.20
0.33
–

–
14.29

–
20.00
–
11.11

The  average  training  hours  refer  to  the  number  of  training  hours  arranged  by  the  Group  for  its  directors  and 

employees within the Reporting Period divided by the Group’s total number of directors and employees at the end 

of the Reporting Period.

During  the  Reporting  Period,  directors  also  participated  in  various  continuing  professional  development  training 

activities  themselves  to  ensure  that  their  contributions  to  the  Board  remain  updated  and  relevant  while  their 

respective number of training hours are not included in the above table.

58

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employment and Labour Practices (continued)

Labour Standards

The  Group  observes  the  requirements  under  the  Labour  Law  of  the  People’s  Republic  of  China, 
Employment  Ordinance  of  Hong  Kong,  Labour  Law  of  the  Republic  of  Argentina  and  other  applicable 
laws  and  regulations.  The  Group  cherishes  human  rights  and  prohibits  any  unethical  hiring  practices, 
including  child  and  forced  labour.  Employees  are  expected  to  be  open,  honest,  and  courteous  with 
each other. We honour and respect all who choose to work for the Group and the freedom of individual 
employee. We support human rights consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The  Group  reviews  the  identification  documents  during  its  hiring  process  to  prevent  child  labour. 
The  Group  has  also  implemented  various  measures  to  strictly  prevent  any  forms  of  forced  labour.  For 
example, detention of employee’s identity card or other identification documents is strictly prohibited, 
labour contract is signed by the employee on a fair and voluntary basis, any form of mental harassment 
or physical abuse, assault, body search or insult, or forcing an employee to work by means of violence, 
threat  or  unlawful  restriction  of  personal  freedom  are  all  forbidden.  Employees’  consent  for  work 
overtime  is  required  to  avoid  involuntary  overtime  work.  Also,  the  employees  are  compensated  as 
appropriate  in  accordance  with  the  applicable  labour  laws  and  regulations.  During  the  Reporting 
Period, the Group did not violate the laws and regulations related to child and forced labour.

Compliance

During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group  had  not  involved  in  any  non-compliance  incidents  relating 
to  employment,  health  and  safety,  and  labour  standards  relating  to  child  and  forced  labour  that  have 
significant impact on the Group.

Operating Practices

Supply Chain Management

Strengthening our relationships with suppliers depend on our determination for conducting all aspects 
of  our  businesses  in  a  way  that  is  mutually  beneficial  as  well  as  open.  The  Group  aims  to  develop 
relationships  with  its  suppliers  based  on  honesty,  fairness  and  mutual  trust.  Suppliers  are  selected 
according  to  the  quality  of  their  product  and  service,  their  reliability  and  their  competence  of  price. 
Each of the qualified suppliers is given a fair chance to supply quality products and provide services to 
the  Group.  We  have  established  policies  and  procedures  in  supply  chain  management  and  provided 
various  reporting  channels  for  employees,  suppliers,  customers  and  other  business  partners  to  report 
any violations of laws or regulations when people are performing their duties for the Group. During the 
Reporting Period, the Group had no significant issues relating to violations in this respect.

The Group has the right to engage experts to drill new well and perform workover on existing wells. We 
are  responsible  to  select  and  appoint  experts  and  monitor  the  works  performed  by  these  experts.  The 
experts must have the necessary qualification and be familiar with the basin where the oil field located. 
We have also established strict policy in selecting suppliers and service providers. Periodic supplier and 
service provider performance evaluation is conducted to better control and assure good quality.

59

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportOperating Practices (continued)

Supply Chain Management (continued)

The  Group  also  serves  to  maintain  long-term,  stable  and  strategic  cooperative  relationships 
with  suppliers  with  good  credit  history,  high  product  or  service  quality,  proven  track  records  of 
environmental compliance and sound commitment to social responsibility based on equality to achieve 
a  win-win  situation.  Such  bases  are  used  to  establish  an  efficient  and  green  supply  chain  system  in 
selecting  suppliers  and  service  providers,  and  to  conduct  regular  performance  reviews  with  an  aim  to 
effectively control their product and service quality. The Group does not have major suppliers due to its 
business nature.

Supplier/Service Provider Responsibility

American Petroleum Institute (“API”) gravity is a measure to determine the grade of crude oil. Crude oil 
extracted underground is treated through oil/water separation process before selling to the customer. 
Our customers check the API gravity before oil is delivered and thus no after-sale quality problem exists. 
During  the  Reporting  Period,  there  was  no  product  sold  or  shipped  subjected  to  recalls  for  safety  and 
health reasons.

For the money lending business, we handle confidential information of our clients with integrity and in 
accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Employees respect the confidentiality of information 
acquired  as  a  result  of  business  relationship  and  would  not  disclose  any  such  information  to  third 
parties without proper and specific authority unless there is a legal or professional right or duty to do 
so.  Confidential  information  that  may  be  subject  to  disclosure  requirements  according  to  applicable 
laws  and  regulations  shall  be  exchanged  internally  and  exclusively  on  a  “need-to-know”  basis.  Such 
information will strictly not be used for personal advantage by any employee of the Group.

The  Group  respects  intellectual  property  rights.  Employees  are  not  allowed  to  possess  or  use 
copyrighted material without the permission of the copyright owners.

During  the  Reporting  Period,  there  was  neither  concluded  legal  cases  regarding  our  products  and 
services  brought  against  us  nor  complaints  received  concerning  breaches  of  customer  privacy,  loss  of 
data and intellectual property rights.

Anti-corruption

The  Group  always  attach  importance  to  creating  a  harmonious  and  honest  work  environment  and  we 
commit to achieving and maintaining high integrity and accountability standards with great emphasis 
on corporate governance, moral culture and staff quality. All employees should act in upright, impartial 
and honest manner, and strictly follow the applicable laws and regulations. If employees violate them, 
they  will  face  disciplinary  action  or  even  termination  of  the  employment  contracts.  Employees  must 
observe  our  required  ethical  standards  and  make  their  own  judgements  as  to  the  appropriateness  of 
their  conduct  in  business  operation.  During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group  provided  anti-corruption 
training  for  directors  and  senior  management,  and  on-the-job  training  on  anti-corruption  to  other 
employees.

60

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportOperating Practices (continued)

Anti-corruption (continued)

When  employees  suspect  of  violations  occurred,  they  may,  in  the  case  of  absolute  confidentiality, 
report  through  different  channels  to  those  charged  with  governance.  The  Group  has  designed  a 
whistleblowing  policy  to  encourage  employees  to  raise  serious  concerns  internally  that  are  suspected 
to  be  malpractices  or  impropriety,  in  a  responsible  and  effective  manner  rather  than  overlooking  a 
problem or blowing the whistle outside. Employees who hide traces, evidences or avoid investigation of 
suspicious transactions may be considered as illegal.

In  addition,  in  order  to  minimise  the  fraud  risk,  the  Group  has  a  pre-employment  screening  process 
under which all applicants would be asked whether he/she has ever committed any criminal offences in 
the past. We continue to optimise the reporting mechanism and resolutely fight against corruption for 
building a clean social environment.

During  the  Reporting  Period,  the  Group  and  its  employees  had  not  involved  in  any  litigation  of 
corruption.

Community Investment

The  Group  views  sustainable  development  and  community  contribution  as  our  goals.  We  believe 
in  people-oriented  management  principle,  carry  out  a  variety  of  activities  in  fulfilling  our  social 
responsibilities,  actively  pursue  social  contribution  initiatives  and  strive  to  create  a  sustainable  and 
harmonious  society.  Our  performance  over  the  long  term  depends  on  sensitivity  to  local  customs  and 
conventions  governing  business  relationships,  and  our  commitment  to  make  a  positive  contribution 
to  the  sustainable  development  of  the  communities  in  which  we  work.  The  Group  considers  ways 
of  supporting  communities  in  which  it  operates  through  charitable  and  educational  activities  and 
contributions (made within policies set by the Board).

The  Group  has  devoted  to  pay  attention  to  protecting  the  nature  and  care  about  the  environment. 
Everyone  should  take  part  in  it  and  hope  to  create  a  livable  environment  together.  The  Group  strives 
to minimise any harmful effects of our operations on the natural environment and finite resources, and 
constantly enhance our employees’ awareness in environmental protection and resource conservation. 
The Group hopes that every employee can convey the message of protecting the environment to their 
families,  friends  and  business  partners,  to  build  more  powerful  cohesion,  and  in  alleviating  climate 
change  together.  In  doing  so,  we  set  out  environmental  quality  standards  which  are  desirable  and 
attainable and comply fully with all relevant environmental legislation.

We are a responsible tax payer and employer. We offer job opportunities to ease the local employment 
pressure. We establish good practices in running our business, and actively promote energy saving and 
environmental friendly concepts with a hope to be the role model within the industry. To some extent, 
we have contributed to social stability and building a harmonious community.

61

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportD. 

SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DATA AND PERFORMANCE

Unit

2021

2020

GHG emissions:

Scope 1:
Total
Intensity

Scope 2:
Total
Intensity

Air emissions:

Nitrogen Oxide
Sulphur Oxide
Particulate Matters

Energy and water consumption:

Electricity:
Total
Intensity

Diesel:
Total
Intensity

Gasoline:
Total
Intensity

Natural gas:

Total
Intensity

Water:
Total
Intensity

62

Tonne
Tonne (per employee)

Tonne
Tonne (per employee)

Kilogram
Kilogram
Kilogram

4.62
0.22

13.02
0.62

11.74
0.03
1.08

13.60
0.45

26.54
0.88

8.83
0.07
0.76

kWh
kWh (per employee)

13,879
661

29,224
974

Liter
Liter (per employee)

Liter
Liter (per employee)

1,127
54

551
26

559
19

4,451
148

Liter
Liter (per employee)

2,129,782
101,418

2,689,776
89,659

Tonne
Tonne (per employee)

35
2

99
3

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Environmental, Social and Governance ReportIndependent Auditor’s Report to the Members of EPI (Holdings) Limited
長盈集團(控股)有限公司
(Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)

OPINION

We  have  audited  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  EPI  (Holdings)  Limited  (the  “Company”)  and 
its  subsidiaries  (collectively  referred  to  as  the  “Group”)  set  out  on  pages  70  to  159,  which  comprise  the 
consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2021, and the consolidated statement of profit 
or  loss  and  other  comprehensive  income,  consolidated  statement  of  changes  in  equity  and  consolidated 
statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including 
a summary of significant accounting policies.

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  give  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  consolidated  financial 
position  of  the  Group  as  at  31  December  2021,  and  of  its  consolidated  financial  performance  and  its 
consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards 
(“HKFRSs”)  issued  by  the  Hong  Kong  Institute  of  Certified  Public  Accountants  (“HKICPA”)  and  have  been 
properly prepared in compliance with the disclosure requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

BASIS FOR OPINION

We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  Hong  Kong  Standards  on  Auditing  (“HKSAs”)  issued  by  the 
HKICPA.  Our  responsibilities  under  those  standards  are  further  described  in  the  Auditor’s  Responsibilities  for 
the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in 
accordance with the HKICPA’s Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the “Code”), and we have fulfilled 
our  other  ethical  responsibilities  in  accordance  with  the  Code.  We  believe  that  the  audit  evidence  we  have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

63

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Independent Auditor’s ReportKEY AUDIT MATTERS

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit 
of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do 
not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Impairment assessment of loan and interest receivables

We  identified  the  impairment  assessment  of  loan  and 
interest  receivables  as  a  key  audit  matter  due  to  the 
significance  of  balances  to  the  Group’s  consolidated 
financial  position  and  the  involvement  of  significant 
management  judgment  in  evaluating  the  expected 
credit loss (“ECL”) of loan and interest receivables at the 
end of the reporting period.

As  detailed  in  Note  4  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements,  in  making  the  assessment,  the  loan  and 
interest  receivables  from  borrowers  are  assessed 
individually by the management of the Group, based on 
the  financial  background,  financial  condition,  collaterals 
and  the  historical  settlement  records,  including  the 
past  due  dates  and  default  rates,  of  each  borrower  and 
reasonable and supportable forward-looking information 
that  is  available  without  undue  cost  or  effort.  Each 
borrower is assigned a risk grading under internal credit 
ratings  to  calculate  the  ECL,  taking  into  consideration 
of  the  estimates  of  expected  cash  shortfalls.  At  every 
reporting  date,  the  financial  background,  financial 
condition,  collaterals  and  historical  settlement  records 
are  reassessed  and  changes  in  the  forward-looking 
information are considered.

Our  procedures  in  relation  to  management’s 
impairment  assessment  of  loan  receivables 
included:

• 

• 

Understanding  and  evaluating  the  entity’s 
key  controls  on  the  related  credit  control 
and  loan  monitoring  process  and  how  the 
management  estimates  the  credit  loss 
allowance for loan receivables and performs 
loan monitoring process;

E v a l u a t i n g   t h e   r e a s o n a b l e n e s s   a n d 
appropriateness  of  the  management’s 
assessment  of  the  internal  credit  rating  of 
the  loan  receivables  by  reference  to  past 
due  status,  past  collection  history,  financial 
background  and  financial  condition  of  the 
borrowers;

64

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Independent Auditor’s Report 
 
Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Impairment assessment of loan and interest receivables (continued)

The  management  further  assesses  the  amount  of 
exposure of default through assessing the potential loss 
as a result of the risk on credit-impaired loan and interest 
receivables to which  the Group  is exposed and recovery 
actions the Group has taken. In assessing the amount of 
exposure  of  default,  the  Group  takes  into  account  the 
timing  of  cash  flows  that  are  expected  from  foreclosure 
on the collaterals less the costs of selling the collaterals.

The  gross  carrying  amount  of  the  loan  and  interest 
receivables  is  HK$149,916,000  in  aggregate  and  the 
impairment  allowance  on  loan  and  interest  receivables 
is  HK$34,915,000  in  aggregate  as  at  31  December  2021 
as  set  out  in  Note  23  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements.

• 

• 

E v a l u a t i n g   t h e   r e a s o n a b l e n e s s   a n d 
appropriateness  on  the  management’s 
basis  and  judgment  in  determining  credit 
loss  allowance  on  loan  receivables  at  31 
December 2021, including the identification 
of  credit-impaired  loan  receivables,  the 
estimated  loss  rates  applied  to  each 
borrower, and the estimated cash flow from 
the  realisation  of  collaterals  pledged  to  the 
Group,  with  the  assistance  of  our  internal 
valuation specialists; and

Evaluating  the  disclosures  regarding  the 
impairment  assessment  of  loan  receivables 
in  Notes  23  and  37  to  the  consolidated 
financial statements.

65

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Independent Auditor’s Report 
 
Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Provision for ECL for debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”)

We  identified  provision  for  ECL  for  debt  instruments  at 
FVTOCI as a key audit matter because the determination 
of  loss  allowance  for  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  using 
the  ECL  model  involves  significant  estimates  and 
judgments,  including  determination  of  whether  there  is 
significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, 
use  of  assumptions  in  determination  of  probability  of 
default  and  loss  given  default,  and  incorporation  of 
forward looking information.

As  disclosed  in  Note  22  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements,  the  fair  value  of  debt  instruments  at 
FVTOCI  is  HK$78,396,000  at  31  December  2021  and  the 
impairment  allowance  of  HK$49,247,000  is  recognised 
in  profit  or  loss  with  corresponding  adjustment  to 
other  comprehensive  income  for  the  current  year.  The 
determination  of  loss  allowances  is  dependent  on  the 
external  macro  environment  and  the  credit  rating  of 
each  debt  security.  The  management  also  takes  into 
consideration  of  historical  data  from  the  international 
rating  agency.  The  Group  had  engaged  an  independent 
professional valuer to perform ECL assessment.

Our  procedures  in  relation  to  ECL  for  debt 
instruments  at  FVTOCI  on  the  consolidated 
financial instruments included:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Understanding  and  assessing  the  design 
a n d   i m p l e m e n t a t i o n   o f   k e y   i n t e r n a l 
controls  of  the  credit  grading  process  and 
measurement of loss allowances;

Evaluating  methodology  and  assumptions 
used by management in determining ECL;

Engaging  our  internal  specialists  to  review 
the significant management judgments and 
assumptions,  including  (i)  the  criteria  for 
significant  increase  in  credit  risk  made  by 
assessing  credit  rating  migration  between 
origination  date  and  reporting  date;  (ii) 
reasonableness  of  probability  of  default, 
recovery rate and loss given default; and (iii) 
the  use  of  economic  variables  and  relative 
weighting  for  forward-looking  scenarios; 
and

Evaluating  the  disclosures  regarding  the 
impairment assessment of debt instruments 
at  FVTOCI  in  Notes  22  and  37  to  the 
consolidated financial statements.

66

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Independent Auditor’s Report 
 
OTHER INFORMATION

The directors of the Company are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
information included in the annual report, but does not include the consolidated financial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon.

Our  opinion  on  the  consolidated  financial  statements  does  not  cover  the  other  information  and  we  do  not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In  connection  with  our  audit  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  our  responsibility  is  to  read  the 
other  information  and,  in  doing  so,  consider  whether  the  other  information  is  materially  inconsistent  with 
the  consolidated  financial  statements  or  our  knowledge  obtained  in  the  audit  or  otherwise  appears  to 
be  materially  misstated.  If,  based  on  the  work  we  have  performed,  we  conclude  that  there  is  a  material 
misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this 
regard.

RESPONSIBILITIES  OF  DIRECTORS  AND  THOSE  CHARGED  WITH  GOVERNANCE  FOR  THE 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements that 
give a true and fair view in accordance with HKFRSs issued by the HKICPA and the disclosure requirements of 
the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error.

In  preparing  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  directors  are  responsible  for  assessing  the  Group’s 
ability  to  continue  as  a  going  concern,  disclosing,  as  applicable,  matters  related  to  going  concern  and  using 
the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  unless  the  directors  either  intend  to  liquidate  the  Group  or  to  cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process.

67

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Independent Auditor’s ReportAUDITOR’S  RESPONSIBILITIES  FOR  THE  AUDIT  OF  THE  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

Our  objectives  are  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  consolidated  financial  statements  as 
a  whole  are  free  from  material  misstatement,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error,  and  to  issue  an  auditor’s  report 
that includes our opinion solely to you, as a body, in accordance with Section 90 of the Bermuda Companies 
Act, and for no other purpose. We do not assume responsibility towards or accept liability to any other person 
for the contents of this report. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that 
an  audit  conducted  in  accordance  with  HKSAs  will  always  detect  a  material  misstatement  when  it  exists. 
Misstatements  can  arise  from  fraud  or  error  and  are  considered  material  if,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate, 
they  could  reasonably  be  expected  to  influence  the  economic  decisions  of  users  taken  on  the  basis  of  these 
consolidated financial statements.

As  part  of  an  audit  in  accordance  with  HKSAs,  we  exercise  professional  judgment  and  maintain  professional 
skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether 
due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit 
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting 
a  material  misstatement  resulting  from  fraud  is  higher  than  for  one  resulting  from  error,  as  fraud  may 
involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

Obtain  an  understanding  of  internal  control  relevant  to  the  audit  in  order  to  design  audit  procedures 
that  are  appropriate  in  the  circumstances,  but  not  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  an  opinion  on  the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.

Evaluate  the  appropriateness  of  accounting  policies  used  and  the  reasonableness  of  accounting 
estimates and related disclosures made by the directors.

Conclude  on  the  appropriateness  of  the  directors’  use  of  the  going  concern  basis  of  accounting  and, 
based  on  the  audit  evidence  obtained,  whether  a  material  uncertainty  exists  related  to  events  or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we 
conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to 
the  related  disclosures  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  or,  if  such  disclosures  are  inadequate, 
to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our 
auditor’s  report.  However,  future  events  or  conditions  may  cause  the  Group  to  cease  to  continue  as  a 
going concern.

68

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Independent Auditor’s ReportAUDITOR’S  RESPONSIBILITIES  FOR  THE  AUDIT  OF  THE  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS (continued)

• 

• 

Evaluate  the  overall  presentation,  structure  and  content  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements, 
including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying 
transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

Obtain  sufficient  appropriate  audit  evidence  regarding  the  financial  information  of  the  entities  or 
business  activities  within  the  Group  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  consolidated  financial  statements. 
We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely 
responsible for our audit opinion.

We  communicate  with  those  charged  with  governance  regarding,  among  other  matters,  the  planned  scope 
and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control 
that we identify during our audit.

We  also  provide  those  charged  with  governance  with  a  statement  that  we  have  complied  with  relevant 
ethical  requirements  regarding  independence,  and  to  communicate  with  them  all  relationships  and  other 
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable actions taken to 
eliminate threats or safeguards applied.

From  the  matters  communicated  with  those  charged  with  governance,  we  determine  those  matters  that 
were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and are 
therefore  the  key  audit  matters.  We  describe  these  matters  in  our  auditor’s  report  unless  law  or  regulation 
precludes  public  disclosure  about  the  matter  or  when,  in  extremely  rare  circumstances,  we  determine  that 
a  matter  should  not  be  communicated  in  our  report  because  the  adverse  consequences  of  doing  so  would 
reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.

Moore Stephens CPA Limited
Certified Public Accountants
Registered Public Interest Entity Auditors

Lau Ngai Kee, Ricky
Practising Certificate Number: P04005

Hong Kong
31 March 2022

69

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Independent Auditor’s ReportNotes

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

Revenue

Sales of petroleum
Sales of electricity
Interest income
Dividend income

Purchases, processing and related expenses
Other income and losses, net
Net gain (loss) on financial assets at fair value through 

profit or loss

Reversal of expected credit loss on loan and interest receivables
Provision of expected credit loss on debt instruments at fair value 

through other comprehensive income

Wages, salaries and other benefits
Depreciation
Gain on redemption of debt instruments at fair value through 

other comprehensive income

Other expenses
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries
Finance costs

(Loss) profit before tax
Income tax credit (expense)

(Loss) profit for the year

Other comprehensive (expense) income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Fair value loss on debt instruments at fair value through  

other comprehensive income

Provision of expected credit loss on debt instruments at fair value 

through other comprehensive income included  
in profit or loss

Release on redemption of debt instruments at fair value through 

other comprehensive income

Exchange differences arising on translation of financial 

statements of foreign operations

Reclassification of cumulative translation reserve upon disposal 

of foreign operations

5

7

8

12
12

9
10

11

12

9

24,820
1,847
652
22,053
268
(1,391)
1,122

7,870
4,356

(49,247)
(9,799)
(1,666)

–
(7,193)
(397)
(101)

(31,626)
2,255

(29,371)

42,449
14,097
–
28,012
340
(11,758)
10,160

(9,183)
12,232

(4,574)
(14,214)
(1,417)

111
(14,547)
(515)
(166)

8,578
(440)

8,138

(54,714)

(885)

49,247

–

990

340

4,574

(111)

3,886

–

Other comprehensive (expense) income for the year,  

net of income tax

(4,137)

7,464

Total comprehensive (expense) income for the year

(33,508)

15,602

70

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive IncomeFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) profit for the year attributable to:

Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Total comprehensive (expense) income for the year 

attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Note

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

(29,371)
–

8,519
(381)

(29,371)

8,138

(33,508)
–

15,983
(381)

(33,508)

15,602

(Loss) earnings per share attributable to owners of the 

Company
– Basic

16

HK(0.56) cent

HK0.16 cent

71

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive IncomeFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current assets
Exploration and evaluation assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Intangible asset
Prepayment for acquisition of non-current assets
Debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive 

income

Loan and interest receivables

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive 

income

Loan and interest receivables
Trade and other receivables and prepayments
Other tax recoverables
Income tax recoverable
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Bank balances and cash

Total current assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Income tax payable
Lease liabilities

Total current liabilities

Net current assets

Notes

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

17
18
19
20
21

22
23

22
23
21
24

25
26

27

28

–
34,383
4,200
–
9,874

30,684
–

–
985
2,523
–
–

129,985
33,425

79,141

166,918

47,712
115,001
1,616
732
171
6,724
191,818

2,213
127,957
15,793
609
2,549
25,097
134,627

363,774

308,845

11,852
679
1,574

8,744
4,170
1,282

14,105

14,196

349,669

294,649

Total assets less current liabilities

428,810

461,567

72

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Consolidated Statement of Financial PositionAt 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Share capital
Reserves

Equity attributable to owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Notes

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

28
29

30

2,820
–

2,820

1,491
578

2,069

425,990

459,498

52,403
373,587

425,990
–

52,403
407,476

459,879
(381)

Total equity

425,990

459,498

The consolidated financial statements on pages 70 to 159 together with the Company’s statement of financial 
position  set  out  in  Note  41  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  approved  and  authorised  for 
issue by the Board on 31 March 2022 and are signed on its behalf by:

Sue Ka Lok
Director

Chan Shui Yuen
Director

73

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Consolidated Statement of Financial PositionAt 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Attributable to owners of the Company

Share
capital
HK$’000

Share
premium
HK$’000

Share
options
reserve
HK$’000

Investment
revaluation
reserve
HK$’000

Translation Accumulated
losses
HK$’000

reserve
HK$’000

Sub-total
HK$’000

Non-
controlling
Interest
HK$’000

Total
HK$’000

At 1 January 2020

52,403

918,270

201,645

(2,345)

(6,645)

(719,432)

443,896

–

443,896

Profit (loss) for the year
Fair value loss on debt instruments 

at fair value through other 
comprehensive income

Provision of expected credit loss 

on debt instruments at fair value 
through other comprehensive 
income

Release on redemption of debt 

instruments at fair value through 
other comprehensive income
Exchange differences arising on 

translation of financial statements 
of foreign operations

Total comprehensive income 
(expense) for the year

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

At 31 December 2020

52,403

918,270

201,645

Loss for the year
Fair value loss on debt instruments 

at fair value through other 
comprehensive income

Provision of expected credit loss 

on debt instruments at fair value 
through other comprehensive 
income

Exchange differences arising on 

translation of financial statements 
of foreign operations

Reclassification of cumulative 

translation reserve upon disposal 
of foreign operations

Total comprehensive (expense) 

income for the year

Deregistration of a subsidiary

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

(885)

4,574

(111)

–

–

–

–

–

3,886

8,519

8,519

(381)

8,138

–

–

–

–

(885)

4,574

(111)

3,886

–

–

–

–

(885)

4,574

(111)

3,886

3,578

1,233

–

(54,714)

49,247

–

–

3,886

8,519

15,983

(381)

15,602

(2,759)

(710,913)

459,879

(381)

459,498

–

–

–

990

340

(29,371)

(29,371)

–

–

–

–

(54,714)

49,247

990

340

–

–

–

–

–

(29,371)

(54,714)

49,247

990

340

(5,467)
–

1,330
–

(29,371)
(381)

(33,508)
(381)

–
381

(33,508)
–

At 31 December 2021

52,403

918,270

201,645

(4,234)

(1,429)

(740,665)

425,990

–

425,990

74

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Consolidated Statement of Changes in EquityFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

Operating Activities
(Loss) profit before tax
Adjustments for:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Gain on redemption of debt instruments at fair value through 

other comprehensive income

Reversal of expected credit loss on loan and interest 

receivables

Provision of expected credit loss on debt instruments at fair 

value through other comprehensive income

Write off of other receivables and deposit
Net (gain) loss on financial assets at fair value through profit 

or loss

Bank interest income
Interest expense
Dividend income
Interest income from money lending business
Interest income from debt instruments at fair value through 

other comprehensive income

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries

8
7
10

9

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital
Decrease (increase) in trade and other receivables and 

prepayments

Decrease in loan and interest receivables
(Increase) decrease in other tax recoverables
Decrease in financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Decrease in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations
Dividend received
Income tax refunded (paid)
Interest received from money lending business
Interest received from debt instruments at fair value through 

other comprehensive income

(31,626)

382
1,284

–

8,578

221
1,196

(111)

(4,356)

(12,232)

49,247
1,680

(7,870)
(83)
101
(268)
(13,182)

(8,871)
–
397

4,574
–

9,183
(741)
166
(340)
(17,870)

(10,142)
35
515

(13,165)

(16,968)

12,483
15,955
(123)
26,243
(2,576)

38,817
268
915
17,948

(6,304)
29,165
272
2,779
(8,198)

746
340
(1,876)
8,800

7,959

11,188

Net cash from operating activities

65,907

19,198

75

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Consolidated Statement of Cash FlowsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

Investing Activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Prepayment paid on acquisition of non-current assets
Purchase of debt instruments at fair value through other 

comprehensive income

Proceeds from redemption of debt instruments at fair value 

through other comprehensive income

Bank interest received
Net cash inflow on disposal of subsidiaries

Net cash (used in) from investing activities

Financing Activities
Repayment of lease liabilities
Interest paid

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year,  

represented by bank balances and cash

7
9

10

19

(26,493)
(9,874)

–

–
83
28,933

(1,041)
–

(7,903)

15,600
741
19,841

(7,351)

27,238

(1,340)
(101)

(4,595)
(166)

(1,441)

(4,761)

57,115

134,627

76

41,675

92,400

552

191,818

134,627

76

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Consolidated Statement of Cash FlowsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Company is a public limited liability company incorporated in Bermuda and its shares are listed on 
the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The address of the registered office of the Company 
is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda. The address of the principal 
place  of  business  of  the  Company  is  Room  2107,  21st  Floor,  Great  Eagle  Centre,  23  Harbour  Road, 
Wanchai, Hong Kong.

The Company is an investment holding company. The principal activities of its subsidiaries are set out in 
Note 38.

The  consolidated  financial  statements  are  presented  in  Hong  Kong  dollars  (HK$),  which  is  also  the 
functional  currency  of  the  Company  and  all  values  are  rounded  to  the  nearest  thousand  (HK$’000) 
except otherwise indicated.

2. 

APPLICATION OF AMENDMENTS TO HONG KONG FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS 
(“HKFRSs”)

Amendments to HKFRSs that are mandatorily effective for the current year

In  the  current  year,  the  Group  has  applied  the  amendments  to  HKFRSs  issued  by  the  Hong  Kong 
Institute  of  Certified  Public  Accountants  (“HKICPA”)  for  the  first  time,  which  are  mandatorily  effective 
for  the  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  1  January  2021  for  the  preparation  of  the  consolidated 
financial statements:

Amendment to HKFRS 16
Amendments to HKFRS 9, HKAS 39,
  HKFRS 7, HKFRS 4 and HKFRS 16

Covid-19-related rent concessions
Interest rate benchmark reform – phase 2

The  application  of  the  amendments  to  HKFRSs  in  the  current  year  has  had  no  material  impact  on  the 
Group’s  financial  positions  and  performance  for  the  current  and  prior  years  and/or  on  the  disclosures 
set out in these consolidated financial statements.

77

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20212. 

APPLICATION OF AMENDMENTS TO HONG KONG FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS 
(“HKFRSs”) (continued)

New and amendments to HKFRSs in issue but not yet effective

The Group has not early applied the following new and amendments to HKFRSs that have been issued 
but are not yet effective:

HKFRS 17
Amendments to HKFRS 3
Amendments to HKFRS 10 and HKAS 28

Insurance contracts and the related amendments3
Reference to the conceptual framework2
Sale or contribution of assets between an investor and 

Amendment to HKFRS 16
Amendments to HKAS 1

Amendments to HKAS 1 and 
  HKFRS Practice Statement 2
Amendments to HKAS 8
Amendments to HKAS 12

its associate or joint venture4

Covid-19-related rent concessions beyond 30 June 20211
Classification of liabilities as current or non-current and 
related amendments to Hong Kong Interpretation 5 
(2020)3

Disclosure of accounting policies3

Definition of accounting estimates3
Deferred tax related to assets and liabilities arising from a 

single transaction3

Amendments to HKAS 16

Property, plant and equipment – proceeds before 

Amendments to HKAS 37
Amendments to HKFRSs

Onerous contracts – cost of fulfilling a contract2
Annual improvements to HKFRSs 2018-20202

intended use2

1 

2 

3 

4 

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 April 2021.

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022.

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023.

Effective for annual periods beginning on or after a date to be determined.

The  directors  of  the  Company  anticipate  that  the  application  of  all  new  and  amendments  to  HKFRSs 
will have no material impact on the consolidated financial  statements of  the Group in the foreseeable 
future.

78

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES

3.1  Basis of preparation of consolidated financial statements

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with HKFRSs issued by 
the HKICPA. For the purpose of preparation of the consolidated financial statements information 
is considered material if such information is reasonably expected to influence decisions made by 
primary  users.  In  addition,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  include  applicable  disclosures 
required by the Listing Rules and by the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for 
certain financial instruments that are measured at fair values at the end of each reporting period, 
as explained in the accounting policies set out below.

Historical  cost  is  generally  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration  given  in  exchange  for 
goods and services.

Fair  value  is  the  price  that  would  be  received  to  sell  an  asset  or  paid  to  transfer  a  liability  in  an 
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, regardless of whether 
that  price  is  directly  observable  or  estimated  using  another  valuation  technique.  In  estimating 
the  fair  value  of  an  asset  or  a  liability,  the  Group  takes  into  account  the  characteristics  of  the 
asset or liability if market participants would take those characteristics into account when pricing 
the  asset  or  liability  at  the  measurement  date.  Fair  value  for  measurement  and/or  disclosure 
purposes  in  these  consolidated  financial  statements  is  determined  on  such  a  basis,  except  for 
share-based payment transactions that are within the scope of HKFRS 2 “Share-based payment”, 
leasing transactions that are accounted for in accordance with HKFRS 16, and measurements that 
have some similarities to fair value but are not fair value, such as net realisable value in HKAS 2 
“Inventories” or value in use in HKAS 36 “Impairment of assets”.

For  financial  instruments  which  are  transacted  at  fair  value  and  a  valuation  technique  that 
unobservable  inputs  are  to  be  used  to  measure  fair  value  in  subsequent  periods,  the  valuation 
technique is calibrated so that at initial recognition the results of the valuation technique equals 
the transaction price.

79

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.1  Basis of preparation of consolidated financial statements (continued)

In addition, for financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorised into Level 
1, 2 or 3 based on the degree to which the inputs to the fair value measurements are observable 
and  the  significance  of  the  inputs  to  the  fair  value  measurement  in  its  entirety,  which  are 
described as follows:

• 

• 

• 

Level  1  inputs  are  quoted  prices  (unadjusted)  in  active  markets  for  identical  assets  or 
liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date;

Level  2  inputs  are  inputs,  other  than  quoted  prices  included  within  Level  1,  that  are 
observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The principal accounting policies are set out below.

3.2  Significant accounting policies

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and 
entities controlled by the Company and its subsidiaries. Control is achieved when the Company:

• 

• 

• 

has power over the investee;

is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.

The  Group  reassesses  whether  or  not  it  controls  an  investee  if  facts  and  circumstances  indicate 
that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.

Consolidation  of  a  subsidiary  begins  when  the  Group  obtains  control  over  the  subsidiary  and 
ceases  when  the  Group  loses  control  of  the  subsidiary.  Specifically,  income  and  expenses  of  a 
subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of 
profit  or  loss  and  other  comprehensive  income  from  the  date  the  Group  gains  control  until  the 
date when the Group ceases to control the subsidiary.

80

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Basis of consolidation (continued)

Profit or loss and each item of other comprehensive income are attributed to the owners of the 
Company  and  to  the  non-controlling  interests.  Total  comprehensive  income  of  subsidiaries  is 
attributed to the owners of the Company and to the non-controlling interests even if this results 
in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their 
accounting policies in line with the Group’s accounting policies.

All  intra-group  assets  and  liabilities,  equity,  income,  expenses  and  cash  flows  relating  to 
transactions between members of the Group are eliminated in full on consolidation.

Non-controlling  interests  in  subsidiaries  are  presented  separately  from  the  Group’s  equity 
therein, which represent present ownership entitling their holders to a proportionate share of net 
assets of the relevant subsidiaries upon liquidation.

Changes in the Group’s interests in existing subsidiaries

When  the  Group  loses  control  of  a  subsidiary,  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  that  subsidiary  are 
derecognised.  A  gain  or  loss  is  recognised  in  profit  or  loss  and  is  calculated  as  the  difference 
between  (i)  the  aggregate  of  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration  received  and  the  fair  value  of 
any  retained  interest  and  (ii)  the  carrying  amount  of  the  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  subsidiary 
attributable  to  the  owners  of  the  Company.  All  amounts  previously  recognised  in  other 
comprehensive  income  in  relation  to  that  subsidiary  are  accounted  for  as  if  the  Group  had 
directly  disposed  of  the  related  assets  or  liabilities  of  the  subsidiary  (i.e.  reclassified  to  profit  or 
loss or transferred to another category of equity as specified/permitted by applicable HKFRSs).

Interests in subsidiaries

Interests in subsidiaries are stated at cost less any accumulated impairment loss.

Investment in joint operations

A  joint  operation  is  a  joint  arrangement  whereby  the  parties  that  have  joint  control  of  the 
arrangement  have  rights  to  the  assets,  and  obligations  for  the  liabilities,  relating  to  the  joint 
arrangement.  Joint  control  is  the  contractually  agreed  sharing  of  control  of  an  arrangement, 
which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the 
parties sharing control.

The  Group  accounts  for  the  assets,  liabilities,  revenues  and  expenses  relating  to  its  interest  in 
a  joint  operation  in  accordance  with  the  HKFRSs  applicable  to  the  particular  assets,  liabilities, 
revenues and expenses.

81

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Investment in joint operations (continued)

When  a  group  entity  transacts  with  a  joint  operation  in  which  a  group  entity  is  a  joint  operator 
(such  as  a  sale  or  contribution  of  assets),  the  Group  is  considered  to  be  conducting  the 
transaction with the other parties to the joint operation, and gains and losses resulting from the 
transactions are recognised in the Group’s consolidated financial statements only to the extent of 
other parties’ interests in the joint operation.

When  a  group  entity  transacts  with  a  joint  operation  in  which  a  group  entity  is  a  joint  operator 
(such as a purchase of assets), the Group does not recognise its share of the gains and losses until 
it resells those assets to a third party.

Revenue from contracts with customers

The  Group  recognises  revenue  when  (or  as)  a  performance  obligation  is  satisfied,  i.  e.  when 
“control” of the goods or services underlying the particular performance obligation is transferred 
to the customer.

A performance obligation represents a good or service (or a bundle of goods or services) that is 
distinct or a series of distinct goods or services that are substantially the same.

Control is transferred over time and revenue is recognised over time by reference to the progress 
towards  complete  satisfaction  of  the  relevant  performance  obligation  if  one  of  the  following 
criteria is met:

• 

• 

• 

the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group’s 
performance as the Group performs;

the  Group’s  performance  creates  or  enhances  an  asset  that  the  customer  controls  as  the 
Group performs; or

the Group’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group and 
the Group has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date.

Otherwise,  revenue  is  recognised  at  a  point  in  time  when  the  customer  obtains  control  of  the 
distinct good or service.

82

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Revenue from contracts with customers (continued)

Over  time  revenue  recognition:  measurement  of  progress  towards  complete  satisfaction  of  a 
performance obligation

Output method

The  progress  towards  complete  satisfaction  of  a  performance  obligation  is  measured  based  on 
output method, which is to recognise revenue on the basis of direct measurements of the value 
of  the  goods  or  services  transferred  to  the  customer  to  date  relative  to  the  remaining  goods  or 
services  promised  under  the  contract,  that  best  depict  the  Group’s  performance  in  transferring 
control of goods or services.

As  a  practical  expedient,  if  the  Group  has  a  right  to  invoice  as  the  amount  represents  and 
corresponds directly with the value of performance completed and transferred to the customers.

Dividend income is recognised when the Group’s right to receive the dividend is established.

Leases

Definition of a lease

A  contract  is,  or  contains,  a  lease  if  the  contract  conveys  the  right  to  control  the  use  of  an 
identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

For  contracts  entered  into  or  modified  on  or  after  the  date  of  initial  application  of  HKFRS  16  or 
arising from business combinations, the Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease 
based  on  the  definition  under  HKFRS  16  at  inception,  modification  date  or  acquisition  date,  as 
appropriate. Such contract will not be reassessed unless the terms and conditions of the contract 
are subsequently changed.

The Group as a lessee

Allocation of consideration to components of a contract

For  a  contract  that  contains  a  lease  component  and  one  or  more  additional  lease  or  non-lease 
components, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component on 
the basis of the relative stand-alone price of the lease component and the aggregate stand-alone 
price of the non-lease components.

Short-term leases

The  Group  applies  the  short-term  lease  recognition  exemption  to  leases  of  buildings  that  have 
a lease term of 12 months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase 
option. Lease payments on short-term leases are recognised as expense on a straight-line basis or 
another systematic basis over the lease term.

83

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Leases (continued)

The Group as a lessee (continued)

Right-of-use assets

The cost of right-of-use asset includes:

• 

• 

• 

the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability;

any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, less any lease incentives 
received; and

any initial direct costs incurred by the Group.

Right-of-use  assets  are  measured  at  cost,  less  any  accumulated  depreciation  and  impairment 
losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of its estimated useful 
life and the lease term.

The Group presents right-of-use assets as a separate line item on the consolidated statement of 
financial position.

Refundable rental deposits

Refundable rental deposits paid are accounted under HKFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” (“HKFRS 9”) 
and initially measured at fair value. Adjustments to fair value at initial recognition are considered 
as additional lease payments and included in the cost of right-of-use assets.

Lease liabilities

At  the  commencement  date  of  a  lease,  the  Group  recognises  and  measures  the  lease  liability  at 
the present value of lease payments that are unpaid at that date. In calculating the present value 
of  lease  payments,  the  Group  uses  the  incremental  borrowing  rate  at  the  lease  commencement 
date if the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable.

The  lease  payments  include  fixed  payments  (including  in-substance  fixed  payments)  less  any 
lease incentives receivable.

After  the  commencement  date,  lease  liabilities  are  adjusted  by  interest  accretion  and  lease 
payments.

The  Group  presents  lease  liabilities  as  a  separate  line  item  on  the  consolidated  statement  of 
financial position.

84

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Intangible asset

Intangible asset acquired separately

Intangible asset, including vehicle license, with indefinite useful lives that is acquired separately 
is carried at cost less any subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

An  intangible  asset  is  derecognised  on  disposal,  or  when  no  future  economic  benefits  are 
expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset, 
measured  as  the  difference  between  the  net  disposal  proceeds  and  the  carrying  amount  of  the 
asset are recognised in profit or loss when the asset is derecognised.

Property, plant and equipment

Oil and gas properties

Expenditure  on  the  construction,  installation  or  completion  of  infrastructure  facilities  such  as 
platforms,  pipelines  and  the  drilling  of  commercially  proven  development  wells,  is  capitalised 
within  construction  in  progress  under  property,  plant  and  equipment.  When  development 
is  completed  on  a  specific  field,  it  is  transferred  to  oil  and  gas  properties.  No  depreciation  is 
charged during the development phase.

Oil  and  gas  production  properties  are  aggregated  exploration  and  evaluation  assets  and 
development expenditures associated with the production of proved reserves.

Oil  and  gas  properties  are  depreciated  and  depleted  using  the  unit-of-production  method. 
Unit-of-  production  rates  are  based  on  proved  developed  reserves,  which  are  oil,  gas  and  other 
mineral  reserves  estimated  to  be  recovered  from  existing  facilities  using  current  operating 
methods.  Oil  and  gas  volumes  are  considered  to  be  part  of  production  once  they  have  been 
measured  through  meters  at  custody  transfer  or  sales  transaction  points  at  the  outlet  valve  on 
the field storage tank.

Property, plant and equipment, including oil and gas properties, are stated at historical cost less 
depreciation and impairment. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to 
the acquisition of the items.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a  separate asset, 
as appropriate, only  when it is  probable  that future economic  benefits associated  with  the item 
will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of 
the replaced part is derecognised. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss 
during the financial period in which they are incurred.

85

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Property, plant and equipment other than oil and gas properties

Property,  plant  and  equipment  other  than  oil  and  gas  properties  are  stated  in  the  consolidated 
statement  of  financial  position  at  cost  less  subsequent  accumulated  depreciation  and 
subsequent accumulated impairment losses, if any.

Constructions  in  progress  in  the  course  of  construction  for  production,  supply  or  administrative 
purposes are carried at cost, less any recognised impairment loss. Costs include any costs directly 
attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of 
operating  in  the  manner  intended  by  management  and,  for  qualifying  assets,  borrowing  costs 
capitalised in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy. Depreciation of these assets, on the 
same basis as other property assets, commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of items of property, plant and equipment 
less  their  residual  values  over  their  estimated  useful  lives,  using  the  straight-line  method.  The 
estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed at the end of each 
reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis.

An  item  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  is  derecognised  upon  disposal  or  when  no  future 
economic  benefits  are  expected  to  arise  from  the  continued  use  of  the  asset.  Any  gain  or  loss 
arising on the disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined 
as  the  difference  between  the  sales  proceeds  and  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset  and  is 
recognised in profit or loss.

Exploration and evaluation assets

Oil  and  gas  exploration  and  evaluation  expenditures  are  accounted  for  using  the  successful 
efforts  method  of  accounting.  Costs  are  accumulated  on  a  field-by-field  basis.  Geological  and 
geophysical  costs  are  expensed  as  incurred.  Costs  directly  associated  with  an  exploration  well, 
and  exploration  and  property  leasehold  acquisition  costs,  are  capitalised  within  exploration 
and  evaluation  assets  until  the  determination  of  reserves  is  evaluated.  If  it  is  determined  that 
commercial discovery has not been achieved, these costs are charged to profit or loss.

Once  commercial  reserves  are  found,  exploration  and  evaluation  assets  are  tested  for 
impairment and transferred to construction in progress under property, plant and equipment. No 
depreciation is charged during the exploration and evaluation phase.

Exploration  and  evaluation  assets  are  tested  for  impairment  when  reclassified  to  construction 
in  progress,  or  whenever  facts  and  circumstances  indicate  impairment.  An  impairment  loss  is 
recognised  for  the  amount  by  which  the  exploration  and  evaluation  assets’  carrying  amount 
exceeds  their  recoverable  amount.  Recoverable  amount  is  the  higher  of  the  exploration  and 
evaluation assets’ fair value less costs of disposal and their value in use.

86

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Exploration and evaluation assets (continued)

Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets

The carrying amount of the exploration and evaluation assets is reviewed annually and adjusted 
for  impairment  loss  in  accordance  with  HKAS  36  “Impairment  of  Assets”  and  whenever  one  of 
the following events or changes in circumstances indicates that the carrying amount may not be 
recoverable:

• 

• 

• 

• 

the  period  for  which  the  Group  has  the  right  to  explore  in  the  specific  area  has  expired 
during the period or will expire in the near future, and is not expected to be renewed.

substantive  expenditure  on  further  exploration  for  and  evaluation  of  natural  resources  in 
the specific area is neither budgeted nor planned.

exploration  for  and  evaluation  of  natural  resources  in  the  specific  area  have  not  led  to 
the  discovery  of  commercially  viable  quantities  of  natural  resources  and  the  Group  has 
decided to discontinue such activities in the specific area.

sufficient  data  exist  to  indicate  that,  although  a  development  in  the  specific  area  is  likely 
to  proceed,  the  carrying  amount  of  the  exploration  and  evaluation  asset  is  unlikely  to  be 
recovered in full from successful development or by sale.

An  impairment  loss  is  recognised  in  profit  or  loss  whenever  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset 
exceeds its recoverable amount.

Where  an  impairment  loss  subsequently  reverses,  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset  (or  cash-
generating  unit  or  a  group  of  cash-generating  units)  is  increased  to  the  revised  estimate  of  its 
recoverable  amount,  but  so  that  the  increased  carrying  amount  does  not  exceed  the  carrying 
amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset 
(or  a  cash-generating  unit  or  a  group  of  cash-generating  units)  in  prior  years.  A  reversal  of  an 
impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

87

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Impairment of property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets

At the end of the reporting period, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant 
and  equipment  and  right-of-use  assets  to  determine  whether  there  is  any  indication  that  these 
assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of 
the  relevant  asset  is  estimated  in  order  to  determine  the  extent  of  the  impairment  loss  (if  any). 
Intangible  assets  with  indefinite  useful  lives  are  tested  for  impairment  at  least  annually,  and 
whenever there is an indication that they may be impaired.

The  recoverable  amount  of  property,  plant  and  equipment,  right-of-use  assets  and  intangible 
assets  are  estimated  individually.  When  it  is  not  possible  to  estimate  the  recoverable  amount 
individually,  the  Group  estimates  the  recoverable  amount  of  the  cash-generating  unit  to  which 
the asset belongs.

In  testing  a  cash  generating  unit  for  impairment,  corporate  assets  are  allocated  to  the  relevant 
cash-generating  units  when  a  reasonable  and  consistent  basis  of  allocation  can  be  established, 
or  otherwise  they  are  allocated  to  the  smallest  group  of  cash-generating  units  for  which  a 
reasonable  and  consistent  allocation  basis  can  be  established.  The  recoverable  amount  is 
determined  for  the  cash-generating  unit  or  group  of  cash-generating  units  to  which  the 
corporate  asset  belongs,  and  is  compared  with  the  carrying  amount  of  the  relevant  cash-
generating unit or group of cash-generating units.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing 
value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 
discount  rate  that  reflects  current  market  assessments  of  the  time  value  of  money  and  the  risks 
specific to the asset (or a cash-generating unit) for which the estimates of future cash flows have 
not been adjusted.

88

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Impairment  of  property,  plant  and  equipment,  right-of-use  assets  and  intangible  assets 
(continued)

If  the  recoverable  amount  of  an  asset  (or  a  cash-generating  unit)  is  estimated  to  be  less  than 
its  carrying  amount,  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset  (or  a  cash-generating  unit)  is  reduced  to 
its  recoverable  amount.  For  corporate  assets  or  portion  of  corporate  assets  which  cannot  be 
allocated  on  a  reasonable  and  consistent  basis  to  a  cash-generating  unit,  the  Group  compares 
the carrying amount of a group of cash-generating units, including the carrying amounts of the 
corporate assets or portion of corporate assets allocated to that group of cash-generating units, 
with the recoverable amount of the group of cash-generating units. In allocating the impairment 
loss,  the  impairment  loss  is  allocated  first  to  reduce  the  carrying  amount  of  any  goodwill  (if 
applicable) and then to the other assets on a pro-rata basis based on the carrying amount of each 
asset  in  the  unit  or  the  group  of  cash-generating  units.  The  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  is  not 
reduced below the highest of its fair value less costs of disposal (if measurable), its value in use 
(if  determinable)  and  zero.  The  amount  of  the  impairment  loss  that  would  otherwise  have  been 
allocated  to  the  asset  is  allocated  pro  rata  to  the  other  assets  of  the  unit  or  the  group  of  cash-
generating units. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Where  an  impairment  loss  subsequently  reverses,  the  carrying  amount  of  the  asset  (or  cash-
generating  unit  or  a  group  of  cash-generating  units)  is  increased  to  the  revised  estimate  of  its 
recoverable  amount,  but  so  that  the  increased  carrying  amount  does  not  exceed  the  carrying 
amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset 
(or  a  cash-generating  unit  or  a  group  of  cash-generating  units)  in  prior  years.  A  reversal  of  an 
impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Provisions

Provisions  are  recognised  when  the  Group  has  a  present  obligation  (legal  or  constructive)  as  a 
result of a past event, it is probable that the Group will be required to settle that obligation, and a 
reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The  amount  recognised  as  a  provision  is  the  best  estimate  of  the  consideration  required  to 
settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and 
uncertainties  surrounding  the  obligation.  When  a  provision  is  measured  using  the  cash  flows 
estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash 
flows (where the effect of the time value of money is material).

89

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments

Financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  are  recognised  when  a  group  entity  becomes  a  party 
to  the  contractual  provisions  of  the  instrument.  All  regular  way  purchases  or  sales  of  financial 
assets  are  recognised  and  derecognised  on  a  trade  date  basis.  Regular  way  purchases  or  sales 
are  purchases  or  sales  of  financial  assets  that  require  delivery  of  assets  within  the  time  frame 
established by regulation or convention in the market place.

Financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  are  initially  measured  at  fair  value  except  for  trade 
receivables  arising  from  contracts  with  customers  which  are  initially  measured  in  accordance 
with  HKFRS  15  “Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers”.  Transaction  costs  that  are  directly 
attributable  to  the  acquisition  or  issue  of  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  (other  than 
financial  assets  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  (“FVTPL”))  are  added  to  or  deducted  from 
the  fair  value  of  the  financial  assets  or  financial  liabilities,  as  appropriate,  on  initial  recognition. 
Transaction  costs  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition  of  financial  assets  or  financial  liabilities 
at FVTPL are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Effective interest method

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or 
financial liability and of allocating interest income and interest expense over the relevant period. 
The  effective  interest  rate  is  the  rate  that  exactly  discounts  estimated  future  cash  receipts  and 
payments (including all fees and points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective 
interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) through the expected life of the 
financial  asset  or  financial  liability,  or,  where  appropriate,  a  shorter  period,  to  the  net  carrying 
amount on initial recognition.

Interest and dividend income which are derived from the Group’s ordinary course of business are 
presented as revenue.

90

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets

Classification and subsequent measurement of financial assets

Financial assets that meet the following conditions are subsequently measured at amortised cost:

• 

• 

the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to collect contractual 
cash flows; and

the contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of 
principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

Financial  assets  that  meet  the  following  conditions  are  subsequently  measured  at  fair  value 
through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”):

• 

• 

the  financial  asset  is  held  within  a  business  model  whose  objective  is  achieved  by  both 
selling and collecting contractual cash flows; and

the contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of 
principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

All  other  financial  assets  are  subsequently  measured  at  FVTPL,  except  that  at  initial  recognition 
of  a  financial  asset  of  the  Group  may  irrevocably  elect  to  present  subsequent  changes  in  fair 
value  of  an  equity  investment  in  other  comprehensive  income  (“OCI”)  if  that  equity  investment 
is neither held for trading nor contingent consideration recognised by an acquirer in a business 
combination to which HKFRS 3 “Business Combinations” applies.

A financial asset is held for trading if:

• 

• 

• 

it has been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near term; or

on  initial  recognition  it  is  a  part  of  a  portfolio  of  identified  financial  instruments  that  the 
Group manages together and has a recent actual pattern of short-term profit-taking; or

it is a derivative that is not designated and effective as a hedging instrument.

91

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets (continued)

Classification and subsequent measurement of financial assets (continued)

In  addition,  the  Group  may  irrevocably  designate  a  financial  asset  that  are  required  to  be 
measured  at  the  amortised  cost  or  FVTOCI  as  measured  at  FVTPL  if  doing  so  eliminates  or 
significantly reduces an accounting mismatch.

(i) 

Amortised cost and interest income

Interest  income  is  recognised  using  the  effective  interest  method  for  financial  assets 
measured  subsequently  at  amortised  cost  and  debt  instruments  subsequently  measured 
at FVTOCI. Interest income is calculated by applying the effective interest rate to the gross 
carrying  amount  of  a  financial  asset,  except  for  financial  assets  that  have  subsequently 
become  credit-impaired.  For  financial  assets  that  have  subsequently  become  credit-
impaired,  interest  income  is  recognised  by  applying  the  effective  interest  rate  to  the 
amortised  cost  of  the  financial  asset  from  the  next  reporting  period.  If  the  credit  risk  on 
the  credit-impaired  financial  instrument  improves  so  that  the  financial  asset  is  no  longer 
credit-impaired, interest income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate to the 
gross  carrying  amount  of  the  financial  asset  from  the  beginning  of  the  reporting  period 
following the determination that the asset is no longer credit-impaired.

(ii) 

Debt instruments classified as at FVTOCI

Subsequent changes in the carrying amounts for debt instruments classified as at FVTOCI 
as a result of interest income calculated using the effective interest method are recognised 
in  profit  or  loss.  All  other  changes  in  the  carrying  amount  of  these  debt  instruments  are 
recognised in OCI and accumulated under the heading of investment revaluation reserve. 
Impairment allowances are recognised in profit or loss with corresponding adjustment to 
OCI  without  reducing  the  carrying  amounts  of  these  debt  instruments.  When  these  debt 
instruments are derecognised, the cumulative gains or losses previously recognised in OCI 
are reclassified to profit or loss.

92

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets (continued)

Classification and subsequent measurement of financial assets (continued)

(iii) 

Financial assets at FVTPL

Financial  assets  that  do  not  meet  the  criteria  for  being  measured  at  amortised  cost  or 
FVTOCI or designated as FVTOCI are measured at FVTPL.

Financial  assets  at  FVTPL  are  measured  at  fair  value  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period, 
with  any  fair  value  gains  or  losses  recognised  in  profit  or  loss.  The  net  gain  or  loss 
recognised in profit or loss excludes any dividend or interest earned on the financial asset 
and is included in the “net loss on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss” line 
item.

Impairment of financial assets and other items subject to impairment assessment under HKFRS 9

The  Group  performs  impairment  assessment  under  expected  credit  loss  (“ECL”)  model  on 
financial  assets  (including  trade  and  other  receivables,  loan  and  interest  receivables,  bank 
balances  and  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI)  which  are  subject  to  impairment  assessment  under 
HKFRS  9.  The  amount  of  ECL  is  updated  at  each  reporting  date  to  reflect  changes  in  credit  risk 
since initial recognition.

Lifetime ECL represents the ECL that will result from all possible default events over the expected 
life  of  the  relevant  instrument.  In  contrast,  12-month  ECL  (“12m  ECL”)  represents  the  portion  of 
lifetime  ECL  that  is  expected  to  result  from  default  events  that  are  possible  within  12  months 
after  the  reporting  date.  Assessments  are  done  based  on  the  Group’s  historical  credit  loss 
experience,  adjusted  for  factors  that  are  specific  to  the  debtors,  general  economic  conditions 
and an assessment of both the current conditions at the reporting date as well as the forecast of 
future conditions.

The  Group  always  recognises  lifetime  ECL  for  trade  receivables.  The  ECL  is  assessed  individually 
for trade receivables.

93

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets (continued)

Impairment  of  financial  assets  and  other  items  subject  to  impairment  assessment  under  HKFRS  9 
(continued)

For all other instruments, the Group measures the loss allowance equal to 12m ECL, unless when 
there  has  been  a  significant  increase  in  credit  risk  since  initial  recognition  in  which  case,  the 
Group  recognises  lifetime  ECL.  The  assessment  of  whether  lifetime  ECL  should  be  recognised 
is  based  on  significant  increases  in  the  likelihood  or  risk  of  a  default  occurring  since  initial 
recognition.

(i) 

Significant increase in credit risk

In  assessing  whether  the  credit  risk  has  increased  significantly  since  initial  recognition, 
the  Group  compares  the  risk  of  a  default  occurring  on  the  financial  instrument  as  at 
the  reporting  date  with  the  risk  of  a  default  occurring  on  the  financial  instrument  as 
at  the  date  of  initial  recognition.  In  making  this  assessment,  the  Group  considers  both 
quantitative  and  qualitative  information  that  is  reasonable  and  supportable,  including 
historical experience and forward-looking information that is available without undue cost 
or effort.

In  particular,  the  following  information  is  taken  into  account  when  assessing  whether 
credit risk has increased significantly:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

an actual or expected significant deterioration in the financial instrument’s external 
(if available) or internal credit rating;

significant deterioration in external market indicators of credit risk, e. g. a significant 
increase in the credit spread, the credit default swap prices for the debtor;

existing  or  forecast  adverse  changes  in  business,  financial  or  economic  conditions 
that  are  expected  to  cause  a  significant  decrease  in  the  debtor’s  ability  to  meet  its 
debt obligations;

an actual or expected significant deterioration in the operating results of the debtor;

an  actual  or  expected  significant  adverse  change  in  the  regulatory,  economic,  or 
technological environment of the debtor that results in a significant decrease in the 
debtor’s ability to meet its debt obligations.

94

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets (continued)

Impairment  of  financial  assets  and  other  items  subject  to  impairment  assessment  under  HKFRS  9 
(continued)

(i) 

Significant increase in credit risk (continued)

Irrespective of the outcome of the above assessment, the Group presumes that the credit 
risk  has  increased  significantly  since  initial  recognition  when  contractual  payments  are 
more than 30 days past due, unless the Group has reasonable and supportable information 
that demonstrates otherwise.

Despite  the  aforegoing,  the  Group  assumes  that  the  credit  risk  on  a  debt  instrument  has 
not  increased  significantly  since  initial  recognition  if  the  debt  instrument  is  determined 
to have low credit risk at the reporting date. A debt instrument is determined to have low 
credit risk if (i) it has a low risk of default, (ii) the borrower has a strong capacity to meet its 
contractual  cash  flow  obligations  in  the  near  term  and  (iii)  adverse  changes  in  economic 
and business conditions in the longer term may, but will not necessarily, reduce the ability 
of the borrower to fulfil its contractual cash flow obligations. The Group considers a debt 
instrument  to  have  low  credit  risk  when  it  has  an  internal  or  external  credit  rating  of 
‘investment grade’ as per globally understood definitions or the counterparty can meet the 
financial commitment.

The  Group  regularly  monitors  the  effectiveness  of  the  criteria  used  to  identify  whether 
there  has  been  a  significant  increase  in  credit  risk  and  revises  them  as  appropriate  to 
ensure  that  the  criteria  are  capable  of  identifying  significant  increase  in  credit  risk  before 
the amount becomes past due.

(ii) 

Definition of default

For internal credit risk management, the Group considers an event of default occurs when 
information  developed  internally  or  obtained  from  external  sources  indicates  that  the 
debtor  is  unlikely  to  pay  its  creditors,  including  the  Group,  in  full  (without  taking  into 
account any collaterals held by the Group).

Irrespective  of  the  above,  the  Group  considers  that  default  has  occurred  when  a  financial 
asset  is  more  than  90  days  past  due  unless  the  Group  has  reasonable  and  supportable 
information to demonstrate that a more lagging default criterion is more appropriate.

95

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets (continued)

Impairment  of  financial  assets  and  other  items  subject  to  impairment  assessment  under  HKFRS  9 
(continued)

(iii) 

Credit-impaired financial assets

A  financial  asset  is  credit-impaired  when  one  or  more  events  that  have  a  detrimental 
impact on the estimated future cash flows of that financial asset have occurred. Evidence 
that  a  financial  asset  is  credit-impaired  includes  observable  data  about  the  following 
events:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

significant financial difficulty of the issuer or the borrower;

a breach of contract, such as a default or past due event;

the  lender(s)  of  the  borrower,  for  economic  or  contractual  reasons  relating  to  the 
borrower’s  financial  difficulty,  having  granted  to  the  borrower  a  concession(s)  that 
the lender(s) would not otherwise consider;

it  is  becoming  probable  that  the  borrower  will  enter  bankruptcy  or  other  financial 
reorganisation;

the  disappearance  of  an  active  market  for  that  financial  asset  because  of  financial 
difficulties; or

the business of the issuer being unstable.

(iv)  Write-off policy

The  Group  writes  off  a  financial  asset  when  there  is  information  indicating  that  the 
counterparty  is  in  severe  financial  difficulty  and  there  is  no  realistic  prospect  of  recovery, 
for  example,  when  the  counterparty  has  been  placed  under  liquidation  or  has  entered 
into  bankruptcy  proceedings,  or  in  the  case  of  trade  receivables,  when  the  amounts  are 
over  two  years  past  due,  whichever  occurs  sooner.  Financial  assets  written  off  may  still 
be  subject  to  enforcement  activities  under  the  Group’s  recovery  procedures,  taking  into 
account legal advice where appropriate. A write-off constitutes a derecognition event. Any 
subsequent recoveries are recognised in profit or loss.

96

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets (continued)

Impairment  of  financial  assets  and  other  items  subject  to  impairment  assessment  under  HKFRS  9 
(continued)

(v)  Measurement and recognition of ECL

The measurement of ECL is a function of the probability of default, loss given default (i.e. 
the magnitude of the loss if there is a default) and the exposure at default. The assessment 
of  the  probability  of  default  and  loss  given  default  is  based  on  historical  data  adjusted 
and  forward-looking  information.  Estimation  of  ECL  reflects  an  unbiased  and  probability-
weighted  amount  that  is  determined  with  the  respective  risks  of  default  occurring  as  the 
weights.

Generally,  the  ECL  is  the  difference  between  all  contractual  cash  flows  that  are  due  to 
the  Group  in  accordance  with  the  contract  and  the  cash  flows  that  the  Group  expects  to 
receive, discounted at the effective interest rate determined at initial recognition.

Where  ECL  is  measured  on  a  collective  basis  or  cater  for  cases  where  evidence  at  the 
individual instrument level may not yet be available, the financial instruments are grouped 
on the following basis:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Nature  of  financial  instruments  (i.e.  the  Group’s  other  receivables  are  assessed  as  a 
separate group);

Past-due status;

Nature, size and industry of debtors; and

External credit ratings where available.

The  grouping  is  regularly  reviewed  by  management  to  ensure  the  constituents  of  each 
group continue to share similar credit risk characteristics.

Interest  income  is  calculated  based  on  the  gross  carrying  amount  of  the  financial  asset 
unless  the  financial  asset  is  credit-impaired,  in  which  case  interest  income  is  calculated 
based on amortised cost of the financial asset.

97

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets (continued)

Impairment  of  financial  assets  and  other  items  subject  to  impairment  assessment  under  HKFRS  9 
(continued)

(v)  Measurement and recognition of ECL (continued)

For  trade  receivables  and  loan  receivables,  the  ECL  of  the  Group  is  recognised  through 
a  loss  allowance  account.  Impairment  allowances  are  recognised  in  profit  or  loss  with 
corresponding  adjustment  to  OCI  without  reducing  the  carrying  amounts  of  these  debt 
instruments.

Derecognition of financial assets

The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from 
the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards 
of ownership of the asset to another entity. If the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially 
all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Group 
recognises  its  retained  interest  in  the  asset  and  an  associated  liability  for  amounts  it  may  have 
to  pay.  If  the  Group  retains  substantially  all  the  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  of  a  transferred 
financial  asset,  the  Group  continues  to  recognise  the  financial  asset  and  also  recognises  a 
collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received.

On  derecognition  of  a  financial  asset  measured  at  amortised  cost,  the  difference  between  the 
asset’s carrying amount and the sum of the consideration received and receivable is recognised 
in profit or loss.

On  derecognition  of  an  investment  in  a  debt  instrument  classified  as  at  FVTOCI,  the  cumulative 
gain or loss previously accumulated in the investment revaluation reserve is reclassified to profit 
or loss.

98

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

Financial liabilities and equity

Classification as debt or equity

Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance 
with the substance of the contractual arrangements and the definitions of a financial liability and 
an equity instrument.

Equity instruments

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity 
after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Company are recognised at 
the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Financial liabilities

All  financial  liabilities  are  subsequently  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective  interest 
method.

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Financial  liabilities  including  trade  and  other  payables  are  subsequently  measured  at  amortised 
cost, using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

The  Group  derecognises  financial  liabilities  when,  and  only  when,  the  Group’s  obligations  are 
discharged,  cancelled  or  have  expired.  The  difference  between  the  carrying  amount  of  the 
financial liability derecognised and the consideration paid and payable is recognised in profit or 
loss.

99

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Taxation

Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit 
(loss) before tax because of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and 
items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using 
tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

Deferred tax

Deferred  tax  is  recognised  on  temporary  differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets 
and  liabilities  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  the  corresponding  tax  bases  used  in 
the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable 
temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are generally recognised for all deductible temporary 
differences  to  the  extent  that  it  is  probable  that  taxable  profits  will  be  available  against  which 
those  deductible  temporary  differences  can  be  utilised.  Such  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities 
are  not  recognised  if  the  temporary  difference  arises  from  the  initial  recognition  (other  than  in 
a  business  combination)  of  assets  and  liabilities  in  a  transaction  that  affects  neither  the  taxable 
profit  nor  the  accounting  profit.  In  addition,  deferred  tax  liabilities  are  not  recognised  if  the 
temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill.

Deferred  tax  liabilities  are  recognised  for  taxable  temporary  differences  associated  with 
investments  in  subsidiaries  and  interests  in  joint  operations,  except  where  the  Group  is  able  to 
control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference 
will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary 
differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognised to the extent that 
it  is  probable  that  there  will  be  sufficient  taxable  profits  against  which  to  utilise  the  benefits  of 
the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.

100

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Taxation (continued)

Deferred tax (continued)

The  carrying  amount  of  deferred  tax  assets  is  reviewed  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period  and 
reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available 
to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the 
period in which the liability is settled or the asset is realised, based on tax rate (and tax laws) that 
have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would 
follow  from  the  manner  in  which  the  Group  expects,  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period,  to 
recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

For  the  purposes  of  measuring  deferred  tax  for  leasing  transactions  in  which  the  Group 
recognises  the  right-of-use  assets  and  the  related  lease  liabilities,  the  Group  first  determines 
whether the tax deductions are attributable to the right-of-use assets or the lease liabilities.

For  leasing  transactions  in  which  the  tax  deductions  are  attributable  to  the  lease  liabilities,  the 
Group  applies  HKAS  12  “Income  Taxes”  requirements  to  right-of-use  assets  and  lease  liabilities 
separately.  Temporary  differences  on  initial  recognition  of  the  relevant  right-of-use  assets 
and  lease  liabilities  are  not  recognised  due  to  application  of  the  initial  recognition  exemption. 
Temporary  differences  arising  from  subsequent  revision  of  the  carrying  amounts  of  right-
of-use  assets  and  lease  liabilities,  resulting  from  remeasurement  of  lease  liabilities  and  lease 
modifications, that are not subject to initial recognition exemption are recognised on the date of 
remeasurement or modification.

Current and deferred tax for the year

Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  offset  when  there  is  a  legally  enforceable  right  to  set  off 
current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied to the 
same taxable entity by the same taxation authority.

101

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Taxation (continued)

Current and deferred tax for the year (continued)

Current  and  deferred  tax  are  recognised  in  profit  or  loss,  except  when  they  relate  to  items  that 
are  recognised  in  OCI  or  directly  in  equity,  in  which  case,  the  current  and  deferred  tax  are  also 
recognised in OCI or directly in equity respectively.

In  assessing  any  uncertainty  over  income  tax  treatments,  the  Group  considers  whether  it 
is  probable  that  the  relevant  tax  authority  will  accept  the  uncertain  tax  treatment  used,  or 
proposed to be used by individual group entities in their income tax filings. If it is probable, the 
current  and  deferred  taxes  are  determined  consistently  with  the  tax  treatment  in  the  income 
tax  filings.  If  it  is  not  probable  that  the  relevant  taxation  authority  will  accept  an  uncertain  tax 
treatment,  the  effect  of  each  uncertainty  is  reflected  by  using  either  the  most  likely  amount  or 
the expected value.

Employee benefits

Retirement benefits costs

Payments to state-managed retirement benefit schemes and Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme 
(“MPF  Scheme”)  are  recognised  as  an  expense  when  employees  have  rendered  service  entitling 
them to the contributions.

Short-term and other long-term employee benefits

Short-term  employee  benefits  are  recognised  at  the  undiscounted  amount  of  the  benefits 
expected  to  be  paid  as  and  when  employees  rendered  the  services.  All  short-term  employee 
benefits are recognised as an expense unless another HKFRS requires or permits the inclusion of 
the benefit in the cost of an asset.

A  liability  is  recognised  for  benefits  accruing  to  employees  (such  as  wages  and  salaries  and 
annual leave) after deducting any amount already paid.

Liabilities  recognised  in  respect  of  other  long-term  employee  benefits  are  measured  at  the 
present value of the estimated future cash outflows expected to be made by the Group in respect 
of  services  provided  by  employees  up  to  the  reporting  date.  Any  changes  in  the  liabilities’ 
carrying  amounts  resulting  from  service  cost,  interest  and  remeasurements  are  recognised  in 
profit  or  loss  except  to  the  extent  that  another  HKFRS  requires  or  permits  their  inclusion  in  the 
cost of an asset.

102

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Share-based payments

Equity-settled share-based payment transactions

Share options granted to employees and directors

Equity-settled  share-based  payments  to  employees  and  directors  providing  similar  services  are 
measured at the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date.

The fair value of the equity-settled share-based payments determined at the grant date without 
taking  into  consideration  all  non-market  vesting  conditions  is  expensed  on  a  straight-line  basis 
over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of equity instruments that will eventually 
vest, with a corresponding increase in equity (share options reserve). At the end of each reporting 
period,  the  Group  revises  its  estimate  of  the  number  of  equity  instruments  expected  to  vest 
based  on  assessment  of  all  relevant  non-market  vesting  conditions.  The  impact  of  the  revision 
of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit or loss such that the cumulative expense 
reflects  the  revised  estimate,  with  a  corresponding  adjustment  to  the  share  options  reserve. 
For  share  options  that  vest  immediately  at  the  date  of  grant,  the  fair  value  of  the  share  options 
granted is expensed immediately to profit or loss.

When  share  options  are  exercised,  the  amount  previously  recognised  in  share-based  payments 
reserve  will  be  transferred  to  share  premium.  When  the  share  options  are  forfeited  after  the 
vesting  date  or  are  still  not  exercised  at  the  expiry  date,  the  amount  previously  recognised  in 
share options reserve will continue to be held in share options reserve.

Government grants

Government  grants  are  not  recognised  until  there  is  reasonable  assurance  that  the  Group  will 
comply with the conditions attaching to them and that the grants will be received.

Government  grants  related  to  income  that  are  receivable  as  compensation  for  expenses  or 
losses  already  incurred  or  for  the  purpose  of  giving  immediate  financial  support  to  the  Group 
with no future related costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period  in  which  they  become 
receivable. Such grants are presented under “other income and losses, net”.

103

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20213. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

3.2  Significant accounting policies (continued)

Foreign currencies

In  preparing  the  financial  statements  of  each  individual  group  entity,  transactions  in  currencies 
other than the functional currency of that entity (foreign currencies) are recognised at the rates 
of  exchanges  prevailing  on  the  dates  of  the  transactions.  At  the  end  of  the  reporting  period, 
monetary  items  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  retranslated  at  the  rates  prevailing  at 
that  date.  Non-monetary  items  carried  at  fair  value  that  are  denominated  in  foreign  currencies 
are  retranslated  at  the  rates  prevailing  on  the  date  when  the  fair  value  was  determined.  Non-
monetary  items  that  are  measured  in  terms  of  historical  cost  in  a  foreign  currency  are  not 
retranslated.

Exchange  differences  arising  on  the  settlement  of  monetary  items,  and  on  the  retranslation  of 
monetary items, are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

For  the  purposes  of  presenting  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  assets  and  liabilities 
of  the  Group’s  foreign  operations  are  translated  into  the  presentation  currency  of  the  Group 
(i.e.  HK$)  using  exchange  rates  prevailing  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period.  Income  and 
expenses  items  are  translated  at  the  average  exchange  rates  for  the  period,  unless  exchange 
rates  fluctuated  significantly  during  the  period,  in  which  case,  the  exchange  rates  at  the 
date  of  transactions  are  used.  Exchange  differences  arising,  if  any,  are  recognised  in  OCI  and 
accumulated in equity under the heading of translation reserve.

On  the  disposal  of  a  foreign  operation  (that  is,  a  disposal  of  the  Group’s  entire  interest  in  a 
foreign  operation,  or  a  disposal  involving  loss  of  control  over  a  subsidiary  that  includes  a 
foreign  operation,  or  a  partial  disposal  of  an  interest  in  a  joint  arrangement  that  includes  a 
foreign  operation  of  which  the  retained  interest  becomes  a  financial  asset),  all  of  the  exchange 
differences accumulated in equity in respect of that operation attributable to the owners of the 
Company are reclassified to profit or loss.

104

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20214. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENT AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

In  the  application  of  the  Group’s  accounting  policies,  which  are  described  in  Note  3,  the  directors  of 
the Company are required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts 
of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying 
assumptions  are  based  on  historical  experience  and  other  factors  that  are  considered  to  be  relevant. 
Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting 
estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that 
period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future 
periods.

Critical judgments in applying accounting policies

The  following  are  the  critical  judgments,  apart  from  those  involving  estimations  (see  below),  that 
the  directors  of  the  Company  have  made  in  the  process  of  applying  the  Group’s  accounting  policies 
and  that  have  the  most  significant  effect  on  the  amounts  recognised  in  the  consolidated  financial 
statements.

Judgment  on  whether  there  has  been  significant  increase  in  credit  risk  in  respect  of  the  Group’s 
financial assets

The  management  assesses  whether  there  has  been  a  significant  increase  in  credit  risk  for  exposures 
since initial recognition in respect of the Group’s loan and interest receivables and debt instruments at 
FVTOCI. If there has been a significant increase in credit risk, the Group will measure the loss allowance 
based  on  lifetime  ECL  rather  than  12-month  ECL.  In  assessing  whether  the  credit  risk  of  an  asset  has 
significantly  increased,  the  Group  takes  into  account  qualitative  factors  and  results  of  quantitative 
modelling  supported  by  reasonable  and  supportable  forward-looking  information  available  without 
undue  cost  or  effort,  with  significant  judgments  involved.  The  Group  determines  individually  whether 
the  loan  and  interest  receivables  and  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  have  been  credit  impaired  when 
one  or  more  events  having  detrimental  impacts  on  the  estimated  future  cash  flows  occurred.  The 
information  about  the  ECL  and  the  Group’s  loan  and  interest  receivables  and  debt  instruments  at 
FVTOCI are disclosed in Notes 37, 23 and 22 respectively.

105

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20214. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENT AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY 
(continued)

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

The  following  is  the  key  assumption  concerning  the  future,  and  other  key  sources  of  estimation 
uncertainty  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period,  that  may  have  a  significant  risk  of  causing  a  material 
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

Provision of ECL on loan and interest receivables

Management  regularly  reviews  the  impairment  assessment  and  evaluates  the  ECL  of  the  loan  and 
interest receivables. Appropriate impairment allowance is recognised in profit or loss.

In  assessing  whether  the  credit  risk  has  increased  significantly  since  initial  recognition,  the  Group 
compares  the  risk  of  a  default  occurring  on  the  financial  instrument  at  the  reporting  date  with  the 
one  as  at  the  date  of  initial  recognition.  In  making  this  assessment,  the  loan  and  interest  receivables 
from  borrowers  are  assessed  individually  by  the  management  of  the  Group,  based  on  the  financial 
background,  financial  condition  and  the  historical  settlement  records,  including  past  due  dates  and 
default  rates,  of  each  borrower  and  reasonable  and  supportable  forward-looking  information  (such  as 
macroeconomic factors including Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) growth and unemployment rate with 
adjustment  on  different  scenarios  of  economic  environment  prospect)  that  is  available  without  undue 
cost or effort.

Each  borrower  is  assigned  a  risk  grading  under  internal  credit  ratings  to  calculate  the  ECL,  taking  into 
consideration of the estimates of expected cash shortfalls which are driven by estimates of possibility of 
default and the amount and timing of cash flows that are expected from foreclosure on the collaterals 
(if  any)  less  the  costs  of  selling  the  collaterals.  At  every  reporting  date,  the  financial  background, 
financial  condition  and  the  historical  settlement  records  are  reassessed  and  changes  in  the  forward-
looking information are considered.

The  management  further  assesses  the  amount  of  exposure  of  default  through  assessing  the  potential 
loss  as  a  result  of  the  risk  on  credit-impaired  loan  and  interest  receivables  to  which  the  Group  is 
exposed and recovery actions the Group has taken. In assessing the amount of exposure of default, the 
Group takes into account the timing of expected cash flows from foreclosure on the collaterals less the 
costs of selling the collaterals.

The  provision  of  ECL  is  sensitive  to  changes  in  estimates.  Owing  to  greater  financial  uncertainty 
triggered  by  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  the  Group  has  increased  the  expected  loss  rates  in  the  current 
year as there is higher risk that a prolonged pandemic could lead to increased credit default rates. The 
information about the ECL and the Group’s loan and interest receivables are disclosed in Notes 37 and 
23 respectively.

Debt instrument at FVTOCI

The Group’s debts instruments at FVTOCI are held within a business model whose objective is achieved 
by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling of these assets and the contractual cash flows of 
these investments are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

106

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20214. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENT AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY 
(continued)

Key sources of estimation uncertainty (continued)

Provision of ECL on debt instruments at FVTOCI

The  Group  performed  impairment  assessment  for  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  under  ECL  model 
individually. The determination of the loss allowances is dependent on the external macro environment 
and the credit rating of each debt securities. The management takes into consideration historical data 
from the international rating agency.

The  Group  determines  individually  whether  the  issuers  of  the  debt  instruments  have  been  credit 
impaired when one or more events that having detrimental impacts on the estimated future cash flows 
occurred.  Evidence  that  the  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  are  credit-impaired  includes  observable  data 
including significant financial difficulty of the issuer and the business of issuer being unstable.

The provision of ECL involves significant estimates and judgments, including determination of whether 
there is significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, use of assumptions in determination 
of probability of default and loss given default, and incorporation of forward looking information. The 
information about the ECL and the Group’s debt instruments at FVTOCI are disclosed in Notes 37 and 22 
respectively.

At  31  December  2021,  the  carrying  amounts  of  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  was  HK$78,396,000  (2020: 
HK$132,198,000)  with  provision  of  ECL  of  HK$49,247,000  (2020:  HK$4,574,000)  recognised  during  the 
year.

Estimated impairment of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets

Property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets are stated at costs less accumulated depreciation 
and  impairment,  if  any.  In  determining  whether  an  asset  is  impaired,  the  Group  has  to  exercise 
judgment  and  make  estimation,  particularly  in  assessing  whether  an  event  has  occurred  or  any 
indicators that may affect the recoverable amount of the assets. In estimating the value in use, the net 
present value of future cash flows which are estimated based upon the continued use of the asset and 
key  assumptions  applied,  including  cash  flow  projections  and  an  appropriate  discount  rate.  When  it  is 
not  possible  to  estimate  the  recoverable  amount  of  an  individual  asset  (including  right-of-use  assets), 
the  Group  estimates  the  recoverable  amount  of  the  cash  generating  unit  to  which  the  assets  belongs, 
including  allocation  of  corporate  assets  when  a  reasonable  and  consistent  basis  of  allocation  can  be 
established,  otherwise  recoverable  amount  is  determined  at  the  smallest  group  of  cash  generating 
units,  for  which  the  relevant  corporate  assets  have  been  allocated.  Changing  the  assumptions  and 
estimates, including the discount rates or the growth rate in the cash flow projections, could materially 
affect the recoverable amounts.

At 31 December 2021, the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets, 
subject  to  impairment  assessment  were  HK$34,383,000  and  HK$4,200,000  (2020:  HK$985,000  and 
HK$2,523,000) respectively, no impairment loss in respect of property, plant and equipment and right-
of-use assets were provided for the years ended 31 December 2021 and 2020.

107

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20215. 

REVENUE

Revenue from major products and services

The  Group’s  revenue  is  arising  from  petroleum  exploration  and  production,  solar  energy,  money 
lending and investment in securities businesses.

An analysis of the Group’s revenue for the year is as follows:

Sales of petroleum
Sales of electricity
Interest income from money lending business*
Interest income from debt instruments at FVTOCI*
Dividend income from financial assets at FVTPL

2021
HK$’000

1,847
652
13,182
8,871
268

2020
HK$’000

14,097
–
17,870
10,142
340

24,820

42,449

* 

Under effective interest method

During the year, revenue from sales of petroleum is recognised at a point in time. Revenue from sales of 
petroleum is recognised once the control of the crude oil is transferred from the Group to the customer. 
Revenue is measured based on the oil price agreed with the customer at the point of sales.

During the year, revenue from sales of electricity is recognised over time when the electricity generated 
(by solar energy power generation systems) and transmitted is simultaneously received and consumed 
by  the  power  companies  under  Renewable  Energy  Feed-in  Tariff  Scheme  (the  “FiT  Scheme”),  jointly 
launched by the Hong Kong Government and the two power companies in Hong Kong. The Group has 
elected the practical expedient to recognise revenue in the amount to which the Group has a right to 
invoice  as  the  amount  represents  and  corresponds  directly  with  the  value  of  performance  completed 
and transferred to the power companies. The Group has no unsatisfied performance obligations at each 
reporting date.

Dividend income and interest income fall outside the scope of HKFRS 15.

This is consistent with the revenue information disclosed for each operating segment.

108

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. 

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The  following  is  an  analysis  of  the  Group’s  revenue  and  results  by  operating  segments,  based  on  the 
information provided to the chief operating decision maker representing the Board, for the purposes of 
allocating resources to segments and assessing their performance. This is also the basis upon which the 
Group is arranged and organised.

The Group’s operating segments under HKFRS 8 “Operating segments” are as follows:

(i) 

Petroleum exploration and production

(ii) 

Solar energy

(iii)  Money lending

(iv) 

Investment in securities

During the year ended 31 December 2021, the Group has commenced its solar energy business which 
is engaged in the sales of electricity to the power companies in Hong Kong to earn feed-in tariff income 
from the two power companies under the FiT Scheme. The chief operating decision maker considered 
the solar energy business a new operating and reportable segment.

109

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 20216. 

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Segment revenue and results

The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue and results by operating segments:

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Petroleum
exploration
and
production
HK$’000

Solar
energy
HK$’000

Money
lending
HK$’000

Investment
in securities
HK$’000

Total
HK$’000

1,847

652

13,182

9,139

24,820

(4,112)
–

(4,112)

89
–

89

13,084
4,356

16,714
(49,247)

25,775
(44,891)

17,440

(32,533)

(19,116)

987
(13,025)
(397)
(75)

(31,626)
2,255

(29,371)

(34)
(9)

(243)
(64)

–
–

–
–

(277)
(73)

Segment revenue
External sales/sources

Results
Segment results before reversal 

(provision) of ECL

Reversal (provision) of ECL

Segment results

Other income and losses, net
Corporate expenses
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries
Finance costs

Loss before tax
Income tax credit

Loss for the year

Other information
Depreciation of property,  
plant and equipment

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

110

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. 

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Segment revenue and results (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Petroleum
exploration
and 
production
HK$’000

Money 
lending
HK$’000

Investment 
in securities
HK$’000

Total
HK$’000

14,097

17,870

10,482

42,449

(2,647)
–

17,286
12,232

1,191
(4,574)

15,830
7,658

Segment revenue
External sales/sources

Results
Segment results before reversal  

(provision) of ECL

Reversal (provision) of ECL

Segment results

(2,647)

29,518

(3,383)

23,488

Other income and losses, net
Corporate expenses
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries
Finance costs

Profit before tax
Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Other information
Depreciation of property,  
plant and equipment

9,563
(23,792)
(515)
(166)

8,578
(440)

8,138

(88)

–

–

(88)

The  accounting  policies  of  the  operating  segments  are  the  same  as  the  Group’s  accounting  policies 
described in Note 3. Segment results represent the loss incurred/profit earned by each segment without 
allocation of certain other income and losses, net, corporate expenses, loss on disposal of subsidiaries, 
certain finance costs and income tax credit (expense).

111

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. 

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Segment assets and liabilities

The following is an analysis of the Group’s assets and liabilities by reportable and operating segments:

Segment assets
Petroleum exploration and production
Solar energy
Money lending
Investment in securities

Total segment assets
Unallocated:

Property, plant and equipment
Bank balances and cash
Right-of-use assets
Other assets

Consolidated assets

Segment liabilities
Petroleum exploration and production
Solar energy
Money lending
Investment in securities

Total segment liabilities
Unallocated:

Lease liabilities
Other liabilities

Consolidated liabilities

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

1,256
47,599
127,774
85,126

3,461
–
162,716
166,396

261,755

332,573

854
177,911
1,312
1,083

985
133,585
2,523
6,097

442,915

475,763

1,800
2,860
25
–

4,685

1,491
10,749

2,287
–
517
578

3,382

2,773
10,110

16,925

16,265

For the purposes of monitoring segment performances and allocating resources between segments:

• 

• 

all assets are allocated to operating segments other than certain property, plant and equipment, 
certain bank balances and cash, certain right-of-use assets and certain other assets; and

all  liabilities  are  allocated  to  operating  segments  other  than  certain  lease  liabilities  and  certain 
other liabilities.

112

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. 

SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Geographical information

The Group’s operations are located in Argentina, Hong Kong and the PRC.

Information  about  the  Group’s  revenue  from  external  customers/sources  is  presented  based  on  the 
location of customers/sources. Information about the Group’s non-current assets is presented based on 
the geographical location of the assets.

Argentina
Hong Kong
The PRC

Revenue from external 
customers/sources

Year ended 31 December
2020
HK$’000

2021
HK$’000

Non-current 
assets (Note)

At 31 December

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

1,847
21,008
1,965

14,097
25,537
2,815

172
48,285
–

–
3,508
–

24,820

42,449

48,457

3,508

Note:  Non-current assets excluded debt instruments at FVTOCI and loan and interest receivables.

Information about major customers

Revenue  from  customers  of  the  corresponding  years  contributing  over  10%  of  the  total  revenue  is  as 
follows:

Customer A 1
Customer B 2

2021
HK$’000

N/A 3
3,300

2020
HK$’000

13,740
N/A 3

Notes:

1 

2 

3 

Revenue from petroleum exploration and production business

Revenue from money lending business

The  corresponding  revenue  did  not  contribute  over  10%  of  the  total  revenue  of  the  Group  during  the 

relevant year

113

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7. 

OTHER INCOME AND LOSSES, NET

Bank interest income
Government grant (Note (i))
Overprovision of accrued expenses (Note (ii))
Exchange gain, net
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Write off of other receivables and deposit (Note (iii))
Others

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

83
–
1,920
453
–
(1,680)
346

741
867
6,088
2,506
(35)
–
(7)

1,122

10,160

Notes:

(i) 

(ii) 

During  the  year  ended  31  December  2020,  the  Group  recognised  government  grants  in  respect  of  COVID-
19-related  subsidies  which  was  related  to  Employment  Support  Scheme  provided  by  the  Hong  Kong 
Government.

The  amount  represented  the  overprovision  of  legal  and  professional  expenses  in  relation  to  a  possible 
acquisition  in  2012  which  the  management  had  subsequently  decided  not  to  proceed  with.  The 
management considered the possiblility of settling such liabilities as remote and the provision was reversed 
accordingly.

(iii) 

The  amount  represented  the  write  off  of  other  receivables  and  deposit  paid  in  relation  to  the  petroleum 
exploration  and  production  business  in  Argentina  as  the  counterparty  is  in  financial  difficulties  and  under 
the process of insolvency proceedings.

8. 

NET GAIN (LOSS) ON FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

Net unrealised loss on financial assets at FVTPL (Note (i))
Net realised gain (loss) on disposal of financial assets at 

FVTPL (Note (ii))

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

(1,229)

9,099

7,870

(1,751)

(7,432)

(9,183)

Notes:

(i) 

The  amount  represented  the  change  in  the  fair  value  of  the  securities  acquired  during  the  year  and/or 
the  carrying  amount  of  the  securities  brought  forward  from  the  prior  financial  year  after  accounting  for 
additional acquisition and/or disposal of the securities (if any) during the year as compared to the fair value 
of the financial assets at FVTPL held by the Group at 31 December 2021 and 2020, respectively.

(ii) 

The  amount  represented  the  change  in  the  fair  value  of  the  securities  acquired  during  the  year  and/or 
the  carrying  amount  of  the  securities  brought  forward  from  the  prior  financial  year  after  accounting  for 
additional acquisition of the securities (if any) during the year as compared to the fair value of the financial 
assets at FVTPL disposed of upon disposal.

114

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9. 

LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARIES

During the years ended 31 December 2021 and 2020, the Group disposed of its entire equity interests in 
five (2020: four) subsidiaries to independent third parties.

Consideration received:
Consideration received in cash

Assets and liabilities of the disposed subsidiaries  

at the date of disposal:
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Loan and interest receivables
Other receivables
Bank balances and cash
Trade and other payables
Income tax payable

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

29,100

20,000

107
–
30,904
60
167
(1,714)
(367)

420
420
19,697
–
159
(181)
–

Net assets disposed of

29,157

20,515

Loss on disposal of subsidiaries:
Consideration received
Net assets disposed of
Reclassification of cumulative translation reserve  

upon disposal of foreign operations to profit or loss

Loss on disposal

Net cash inflow arising on disposal:
Cash consideration
Less: bank balances and cash disposed of

29,100
(29,157)

20,000
(20,515)

(340)

(397)

–

(515)

29,100
(167)

20,000
(159)

28,933

19,841

115

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.  FINANCE COSTS

Interest on lease liabilities (Note 33)

101

166

11. 

INCOME TAX CREDIT (EXPENSE)

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

Tax charge for the year comprises:
Current tax

Hong Kong
The PRC

Overprovision (underprovision) in prior years

Hong Kong
The PRC

Deferred tax (Note 29)

Income tax credit (expense) recognised in profit or loss

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

(944)
(207)

(1,151)

2,929
(101)

2,828
578

2,255

(502)
(125)

(627)

–
718

718
(531)

(440)

Under  the  two-tiered  profits  tax  rates  regime,  the  first  HK$2  million  of  profits  of  the  qualifying  group 
entity will be taxed at 8.25%, and profits above HK$2 million will be taxed at 16.5%. The profits of group 
entities not qualifying for the two-tiered profits tax rates regime will continue to be taxed at a flat rate 
of  16.5%.  Accordingly,  the  Hong  Kong  profits  tax  of  the  qualifying  group  entity  is  calculated  at  8.25% 
on the first HK$2 million of the estimated assessable profits and at 16.5% on the estimated assessable 
profits above HK$2 million.

Under the Law of the PRC on Enterprise Income Tax (the “EIT Law”) and Implementation Regulation of 
the EIT Law, the tax rate of the PRC subsidiaries is 25% for both years.

116

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11. 

INCOME TAX CREDIT (EXPENSE) (continued)

The  tax  credit  (expense)  for  the  year  can  be  reconciled  to  the  loss  (profit)  before  tax  per  the 
consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as follows:

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

Loss (profit) before tax

31,626

(8,578)

Tax at the applicable rates of 16.5% (2020: 16.5%)
Tax effect of income not taxable for tax purpose
Tax effect of expenses not deductible for tax purpose
Tax effect of temporary difference not recognised
Overprovision in prior years
Tax effect of tax losses not recognised
Income tax at concessionary rate
Effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other 

jurisdictions

Income tax credit (expense) for the year

5,218
435
(448)
(5,686)
2,828
(187)
165

(70)

2,255

(1,415)
10,325
(4,439)
215
718
(6,114)
165

105

(440)

117

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12. 

(LOSS) PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

(Loss) profit for the year has been arrived at after charging:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Total depreciation

Staff costs

– directors’ emoluments (Note 13)
– other staff costs
– other staff’s retirement benefits schemes contributions
   (excluding directors)

Total staff costs

Auditor’s remuneration
Professional and consultancy fees (Note)

Note:

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

382
1,284

1,666

1,612
7,386

801

221
1,196

1,417

2,117
10,808

1,289

9,799

14,214

1,198
2,761

850
8,780

For  the  year  ended  31  December  2020,  the  amount  mainly  represented  the  legal  and  professional  fees  incurred 

in  connection  with  a  proposed  acquisition  of  hydrocarbons  exploitation  concession  rights  in  Argentina,  details  of 

which were set out in the Company’s circular dated 8 October 2020.

118

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13.  DIRECTORS’ AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S EMOLUMENTS

The emoluments paid or payable to each of the seven (2020: eight) directors, disclosed pursuant to the 
applicable Listing Rules and Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, were as follows:

Name

2021
Executive Directors
Mr. Sue Ka Lok
Mr. Yiu Chun Kong
Mr. Chan Shui Yuen
Mr. Liang Weijie

Independent Non-executive Directors

Mr. Pun Chi Ping
Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine
Mr. Kwong Tin Lap

Total

Salaries 
and other

Retirement 
benefit 
scheme 
benefits contributions
HK$’000
HK$’000

Total
HK$’000

Note

Fees
HK$’000

(i)

–
–
–
–

120
120
120

360

390
130
490
190

–
–
–

20
7
25
–

–
–
–

410
137
515
190

120
120
120

1,200

52

1,612

119

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13.  DIRECTORS’ AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S EMOLUMENTS (continued)

Name

2020
Executive Directors

Mr. Liu Zhiyi
Mr. Sue Ka Lok
Mr. Yiu Chun Kong
Mr. Chan Shui Yuen

Non-executive Director

Mr. Suen Cho Hung, Paul

Independent Non-executive Directors

Mr. Pun Chi Ping
Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine
Mr. Kwong Tin Lap

Total

Salaries 
and other
benefits
HK$’000

Retirement 
benefit 
scheme 
contributions
HK$’000

Total
HK$’000

Notes

Fees
HK$’000

(ii)

(iii)

–
–
–
–

117

120
120
120

477

600
390
130
455

–

–
–
–

9
20
7
23

6

–
–
–

609
410
137
478

123

120
120
120

1,575

65

2,117

The  executive  directors’  emoluments  shown  above  were  for  their  services  in  connection  with  the 
management  of  the  affairs  of  the  Company  and  the  Group.  The  emoluments  of  the  non-executive 
director  and  independent  non-executive  directors  shown  above  were  for  their  services  as  directors  of 
the Company.

Notes:

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

Appointed on 8 April 2021 and resigned on 18 October 2021

Resigned on 30 June 2020

Retired on 26 June 2020

During the year, no emoluments were paid by the Group to any directors as an inducement to join, or 
upon joining the Group or as compensation for loss of office. No directors waived any emoluments for 
both years.

120

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14.  EMPLOYEES’ EMOLUMENTS

Of the five individuals with the highest emoluments in the Group, no one (2020: one) is director whose 
emoluments is included in the disclosure in Note 13. The emoluments of the remaining five (2020: four) 
individuals were as follows:

Salaries and other benefits
Retirement benefits schemes contributions

Their emoluments were within the following bands:

Nil to HK$1,000,000
HK$1,000,001 to HK$1,500,000
HK$2,500,001 to HK$3,000,000

15.  DIVIDENDS

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

4,634
591

5,225

4,463
672

5,135

Number of employees

2021

2020

3
1
1

2
1
1

No  dividend  was  paid  or  proposed  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2021  (2020:  nil),  nor  has  any 
dividend been proposed since the end of the reporting period (2020: nil).

121

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16. 

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE

(Loss) earnings per share is calculated by dividing the (loss) profit for the year attributable to owners of 
the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

(Loss) profit:
(Loss) profit for the year attributable to owners of the  
Company for the purpose of calculating basic (loss)  
earnings per share

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

(29,371)

2021
’000

8,519

2020
’000

Number of shares:
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose  

of calculating basic (loss) earnings per share

5,240,344

5,240,344

For the year ended 31 December 2021, the diluted loss per share attributable to owners of the Company 
is not presented as there were no dilutive potential ordinary shares in issue.

For  the  year  ended  31  December  2020,  the  diluted  earnings  per  share  attributable  to  owners  of  the 
Company  is  not  presented  as  all  the  outstanding  share  options  were  lapsed  on  4  May  2020  and  there 
were no dilutive potential ordinary shares in issue since then.

122

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17.  EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS

Cost
At 1 January 2020, 31 December 2020 and 1 January 2021
Written-off

At 31 December 2021

Impairment

At 1 January 2020, 31 December 2020 and 1 January 2021
Written-off

At 31 December 2021

Carrying values

At 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2021

Exploration 
and evaluation 
assets
HK$’000

3,778,574
(3,778,574)

–

3,778,574
(3,778,574)

–

–

Exploration  and  evaluation  assets  were  related  to  the  oil  exploration  rights  in  the  Chañares  Herrados 
area  (“CHE  Area”)  and  Puesto  Pozo  Cercado  area  (“PPC  Area”)  (together  the  “Concessions”)  in  the 
Cuyana Basin, Mendoza Province of Argentina, covering a total surface area of approximately 40.0 and 
169.4 square kilometres, respectively.

The  Concessions  were  awarded  to  Chañares  Energía  S.A.  (formerly  known  as  Chañares  Herrados 
Empresa  de  Trabajos  Petroleros  S.  A.)  (“Chañares”),  the  concessionaire.  The  terms  of  the  Concessions 
were  25  years  commencing  from  24  September  1992  and  26  June  1992,  respectively,  with  the 
possibility of obtaining a 10-year extension under certain conditions.

In 2011, Chañares obtained an extension of 10 years from the date of expiry of the original term of the 
Concessions under a decree dated 30 June 2011 issued by the Executive of the Province of Mendoza.

123

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17.  EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS (continued)

At  31  December  2015,  based  on  prevailing  available  information  on  oil  price  forecast,  investment 
costs  and  operating  costs,  the  Group  considered  the  future  development  of  the  investment  plan  on 
the  Concessions  using  methods  of  breakeven  analysis  and  investment  return  analysis  and  concluded 
that  it  was  not  economically  feasible  to  drill  any  new  wells.  Given  the  nature  of  the  Group’s  activities, 
information  on  the  fair  value  of  the  exploration  and  evaluation  assets  was  difficult  to  obtain  unless 
negotiation with potential purchasers were taking place such that no reliable fair value information in 
the market could be found. Therefore, in the opinion of the directors of the Company, the exploration 
and  evaluation  assets  were  fully  impaired  during  the  year  ended  31  December  2015.  At  31  December 
2016, the Group reconsidered the future development of the investment plan on the Concessions and 
concluded that no well drilling programme would be launched.

As  disclosed  in  the  announcement  of  the  Company  dated  15  August  2017,  the  Group  was  notified  by 
Chañares  that  the  Executive  of  the  Province  of  Mendoza  had  published  a  decree  on  9  August  2017 
declaring  the  lapse  of  the  concession  in  respect  of  the  PPC  Area  by  30  October  2017,  of  which  the 
exploration and evaluation assets in respect of the Group’s right over the hydrocarbon production was 
fully impaired during the year ended 31 December 2015. The Group was also notified by Chañares that 
the concession in respect of the CHE Area would be extended until 14 November 2027.

At  31  December  2017  and  31  December  2018,  the  Group  reconsidered  the  future  development  of  the 
investment  plan  on  the  concession  in  respect  of  the  CHE  Area  (the  “CHE  Concession”)  and  concluded 
that no further well drilling programme would be launched.

As  disclosed  in  the  announcement  of  the  Company  dated  24  May  2019,  the  Group  was  notified  by 
Chañares  that  the  Executive  of  the  Province  of  Mendoza  had  issued  a  decree  (the  “2019  Decree”) 
in  respect  of  the  termination  of  the  CHE  Concession  as  Chañares  had  not  fulfilled  its  investment 
commitment.  The  Decree  did  not  state  the  effective  date  of  the  termination  of  the  CHE  Concession 
but stated that the CHE Concession would be made available for other investors to invest and operate 
under  a  formal  bidding  process  to  be  conducted  (the  “Bidding  Process”).  Accordingly,  in  view  of  the 
forthcoming  termination  of  the  CHE  Concession,  at  31  December  2019  and  31  December  2020,  the 
Group had not reconsidered the future development of the investment plan on the CHE Concession.

As  disclosed  in  the  Company’s  announcement  dated  16  March  2021,  the  Group’s  interest  in  the  CHE 
Concession  had  been  taken  over  by  the  new  concessionaire  on  13  March  2021,  the  exploration  and 
evaluation assets were therefore fully written off during the year ended 31 December 2021.

124

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 202118.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Oil and

gas photovoltaic
systems
HK$’000

Solar Construction
in
progress
HK$’000

properties
HK$’000

Cost
At 1 January 2020
Additions 
Eliminated on disposal of subsidiaries
Written-off and disposal
Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2020
Additions (Note (i) and (ii))
Eliminated on disposal of subsidiaries
Written-off (Note (iii))
Exchange adjustment

497,532
–
–
–
–

497,532
–
–
(497,532)
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
30,220
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
3,551
–
–
–

Others
HK$’000

Total
HK$’000

4,683
1,041
(880)
(288)
102

4,658
110
(1,738)
–
43

502,215
1,041
(880)
(288)
102

502,190
33,881
(1,738)
(497,532)
43

At 31 December 2021

–

30,220

3,551

3,073

36,844

Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2020
Provided for the year
Eliminated on disposal of subsidiaries
Eliminated on written-off and disposal
Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2020
Provided for the year
Eliminated on disposal of subsidiaries
Written-off (Note (iii))
Exchange adjustment

At 31 December 2021

Carrying values
At 31 December 2021

At 31 December 2020

497,447
85
–
–
–

497,532
–
–
(497,532)
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
243
–
–
–

243

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

4,163
136
(460)
(253)
87

3,673
139
(1,631)
–
37

501,610
221
(460)
(253)
87

501,205
382
(1,631)
(497,532)
37

2,218

2,461

29,977

3,551

855

34,383

–

–

985

985

125

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

Notes:

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

As  disclosed  in  the  announcement  of  the  Company  dated  30  August  2021,  the  Group  entered  into  an 
acquisition  agreement  to  acquire  a  portfolio  of  existing  and  to-be-completed  solar  photovoltaic  systems 
which  are  participating  in  the  FiT  Scheme.  The  solar  photovoltaic  systems  were  depreciated  on  a  straight-
line basis of 5% per annum.

The amount represented the construction in progress of solar photovoltaic systems in Hong Kong, which are 
expected to be completed within a year.

As  described  in  Notes  17  and  32,  the  Group’s  interest  in  the  CHE  Concession  had  been  taken  over  by  the 
new concessionaire on 13 March 2021, the oil and gas properties were therefore written-off.

The  oil  and  gas  properties  were  depreciated  on  a  unit-of-production  basis  over  the  estimated 
production, and the remaining items of property, plant and equipment were depreciated on a straight-
line basis at 20% to 331/3% per annum after taking into account their estimated residual values.

19.  RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

Carrying amount
At 31 December 2021

At 31 December 2020

For the year ended 31 December 2021
Depreciation charge

Additions to right-of-use assets

Total cash outflow for leases
Less: expenses relating to short-term leases

Net cash outflow for leases in financing activities

For the year ended 31 December 2020
Depreciation charge

Additions to right-of-use assets

Total cash outflow for leases
Less: expenses relating to short-term leases

Net cash outflow for leases in financing activities

126

Offices
and
buildings
HK$’000

4,200

2,523

1,284

2,961

1,517
(76)

1,441

1,196

3,724

5,226
(465)

4,761

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19.  RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS (continued)

For  both  years,  the  Group  leases  offices  and  buildings  for  its  operations.  Lease  contracts  are  entered 
into for a fixed term of one to twelve years, but may have termination option as described below. Lease 
terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. 
In determining the lease term and assessing the length of the non-cancellable period, the Group applies 
the definition of a contract and determines the period for which the contract is enforceable.

At 31 December 2021, there was no outstanding lease commitment relating to short-term lease for the 
Group’s office disclosed above.

The  Group  has  termination  option  in  certain  leases  for  its  offices  and  buildings.  Termination  option  is 
used to maximise operational flexibility in terms of managing the assets used in the Group’s operations. 
The  termination  options  held  are  exercisable  only  by  the  Group  and  not  by  the  lessor.  The  Group 
reassessed the lease term at the reporting date and concluded not to exercise the termination options 
and hence the related lease payments during the lease period were included in the lease liabilities.

Restrictions or covenants on leases

The lease agreements do not impose any covenants other than the equity interests in the leased assets 
that are held by the lessors. Leased assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.

20. 

INTANGIBLE ASSET

Cost and carrying value
At 1 January 2020
Eliminated on disposal of a subsidiary (Note)

At 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2021

Vehicle
license
HK$’000

420
(420)

–

Note:  During  the  year  ended  31  December  2020,  the  Group  disposed  of  a  subsidiary  which  held  the  vehicle 

license.

127

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
21.  PREPAYMENT FOR ACQUISITION OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS AND TRADE AND OTHER 

RECEIVABLES AND PREPAYMENTS

Prepayment for acquisition of non-current assets (Note (i))

Trade receivables (Note (ii))
Deposits and prepayments
Deposits held for petroleum exploration and production

operation (Note (iii))

Others (Note (iv))

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

9,874

194
1,316

–
106

–

1,027
3,465

1,085
10,216

1,616

15,793

Notes:

(i) 

(ii) 

The  amount  represented  prepayments  for  the  acquisition  of  solar  photovoltaic  systems  in  relation  to  the 
solar  energy  business  (Note  18  (ii)),  the  amount  will  be  utilised  as  consideration  upon  completion  of  the 
acquisition. The management expects the acquisition to be completed within a year.

The  Group  allows  an  average  credit  period  of  30  to  60  days  (2020:  30  to  60  days).  The  trade  receivables  of 
HK$194,000 (2020: HK$1,027,000) were neither past due nor impaired and aged within 30 days based on the 
invoice date.

Before accepting any new customer, the Group assesses the potential customer’s credit quality and defines 
credit  limits  by  customer.  Credit  limits  and  credit  quality  attributable  to  the  customers  are  reviewed 
regularly.

Details of impairment assessment of trade receivables are set out in Note 37.

(iii) 

At  31  December  2020,  the  amount  included  deposits  paid  totalling  HK$1,076,000  in  relation  to  the 
petroleum  exploration  and  production  business  in  Argentina,  which  were  written  off  during  the  current 
year.

(iv) 

At 31 December 2021, the amount included HK$6,000 (2020: HK$9,101,000) placed with securities brokers in 
relation to securities trading activities in Hong Kong.

At  31  December  2020,  the  amount  included  other  receivables  of  HK$604,000  in  relation  to  the  petroleum 
exploration and production business in Argentina, which were written off during the current year.

Included in trade and other receivables was the following amount denominated in currency other than 
the functional currency of the relevant group entities:

ARS

128

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

6

1,762

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22.  DEBT INSTRUMENTS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Listed investments, at fair value:

– De bt securities listed in Hong Kong or Singapore with fixed 
interests ranging from 4.70% to 11.75% (2020: 4.70% to 
11.75%) per annum and maturity dates ranging from 8 
March 2022 to 28 June 2025 (2020: 12 February 2022 to 28 
June 2025)

Analysed as:
Current portion
Non-current portion

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

78,396

132,198

47,712
30,684

2,213
129,985

78,396

132,198

At 31 December 2021 and 2020, the fair value of debt instruments at FVTOCI were determined based on 
quoted market prices and credit risk adjustments on certain debt instruments.

The  Group  had  engaged  an  independent  professional  valuer  to  perform  ECL  assessment  on  the  debt 
instruments.  The  Company’s  management  worked  closely  with  the  independent  professional  valuer 
to  establish  the  appropriate  valuation  techniques  and  inputs  to  the  model  for  ECL  assessment.  In 
making  that  evaluation,  the  Group  assessed  ECL  for  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  by  reference  to  the 
credit rating of the debt instruments estimated by the recognised rating agencies (i.e. Moody’s, Fitch), 
the  macroeconomic  factors  and  the  changes  in  regulatory  requirement  affecting  each  issuer,  and  the 
probability of default and loss given default of each debt instrument. The Group also took into account 
forward-looking  information  that  was  reasonably  and  supportably  available  to  the  Group  without 
undue cost or effort, including information such as GDP growth rate and unemployment rate.

Provision  of  ECL  of  HK$49,247,000  (2020:  HK$4,574,000)  was  recognised  in  profit  or  loss  with 
corresponding adjustment to other comprehensive income for the year.

Details  of  impairment  assessment  are  set  out  in  Note  37.  All  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  were 
denominated in United States dollars.

129

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23.  LOAN AND INTEREST RECEIVABLES

Fixed-rate loan receivables
Interest receivables

Less: Impairment allowance

Analysed as:
Current portion
Non-current portion

Analysed as:
Secured
Unsecured

2021
HK$’000

140,378
9,538

149,916
(34,915)

2020
HK$’000

190,931
20,152

211,083
(49,701)

115,001

161,382

115,001
–

127,957
33,425

115,001

161,382

115,001
–

141,669
19,713

115,001

161,382

At  31  December  2021,  the  range  of  interest  rates  and  maturity  dates  attributed  to  the  Group’s 
performing loan receivables were 10% to 18% (2020: 8% to 18%) per annum and from 12 March 2022 to 
13 August 2022 (2020: 3 July 2021 to 15 March 2022) respectively.

The  analysis  of  the  Group’s  loan  and  interest  receivables  by  their  contractual  maturity  dates  is  as 
follows:

Loan and interest receivables:
Within one year or on demand
In more than one year but not more than two years

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

115,001
–

127,957
33,425

115,001

161,382

Before  granting  loans  to  borrowers,  the  Group  uses  internal  credit  assessment  process  to  assess  the 
potential  borrower’s  credit  quality  individually  and  defines  the  credit  limits  granted  to  the  borrowers. 
The credit limits attributed to the borrowers are reviewed by the management regularly.

130

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23.  LOAN AND INTEREST RECEIVABLES (continued)

Impairment assessment

In  assessing  whether  the  credit  risk  has  increased  significantly  since  initial  recognition,  the  Group 
compares the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument at the reporting date with the risk 
perceived at the date of initial recognition. In making this assessment, the loan and interest receivables 
from  borrowers  are  assessed  individually  by  the  management  of  the  Group,  based  on  the  financial 
background,  financial  condition  and  the  historical  settlement  records,  including  past  due  dates  and 
default  rates,  of  each  borrower  and  reasonable  and  supportable  forward-looking  information  that  is 
available  without  undue  cost  or  effort.  Each  borrower  is  assigned  a  risk  grading  under  internal  credit 
ratings  to  calculate  the  ECL,  taking  into  consideration  the  estimates  of  expected  cash  shortfalls  which 
are  driven  by  estimates  of  possibility  of  default  and  the  expected  loss  given  default  including  taking 
into account the amount and timing of cash flows that are expected from foreclosure on the collaterals 
(if  any)  less  the  costs  of  selling  the  collaterals.  At  every  reporting  date,  the  financial  background, 
financial condition and the historical settlement records of each borrower are reassessed and changes 
in the forward-looking information are considered.

At 31 December 2021, included in the Group’s loan and interest receivables balance were debtors with 
aggregate  gross  carrying  amount  of  HK$149,916,000  (2020:  HK$211,083,000),  of  which  HK$44,596,000 
(2020: HK$74,530,000) was secured by the borrowers’ pledged properties of which the market value of 
the  properties  less  its  estimated  costs  to  sell  amounted  to  HK$29,306,000  (2020:  HK$74,853,000),  and 
cumulative ECL of HK$15,162,000 (2020: HK$6,295,000) was provided after considering the adjustment 
to  reflect  loss  given  default  based  on  the  expected  realisation  of  the  collaterals;  HK$70,959,000  (2020: 
HK$73,434,000)  was  secured  by  the  borrowers’  pledged  unlisted  debt  instruments  issued  by  listed 
company in Hong Kong with principal amount totaling HK$200,000,000 (2020: HK$200,000,000), and no 
ECL was provided after considering the adjustment to reflect loss given default based on the expected 
realisation of the collaterals; HK$15,024,000 (2020: nil) was secured by the borrower’s pledged unlisted 
debt  instrument  issued  and  cumulative  ECL  of  HK$416,000  (2020:  nil)  was  provided  after  considering 
the adjustment to reflect loss given default based on the expected realisation of the collaterals; and the 
remaining amount of HK$19,337,000 (2020: HK$63,119,000) was not secured by any collateral or credit 
enhancement and cumulative ECL of HK$19,337,000 (2020: HK$43,406,000) was provided based on the 
ECL assessment performed.

The Group considers various actions for recovery of the credit-impaired loan including regular collateral 
revisions and interviews with the borrower to update the credit risk profile of the borrower. In the event 
that  the  borrower  defaulted  on  its  obligations,  the  Group  might  take  possession  of  the  assets  held  as 
collateral through court proceeding or procure the borrower to voluntarily deliver the possession of the 
collateral to the Group. The credit quality review process enables the Group to assess the potential loss 
as a result of the credit risk to which it is exposed and take appropriate recovery actions promptly.

At  31  December  2021,  of  the  Group’s  loan  and  interest  receivables  balance  with  aggregate  gross 
carrying  amount  of  HK$149,916,000  (2020:  HK$211,083,000),  HK$57,572,000  (2020:  HK$135,725,000) 
were  not  past  due,  HK$34,134,000  (2020:  HK$1,411,000)  had  been  past  due  for  less  than  30  days, 
HK$537,000 (2020: HK$1,830,000) had been past due for more than 30 days but less than 90 days, and 
HK$57,673,000  (2020:  HK$72,117,000)  had  been  past  due  for  90  days  or  more.  The  directors  of  the 
Company  considered  those  loan  and  interest  receivables  that  were  past  due  for  more  than  90  days  as 
credit-impaired, details of the cumulative ECL provided are set out above.

131

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 202123.  LOAN AND INTEREST RECEIVABLES (continued)

Impairment assessment (continued)

The Group recognised reversal of impairment allowance of HK$4,356,000 (2020: HK$12,232,000) on loan 
and interest receivables for the year.

The Group is not permitted to sell or repledge the collaterals in the absence of default by the borrowers. 
There  have  not  been  any  significant  changes  in  the  quality  of  the  collateral  held  for  the  loan  and 
interest receivables.

The movement of impairment allowance on loan and interest receivables for the year was as follows:

Lifetime ECL
(not credit-
impaired)
HK$’000

Lifetime ECL
(credit-
impaired)
HK$’000

12m ECL
HK$’000

Total
HK$’000

49

2,506

66,200

68,755

–

–

(49)
(194)
805

611

2,195

(6)
(3,230)
846

416

(2,506)

2,506

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

20,921

20,921

(33,909)
(6,628)
–

(33,958)
(6,822)
805

49,090

49,701

12,677

14,872

(20,068)
(7,200)
–

(20,074)
(10,430)
846

34,499

34,915

At 1 January 2020
Changes due to loan and interest 

receivables recognised at  
1 January 2020:
– Transfer to credit-impaired  

(Note (i))

– Impairment allowance recognised 

(Note (i))

– Impairment allowance reversed 

(Note (ii))

– Disposal of subsidiary (Note (iii))
New loans granted during the year

At 31 December 2020
Changes due to loan and interest 

receivables recognised at  
1 January 2021:
– Impairment allowance recognised 

(Note (iv))

– Impairment allowance reversed 

(Note (v))

– Disposal of subsidiaries (Note (vi))

New loans granted during the year

At 31 December 2021

132

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23.  LOAN AND INTEREST RECEIVABLES (continued)

Impairment assessment (continued)

Notes:

(i) 

The  impairment  losses  of  HK$2,506,000  was  related  to  loan  and  interest  receivables  with  gross  carrying 

amount  of  HK$23,388,000  transferred  from  lifetime  ECL  (not  credit-impaired)  to  lifetime  ECL  (credit-

impaired) with further impairment allowance of HK$20,882,000 provided and the impairment allowance of 

HK$39,000 was related to loan and interest receivables with gross carrying amount of HK$25,245,000.

(ii) 

The impairment allowance reversed of HK$49,000 was related to settlement of loan and interests receivables 

with  gross  carrying  amount  of  HK$5,022,000  from  12m  ECL.  The  impairment  allowance  reversed  of 

HK$33,909,000  was  mainly  related  to  settlement  of  loan  and  interests  receivables  with  gross  carrying 

amount of HK$33,489,000 from lifetime ECL (credit-impaired).

(iii) 

The  impairment  allowance  reversed  of  HK$6,822,000  was  related  to  the  disposal  of  a  subsidiary  with  loan 

and interest receivables of gross carrying amount of HK$26,519,000.

(iv) 

The  impairment  loss  of  HK$12,677,000  and  HK$2,195,000  were  mainly  related  to  loan  and  interest 

receivables  with  gross  carrying  amount  of  HK$76,044,000  from  lifetime  ECL  (credit-impaired)  and 

HK$19,894,000 from 12m ECL.

(v) 

The impairment allowance reversed of HK$6,000 was related to settlement of loan and interests receivables 

with  gross  carrying  amount  of  HK$1,810,000  from  12m  ECL.  The  impairment  allowance  reversed  of 

HK$20,068,000  was  mainly  related  to  settlement  of  loan  and  interests  receivables  with  gross  carrying 

amount of HK$42,824,000 from lifetime ECL (credit-impaired).

(vi) 

The impairment allowance reversed of HK$10,430,000 was related to disposal of subsidiaries with loan and 

interest receivables of gross carrying amount of HK$41,334,000 as of disposal date.

Details of ECL assessment are set out in Note 37.

133

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 202124.  OTHER TAX RECOVERABLES

Pursuant  to  the  relevant  rules  and  regulation  in  Argentina,  value-added  tax  on  expenditure  incurred 
in  drilling  and  purchase  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  relating  to  the  petroleum  exploration  and 
production  operation  in  Argentina  can  be  used  to  offset  future  value-added  tax  on  sales  made.  The 
Group is searching for potential oilfield projects in Argentina and the directors of the Company consider 
that an amount of HK$732,000 (2020: HK$609,000) will be recovered from the sales of petroleum within 
twelve  months  from  the  end  of  the  reporting  period  respectively,  accordingly,  such  amounts  were 
classified as current assets.

25.  FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

Listed investments, at fair value:

– Equity securities listed in Hong Kong

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

6,724

25,097

Listed equity securities were stated at fair values which were determined based on the quoted market 
closing prices available on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

26.  BANK BALANCES AND CASH

Bank balances carried interest ranging from 0.01% to 0.60% (2020: 0.01% to 2.70%) per annum.

In  addition,  included  in  the  bank  balances  and  cash  were  the  following  amounts  denominated  in 
currencies other than the functional currency of the relevant group entities:

2021
HK$’000

18
31,946
11
11

2020
HK$’000

278
22,092
11
–

ARS
US$
RMB
C$

134

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables
Other tax payables
Accrued professional fees
Other payables and accruals (Note)

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

129
1,178
390
10,155

11,852

526
1,249
3,237
3,732

8,744

Note:  The amount included HK$7,388,000 (2020: nil) being other payable for the acquisition of solar photovoltaic 

systems in relation to the solar energy business with credit period of 45 days.

The following is an aged analysis of trade payables, presented based on the invoice date, at the end of 
the reporting period:

0 – 30 days

The average credit period on purchases of goods was 30 days.

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

129

526

All the other payables were unsecured, interest-free and expected to be settled within one year.

Included in trade and other payables were the following amount denominated in currencies other than 
the functional currency of the relevant group entities:

ARS
US$

2021
HK$’000

1,752
–

2020
HK$’000

1,964
390

135

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28.  LEASE LIABILITIES

Lease liabilities payable:
Within one year
More than one year but not exceeding two years
More than two years but not exceeding five years
More than five years

Less: Am ount due within one year shown under current liabilities

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

1,574
418
906
1,496

4,394
(1,574)

1,282
1,327
164
–

2,773
(1,282)

Amount due after one year

2,820

1,491

The weighted average incremental borrowing rates applied to lease liabilities was 3.41% (2020: 3.50%).

Included  in  lease  obligations  was  the  following  amount  denominated  in  currency  other  than  the 
functional currency of the relevant group entities:

ARS

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

172

–

136

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29.  DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES

The  movement  of  deferred  tax  liabilities  recognised  and  movements  thereon  during  the  current  and 
prior years were as follows:

At 1 January 2020
Charged to profit or loss (Note 11)

At 31 December 2020
Credited to profit or loss (Note 11)

At 31 December 2021

Taxable temporary
difference
related to net
unrealised gain on
financial assets at
FVTPL
HK$’000

47
531

578
(578)

–

At  31  December  2021,  the  Group  had  unused  tax  losses  of  HK$63,560,000  (2020:  HK$177,677,000) 
available  for  offset  against  future  profits.  No  deferred  tax  asset  has  been  recognised  in  respect  of  the 
unused tax losses due to the unpredictability of future profit streams. Included in unused tax losses are 
losses of HK$3,762,000 (2020: HK$38,336,000) that would expire within five years from the year 2022 to 
2026 (2020: from the year 2021 to 2025). All other tax losses may be carried forward indefinitely.

At  31  December  2021,  the  Group  had  deductible  temporary  differences  of  approximately 
HK$15,578,000  (2020:  HK$30,364,000)  arising  from  impairment  allowance  of  loan  and  interest 
receivables;  and  HK$56,351,000  (2020:  HK$7,104,000)  arising  from  impairment  allowance  of  debt 
instruments of FVTOCI, no deferred tax assets had been recognised due to the unpredictability of future 
profits streams.

137

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
30.  SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised:

Ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each
At 1 January 2020, 31 December 2020 and  

31 December 2021

Issued and fully paid:

Ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each
At 1 January 2020, 31 December 2020 and  

31 December 2021

31.  SHARE OPTION SCHEME

Number
of ordinary 
shares
’000

Share 
capital
HK$’000

100,000,000

1,000,000

5,240,344

52,403

The  existing  share  option  scheme  of  the  Company  (the  “Share  Option  Scheme”)  was  adopted  by  the 
Company  at  the  annual  general  meeting  of  the  Company  held  on  22  June  2016.  Unless  otherwise 
cancelled  or  amended,  the  Share  Option  Scheme  will  be  valid  and  effective  for  a  period  of  ten  years 
commencing on the date of adoption. The purpose of the Share Option Scheme is to enable the Group 
to grant options to the participants as incentives or rewards for their contribution to the Group or any 
entity  in  which  the  Group  holds  any  equity  interest  (the  “Invested  Entity”).  Eligible  participants  of  the 
Share  Option  Scheme  include  any  employees  of  any  member  of  the  Group  or  any  Invested  Entity;  any 
directors (including executive, non-executive and independent non-executive directors) of any member 
of  the  Group  or  any  Invested  Entity;  any  supplier  of  goods  or  services  to  any  member  of  the  Group  or 
any  Invested  Entity;  any  customer  of  any  member  of  the  Group  or  any  Invested  Entity;  any  person  or 
entity that provides research, development or other technological support to any member of the Group 
or  any  Invested  Entity;  any  consultant  or  adviser  of  any  member  of  the  Group  or  any  Invested  Entity; 
and any shareholder of any member of the Group or any Invested Entity or any holder of any securities 
issued by any member of the Group or any Invested Entity.

The  offer  of  a  grant  of  share  options  shall  remain  open  for  acceptance  by  the  participant  concerned 
for  a  period  of  fifteen  (15)  business  days  from  the  date  of  grant  provided  that  no  such  offer  shall  be 
open  for  acceptance  after  the  expiry  of  the  option  period  or  after  the  Share  Option  Scheme  has  been 
terminated. The amount payable by each grantee of options to the Company on acceptance of the offer 
for the grant of options is HK$1.00.

138

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.  SHARE OPTION SCHEME (continued)

The subscription price for the shares on the exercise of options under the Share Option Scheme shall be 
a price determined by the Board in its absolute discretion at the time of the grant of the relevant option 
(and  shall  be  stated  in  the  letter  containing  the  offer  of  the  grant  of  the  option)  but  in  any  case  the 
subscription price shall not be less than the higher of: (i) the closing price of the shares as stated in the 
Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s daily quotations sheet on the date of grant which must be a business day; 
(ii) the average closing price of the shares as stated in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s daily quotations 
sheets for the five business days immediately preceding the date of grant; and (iii) the nominal value of 
the share. The exercise period of the share options granted is determined by the Board but in any event, 
no longer than ten years from the date of grant.

The  total  number  of  shares  issued  and  to  be  issued  upon  exercise  of  the  options  granted  to  each 
participant,  together  with  all  options  granted  and  to  be  granted  to  the  participant  under  any  other 
share  option  scheme(s)  of  the  Company  within  the  12-month  period  immediately  preceding  the 
proposed date of grant (including exercised, cancelled and outstanding options) shall not exceed 1% of 
the total number of the shares in issue at the proposed date of grant. Any further grant of options to a 
participant in excess of the 1% limit shall be subject to the approval of the Company’s shareholders with 
such participant and the participant’s associates abstaining from voting.

The limit on the total number of shares which may be issued upon exercise of all outstanding options 
granted and yet to be exercised under the Share Option Scheme and any other share option scheme(s) 
of  the  Company  must  not  exceed  30%  of  the  total  number  of  the  shares  in  issue  from  time  to  time. 
In  addition,  the  total  number  of  the  shares  which  may  be  issued  upon  exercise  of  all  options  to  be 
granted under the Share Option Scheme, together with all options to be granted under any other share 
option scheme(s) of the Company (excluding lapsed options), must not represent more than 10% of the 
total  number  of  the  shares  in  issue  at  the  date  of  approval  of  the  Share  Option  Scheme  (the  “Scheme 
Mandate  Limit”)  or  at  the  date  of  the  approval  of  the  refreshed  Scheme  Mandate  Limit  as  the  case 
maybe.

On  4  May  2017,  the  Company  granted  share  options  to  eligible  persons  to  subscribe  for  a  total  of 
436,710,000 ordinary shares of the Company under the Share Option Scheme. The exercise price of the 
options granted was HK$0.53 per share and the exercisable period was from 4 May 2017 to 3 May 2020 
(both dates inclusive).

In the annual general meeting of the Company held on 22 June 2017, the shareholders of the Company 
approved  the  refreshment  of  the  Scheme  Mandate  Limit  (the  “Scheme  Mandate  Limit  Refreshment”). 
The  total  number  of  shares  of  the  Company  available  for  issue  under  the  Share  Option  Scheme  is 
436,712,182 shares as refreshed, representing approximately 10% of the issued shares of the Company 
as  at  the  date  of  approval  of  the  Scheme  Mandate  Limit  Refreshment  and  approximately  8.3%  of  the 
issued shares of the Company as at the date of this annual report.

On 4 May 2020, all the outstanding share options was lapsed. At 31 December 2021 and 31 December 
2020, there were no outstanding share options.

139

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 202131.  SHARE OPTION SCHEME (continued)

Details  of  the  movements  in  the  number  of  share  options  during  the  year  ended  31  December  2020 
under the Share Option Scheme were as follows:

Name or category 
of participant

Date of grant

Exercisable
Period 
(both dates inclusive)

Directors:
Mr. Liu Zhiyi (Note (iii))

4 May 2017

4 May 2017 - 3 May 2020

Mr. Sue Ka Lok

4 May 2017

4 May 2017 - 3 May 2020

Mr. Yiu Chun Kong

4 May 2017

4 May 2017 - 3 May 2020

Mr. Chan Shui Yuen

4 May 2017

4 May 2017 - 3 May 2020

Mr. Pun Chi Ping

4 May 2017

4 May 2017 - 3 May 2020

Ms. Leung Pik Har, Christine

4 May 2017

4 May 2017 - 3 May 2020

Employees:
In aggregate

Others

4 May 2017

4 May 2017 - 3 May 2020

4 May 2017

4 May 2017 - 3 May 2020

Granted/forfeited/
exercised/lapsed 
during the 
year ended 
31 December 2020

(Note (ii))

Outstanding at 
1 January 2020

Exercise 
price 
HK$
(Note (i))

Outstanding at 
31 December 2020

0.53

0.53

0.53

0.53

0.53

0.53

0.53

0.53

43,500,000

(43,500,000)

22,800,000

(22,800,000)

600,000

900,000

300,000

300,000

(600,000)

(900,000)

(300,000)

(300,000)

68,400,000

(68,400,000)

368,010,000

(368,010,000)

300,000

(300,000)

436,710,000

(436,710,000)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Notes:

(i) 

The  exercise  price  of  the  share  options  was  subject  to  adjustments  in  case  of  capitalisation  of  profits  or 
reserve,  bonus  issues,  rights  issue,  open  offer,  subdivision  or  consolidation  of  shares,  or  reduction  of  the 
share capital or other changes in the capital structure of the Company.

(ii) 

All the outstanding share options were lapsed on 4 May 2020.

(iii) 

Mr. Liu Zhiyi resigned as director of the Company on 30 June 2020.

No share options were granted and no share-based payments expense was recognised during the years 
ended 31 December 2021 and 2020.

140

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32. 

JOINT OPERATIONS

Chañares,  an  independent  third  party,  entered  into  a  joint  venture  agreement  (the  “2007  JV 
Agreement”)  with  another  independent  third  party  (the  “Third  Party”)  on  14  November  2007  in 
connection with the development of incremental hydrocarbons production in the Concessions, through 
the  investments  made  by  the  Third  Party.  Under  the  2007  JV  Agreement,  it  was  established  that  the 
hydrocarbons obtained from the wells drilled within the scope of the 2007 JV Agreement, as well as any 
other benefit obtained from the exploration and production of the works performed thereunder, would 
be distributed in the following proportion: 28% for Chañares and 72% for the Third Party.

A  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  the  Company,  Have  Result  Investments  Limited  (“Have  Result”),  entered 
into an agreement “Assignment of Rights, Investment and Technical Cooperation” with the Third Party 
dated 24 November 2007, as amended and/or supplemented by (i) a deed of undertaking executed by 
the Third Party on 12 December 2007; (ii) a supplementary deed of undertaking executed by the Third 
Party  on  28  December  2007;  and  (iii)  a  document  entitled  “Amendment  to  Contract  of  Assignment  of 
Rights,  Investment  and  Technical  Cooperation”  executed  by  and  between  the  Third  Party  and  Have 
Result,  dated  19  December  2008  (the  “Assignment  Agreement”).  Under  the  Assignment  Agreement, 
the  Third  Party  assigned  in  favour  of  Have  Result  51%  of  its  rights  on  the  future  production  as  a 
consequence  of  new  drillings  and  the  operation  of  new  wells  in  the  Concessions.  The  incremental 
hydrocarbon production derived from the new wells in the Concessions would first cover the operating 
costs  and  thereafter  was  shared  by  the  proportion  of  51%  to  Have  Result,  21%  to  the  Third  Party  and 
28%  to  Chañares.  As  from  the  date  the  wells  drilled  under  the  terms  of  the  Assignment  Agreement 
went  into  production,  the  Third  Party  should  also  reimburse  Have  Result  for  21%  of  the  aggregate 
investments made by Have Result in the Concessions.

On  2  December  2010,  Have  Result  sent  a  letter  to  the  Third  Party  acknowledging  the  notice  of  the 
termination  of  the  2007  JV  Agreement  (the  “Termination”)  while  as  advised  by  the  Argentina  legal 
advisers  of  the  Company,  notwithstanding  the  Termination,  Have  Result  remained  entitled  to  a  51% 
right  in  the  production  from  the  five  existing  wells  drilled  by  Have  Result  in  the  Concessions  (the 
“Existing  Wells”),  provided  that  Have  Result  continued  to  pay  the  relevant  operating  costs  as  required 
by the production allocated to it.

On  2  December  2010,  another  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  the  Company,  Southstart  Limited,  and 
Chañares  entered  into  a  new  joint  venture  agreement  (the  “2010  JV  Agreement”),  pursuant  to  which, 
EP Energy S.A. (“EP Energy”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was entitled to share 72% of 
hydrocarbon  production  from  the  wells  drilled  by  EP  Energy  in  the  current  and  future  years  until  the 
end of the Concessions period and paid US$6,000,000 (equivalent to approximately HK$46,800,000) to 
Chañares  in  consideration  for  the  oil  exploration  and  production  right  in  the  Concessions  during  the 
current term of the Concessions.

141

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 202132. 

JOINT OPERATIONS (continued)

Pursuant to the 2010 JV Agreement, the total consideration for the oil exploration and production right 
was  subject  to  adjustment  with  reference  to  whether  or  not  Chañares  could  obtain  the  extension  of 
the  term  of  Concessions  (the  “Extension”)  by  31  December  2011.  On  14  July  2011,  the  Company  was 
informed  by  Chañares  that  the  Mendoza  Government  issued  a  decree,  pursuant  to  which  Chañares 
obtained  an  extension  of  10  years  from  the  date  of  expiry  of  the  original  term  of  the  Concessions 
until  2027.  EP  Energy  paid  an  aggregate  amount  of  US$4,000,000  (equivalent  to  approximately 
HK$31,200,000)  to  Chañares  in  consideration  for  the  oil  exploration  and  production  right  in  the 
Concessions  during  the  extended  term  of  the  Concessions.  A  sum  of  US$1,404,000  (equivalent  to 
approximately HK$10,952,000) was paid in 2011 and the remaining balance of US$2,596,000 (equivalent 
to approximately HK$20,248,000) was paid in 2012.

According  to  the  2010  JV  Agreement,  EP  Energy  was  obliged  to  drill  a  minimum  of  five  production 
wells  per  year  during  the  five  consecutive  years  from  2012,  and  two  production  wells  per  year  for  the 
following  years  until  the  seventh  year  before  the  expiration  of  the  extended  term  of  the  Concessions. 
Failure  to  meet  the  minimum  drilling  requirements  might  render  the  2010  JV  Agreement  to  be 
terminated and EP Energy would be forfeited any rights to continue drilling but it will not be forfeited 
any right in respect of the wells already drilled.

On  5  June  2012,  EP  Energy,  Have  Result  and  Chañares  entered  into  an  operation  agreement  (the 
“Operation Agreement”).

Pursuant  to  the  Operation  Agreement,  Chañares  agreed  to  release  EP  Energy  from  the  above 
commitment.  EP  Energy,  however,  retained  the  right  to  drill  and  invest  in  the  Concessions  during  the 
life  of  the  Concessions  awarded  with  respect  to  any  extension  thereof.  If  five  or  more  new  wells  were 
drilled by EP Energy in a year, EP Energy would be entitled to 72% and Chañares would be entitled to 
28% of the hydrocarbon production of the new wells; and if less than five new wells were drilled by EP 
Energy  in  a  year,  EP  Energy  would  be  entitled  to  65%  and  Chañares  would  be  entitled  to  35%  of  the 
hydrocarbon  production  of  the  new  wells.  The  Operation  Agreement  confirmed  that  the  hydrocarbon 
production  of  the  existing  five  wells  drilled  by  EP  Energy  would  continue  to  be  distributed  in 
accordance with the 2010 JV Agreement, i.e. 72% to EP Energy and 28% to Chañares. On the other hand, 
Chañares becomes entitled to be associated with third parties for carrying out any work or drilling any 
wells in the Concessions.

The  Operation  Agreement  reconfirmed  that  Have  Result  had  the  right  to  receive  51%  of  the 
hydrocarbon production obtained from the Existing Wells until the termination of the Concessions and 
any extension thereof.

In August 2017, the Group was notified by Chañares that the concession in respect of the PPC Area was 
lapsed, and the CHE Concession would be extended until 14 November 2027 (Note 17).

142

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 202132. 

JOINT OPERATIONS (continued)

In  May  2019,  the  Group  was  notified  by  Chañares  that  the  CHE  Concession  had  been  terminated 
according to the 2019 Decree (Note 17). Despite this, as disclosed in the announcement of the Company 
dated 18 June 2019, the Company had been advised by its legal advisor in Argentina that, as stated in 
the  2019  Decree,  before  the  successful  bidder  took  over  the  concession,  Chañares  could  continue  to 
operate in the CHE Concession under the same contractual conditions previously granted. In light of the 
advice from the legal advisor in Argentina and the Company’s understanding that Chañares continued 
to operate in the CHE Concession since the issuance of the 2019 Decree, the Company considered that 
the termination of the CHE Concession contemplated under the 2019 Decree had no immediate impact 
on  the  Group’s  operations  in  Argentina  unless  and  until  there  was  a  successful  bidder  who  took  over 
the CHE Concession after the Bidding Process. As disclosed in the Company’s circulars dated 12 March 
2020  and  8  October  2020,  after  due  evaluation  of  the  data  and  information  relating  to  the  Chañares 
Concession, the Company intended, through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, to submit a bid offer 
(the  “Bid”)  for  the  Chañares  Concession  under  the  Bidding  Process  and  the  Bid  was  submitted  on  28 
October 2020 (Argentina time).

As  disclosed  in  the  Company’s  announcements  dated  12  March  2021,  15  March  2021  and  16  March 
2021,  on  11  March  2021  (Argentina  time),  the  Group  received  from  the  Hydrocarbons  Department  of 
Mendoza Province, Argentina a decree issued by the Ministry of Economy  and  Energy  of  the  Mendoza 
Government,  Argentina  (the  “Decree”)  which  stated  that  the  Chañares  Concession  would  be  awarded 
to  a  new  concessionaire  other  than  the  Company’s  indirect  wholly-owned  subsidiary  for  a  25-year 
term from the date following the publication of the Decree in the official gazette (the“Gazette”) of the 
Mendoza Province. On 12 March 2021 (Argentina time), the Decree was published in the Gazette. On 15 
March 2021 (Argentina time), the Company was informed by Chañares that the new concessionaire took 
over the Chañares Concession on 13 March 2021 (Argentina time).

As  disclosed  in  the  Company’s  announcement  dated  16  March  2021,  the  Group’s  interest  in  the  CHE 
Concession had been taken over by the new concessionaire on 13 March 2021 and the joint operation 
arrangement terminated accordingly.

The  aggregate  amount  of  assets  and  liabilities,  revenue  and  expenses  recognised  in  the  consolidated 
financial statements in relation to the Group’s interest in the joint operations are as follows:

Assets (Note)
Liabilities
Revenue
Expenses

2021
HK$’000

–
–
–
–

2020
HK$’000

3,461
2,287
14,097
16,744

Note:  At  31  December  2020,  the  assets  represented  other  tax  recoverable  of  HK$609,000,  trade  and  other 

receivables of HK$2,407,000 and bank balances and cash of HK$445,000.

143

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
33.  RECONCILIATION OF LIABILITIES ARISING FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

The table below details the changes in the Group’s liabilities arising from financing activities, including 
both  cash  and  non-cash  changes.  Liabilities  arising  from  financing  activities  are  those  for  which  cash 
flows were, or future cash flows will be, classified in the Group’s consolidated statement of cash flows as 
cash flows from financing activities.

At 1 January 2020
Financing cash flows
New lease entered
Exchange adjustment
Interest expense (Note 10)

At 31 December 2020
Financing cash flows
New lease entered
Interest expense (Note 10)

At 31 December 2021

34.  RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES

Lease
liabilities
HK$’000

3,612
(4,761)
3,724
32
166

2,773
(1,441)
2,961
101

4,394

The Group contributes to MPF Scheme for all qualifying employees in Hong Kong under the Mandatory 
Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance (Chapter 485 of the Laws of Hong Kong). Contributions to the MPF 
Scheme  by  the  Group  and  the  employees  are  calculated  as  a  percentage  of  the  employee’s  relevant 
income.  The  retirement  benefit  scheme  costs  recognised  in  profit  or  loss  represent  contributions 
payable by the Group to the schemes. The assets of the MPF Scheme are held separately from those of 
the Group in independently administered funds.

The  Group  also  participates  in  the  employees’  pension  scheme  of  the  respective  municipal 
governments  in  the  countries  where  the  Group  operates.  The  Group  makes  monthly  contributions 
calculated  as  a  percentage  of  the  monthly  basic  salary  of  the  employees  and  the  relevant  municipal 
government undertakes to assume the retirement benefit obligations of all existing and future retirees 
of the Group.

The  Group  has  no  other  obligations  for  the  payment  of  pension  and  other  post-retirement  benefits  of 
employees other than the above contributions payments.

The  total  expense  recognised  in  profit  or  loss  of  HK$853,000  (2020:  HK$1,354,000)  represents 
contribution paid/payable to these schemes by the Group at rates specified in the rules of the schemes.

The  Group’s  contribution  to  the  MPF  Scheme  and  other  employees’  pension  schemes  vest  fully  and 
immediately with employees, thus there are no forfeited contributions available to the Group to reduce 
the existing level of contributions to the MPF Scheme and other employees’ pension schemes.

144

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
35.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Compensation of key management personnel

The remuneration of directors and other members of key management during the year was as follows:

Short-term employee benefits
Retirement benefit schemes contributions

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

5,774
546

6,320

6,484
641

7,125

The  remuneration  of  directors  and  key  management  is  determined  by  the  Remuneration  Committee 
having regard to the competence, performance and experience of the individuals and prevailing market 
terms.

36.  CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The  Group’s  objectives  when  managing  capital  structure  are  to  safeguard  the  Group’s  ability  to 
continue  as  a  going  concern  in  order  to  provide  returns  for  shareholders  and  benefits  for  other 
stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

In  order  to  manage  its  capital  structure,  the  Group  will  balance  its  overall  capital  structure  through 
payment of dividends, new share issues as well as raise of new debts.

The  Group  does  not  have  a  target  gearing  ratio,  but  has  a  policy  of  maintaining  a  flexible  financing 
structure so as to be able to take advantage of new investment opportunities that may arise.

37.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial risk management objectives

Financial  instruments  are  fundamental  to  the  Group’s  daily  operations.  The  Group’s  major  financial 
instruments  include  prepayment  on  acquisition  of  non-current  assets,  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI, 
trade  and  other  receivables,  loan  and  interest  receivables,  financial  assets  at  FVTPL,  bank  balances 
and  cash  and  trade  and  other  payables  and  lease  liabilities.  Details  of  these  financial  instruments  are 
disclosed in the respective notes. The risks associated with the financial instruments and the policies on 
how  to  mitigate  these  risks  are  set  out  below.  The  management  of  the  Group  manages  and  monitors 
these exposures to ensure appropriate measures are implemented on a timely and effective manner.

145

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Categories of financial instruments

Financial assets
Financial assets at FVTPL
Financial assets at amortised cost
Debt instruments at FVTOCI

Financial liabilities
Amortised cost
Lease liabilities

Interest rate risk

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

6,724
317,833
78,396

25,097
309,955
132,198

8,070
4,394

1,246
2,773

The  Group  is  exposed  to  fair  value  interest  rate  risk  in  relation  to  loan  and  interest  receivables,  debt 
instruments  at  FVTOCI  and  lease  liabilities.  The  Group  is  also  exposed  to  cash  flow  interest  rate  risk 
relates primarily to the Group’s short-term deposits placed with banks and variable-rate bank balances 
that  are  interest-bearing  at  market  interest  rates.  The  Group  currently  does  not  have  an  interest  rate 
hedging  policy.  However,  the  management  monitors  interest  rate  exposure  and  will  consider  hedging 
significant interest rate exposure should the need arise.

Total interest revenue/income from financial assets that are measured at amortised cost or at FVTOCI is 
as follows:

Interest revenue

Financial assets at amortised cost
Debt instruments at FVTOCI
Other income and losses, net

Financial assets at amortised cost

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

13,182
8,871

83

17,870
10,142

741

Revenue/interest income under effective interest method

22,136

28,753

146

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Interest rate risk (continued)

The Group’s sensitivity to interest rate risk has been determined based on the exposure to interest rates 
for bank balances at the end of the reporting period and the reasonably possible change taking place 
at the beginning of each year and held constant throughout the year. If interest rates on bank balances 
had been 50 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, (loss) profit after tax 
for  the  year  ended  31  December  2021  of  the  Group  would  decrease/increase  by  HK$959,000  (2020: 
increase/decrease HK$673,000).

If interest rates had been 50 basis points higher or lower and all other variables were held constant, the 
Group’s other comprehensive expense for the year ended 31 December 2021 would increase/decrease 
by HK$327,000 (2020: other comprehensive income decrease/increase by HK$552,000) as a result of the 
changes in the fair value of debt instruments at FVTOCI.

Foreign currency risk management

Several  subsidiaries  of  the  Company  have  assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies 
which  expose  the  Group  to  foreign  currency  risk.  During  the  year  under  review,  the  Group  had  not 
experienced  any  significant  exchange  rate  exposure  to  United  States  dollars  as  Hong  Kong  dollars 
and  United  States  dollars  exchange  rate  is  pegged.  Besides,  the  Group  continuously  monitors  foreign 
exchange exposure of Renminbi and will consider a formal foreign currency hedging policy for it should 
the  needs  arise.  As  for  the  Group’s  petroleum  operation  in  Argentina,  the  oil  selling  proceeds  are 
quoted  at  United  States  dollars  and  converted  into  Argentina  Peso  for  settlement  at  official  exchange 
rate on a monthly basis, and a majority of the investment and operating costs including infrastructure 
and  equipment,  drilling  costs,  completion  costs  and  workover  jobs  are  based  on  United  States  dollars 
and  converted  into  Argentina  Peso  for  payments.  The  functional  currency  of  the  Argentina  group 
entities is United States dollars.  The  Group currently does not have  a formal  foreign  currency  hedging 
policy for Argentina Peso, however, the management regularly monitors foreign exchange exposure of 
Argentina Peso and will undertake appropriate hedging measures should significant exposures arise.

The  carrying  amounts  of  the  group  entities’  foreign  currency  denominated  monetary  assets  and 
monetary liabilities, at the reporting date were as follows:

ARS
US$
RMB
C$

Assets

Liabilities

2021
HK$’000

24
110,342
11
11

2020
HK$’000

2,040
154,290
11
–

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

(1,924)
–
–
–

(1,964)
(390)
–
–

147

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Foreign currency risk management (continued)

Foreign currency sensitivity

The  following  table  details  the  Group’s  sensitivity  to  10%  increase  and  decrease  in  HK$  against  the 
relevant foreign currencies. Under the pegged exchange rate system, the financial impact on exchange 
difference  between  Hong  Kong  dollars  and  United  States  dollars  will  be  immaterial  as  most  US$ 
denominated monetary assets are held by group entities having Hong Kong dollars as their functional 
currency,  and  therefore  no  sensitivity  analysis  has  been  prepared  against  United  States  dollars.  In 
addition, since the Renminbi and Canadian dollars denominated monetary assets held by the Group are 
immaterial, no sensitivity analysis has been prepared against Renminbi and Canadian dollars.

Sensitivity  rate  of  10%  is  used  when  reporting  foreign  currency  risk  internally  to  key  management 
personnel  and  represents  management’s  assessment  of  the  reasonably  possible  change  in  foreign 
exchange  rates.  The  sensitivity  analysis  includes  only  outstanding  foreign  currency  denominated 
monetary  items  and  adjusts  their  translation  at  the  year  end  for  a  10%  change  in  foreign  currency 
rates.  The  analysis  represents  the  sensitivity  of  trade  and  other  receivables,  bank  balances,  trade  and 
other payables and lease liabilities that are denominated in Argentina Peso. A negative number below 
indicates  a  decrease  in  loss  after  tax  (2020:  a  positive  number  indicated  a  decrease  in  profit  after  tax) 
where Hong Kong dollars being 10% (2020: 10%) strengthened against Argentina Peso. For Hong Kong 
dollars  being  10%  (2020:  10%)  weaken  against  Argentina  Peso,  there  would  be  an  equal  and  opposite 
impact on the (loss) profit after tax.

ARS impact
2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

Decrease in loss after tax (2020: decrease in profit after tax)

(133)

5

In  management’s  opinion,  the  sensitivity  analysis  reflects  the  exposure  at  the  year  end,  but  not  the 
exposure during the year.

Other price risk

The  Group  is  exposed  to  price  risk  from  investments  in  listed  equity  securities.  The  management 
manages this exposure by maintaining a portfolio of investments with different risk profiles.

Sensitivity analysis

Financial asets at FVTPL

The  sensitivity  analysis  below  has  been  determined  based  on  the  exposure  to  equity  price  risk  at  the 
reporting date.

If equity prices had been 20% higher/lower, loss after tax for the year ended 31 December 2021 would 
decrease/increase by HK$1,123,000 (2020: profit after tax would increase/decrease by HK$4,191,000) as 
a result of the change in fair value of financial assets at FVTPL.

148

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
37.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Credit risk and impairment assessment

Credit  risk  refers  to  the  risk  that  the  Group’s  counterparties  default  on  their  contractual  obligations 
resulting  in  financial  losses  to  the  Group.  The  Group’s  credit  risk  exposures  are  primarily  attributable 
to  prepayment  for  acquisition  of  non-current  assets,  trade  and  other  receivables,  loan  and  interest 
receivables, bank balances and debt instruments at FVTOCI. The Group does not hold any collateral or 
other credit enhancements to cover its credit risks associated with these financial assets, except that the 
credit risks associated with certain loan and interest receivables are mitigated because they are secured 
by collaterals.

The Group’s internal credit risk grading assessment comprises the following categories:

Internal
credit rating

Description

Trade
Receivables

Financial assets 
other than trade 
receivables

Low risk

The counterparty has a low risk of default 
and does not have any past-due amounts

Lifetime ECL –  
not credit-impaired

12m ECL

Medium risk

Debtor frequently settles after due dates

Lifetime ECL –  
not credit-impaired

12m ECL

High risk

Loss

Write-off

There have been significant increases in 
credit risk since initial recognition through 
information developed internally or 
external resources

Lifetime ECL –  
not credit-impaired

Lifetime ECL –  
not credit-impaired

There is evidence indicating the asset is 
credit-impaired

Lifetime ECL –  
credit-impaired

Lifetime ECL –  
credit-impaired

There is evidence indicating that the 
debtor is in severe financial difficulty and 
the Group has no realistic prospect of 
recovery

Amount is  
written off

Amount is  
written off

149

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
37.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Credit risk and impairment assessment (continued)

The table below details the credit risk exposures of the Group’s financial assets, which are subject to ECL 
assessment:

External

Internal

12m or

2021

Gross

2020

Gross

carrying 

carrying 

amount/

amount/

credit rating

credit rating

lifetime ECL

fair value

fair value

Notes

HK$’000

HK$’000

Debt instruments at FVTOCI

Investments in listed bonds

22

BB+ (2020: 

Low risk

12m ECL

15,675

117,743

BB- to B+)

B

Medium risk

12m ECL

–

14,455

BB- to B-

High risk

Lifetime ECL

RD

Loss

Lifetime ECL-credit 

57,640

5,081

–

–

impaired

Financial assets at amortised cost

Loan and interest receivables

23

N/A

Low risk

12m ECL

Medium risk

12m ECL

High risk

Lifetime ECL

–

15,025

–

1,810

19,894

–

Loss

Lifetime ECL-credit 

134,891

189,379

impaired

Other receivables and deposits 

21

N/A

and prepayment

(Note (i))

Write-off

12m ECL

Lifetime ECL-credit 

impaired

10,820

1,680

12,919

–

Trade receivables

21

N/A

(Note (ii))

Lifetime ECL 

194

1,027

(simplified 

approach)

Bank balances

26

BBB- to AA

N/A

12m ECL

191,791

134,564

(2020: 

BBB- to AA)

Notes:

(i) 

For  the  purpose  of  internal  credit  assessment,  the  Group  assesses  whether  credit  risk  has  increased 

significantly  since  initial  recognition  based  on  the  financial  background,  financial  condition  and  historical 

settlement  records  of  the  counterparties,  and  both  the  quantitative  and  qualitative  information  including 

reasonable and supportive forward-looking information available without undue cost or effort.

(ii) 

The  Group  has  applied  the  simplified  approach  in  HKFRS  9  to  measure  the  loss  allowance  for  trade 

receivables on lifetime ECL basis.

150

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Credit risk and impairment assessment (continued)

Trade receivables

At  31  December  2021,  the  Group  had  concentration  of  credit  risk  for  its  trade  receivables  as  100%  (2020: 
100%) of the amount was attributable to the Group’s trading customer in Hong Kong (2020: Argentina) and 
it contributed to 3% (2020: 32%) of the Group’s revenue. However, since the trade receivables are due from 
a major power company (2020: state-owned oil company) of good creditability, the management considers 
that the Group’s credit risk is low and ECL is minimal at 31 December 2021 and 2020.

Other receivables and deposits and prepayments

For  other  receivables  and  deposits  of  HK$946,000  (2020:  HK$12,919,000),  the  management  assessed  the 
credit  risk  individually  on  the  recoverability  based  on  the  financial  background,  financial  condition  and 
historical  settlement  records  of  the  counterparties,  and  also  quantitative  and  qualitative  information  that 
is  reasonable  and  supportive  forward-looking  information.  The  management  considers  that  there  is  no 
significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition and thus no loss allowance recognised during the 
years ended 31 December 2021 and 2020.

For  the  prepayment  for  acquisition  of  non-current  assets,  the  amount  of  HK$9,874,000  was  paid  to  a 
reputable  company  in  Hong  Kong  with  low  credit  risk  and  thus  no  loss  allowance  recognised  during  the 
year ended 31 December 2021.

During  the  year  ended  31  December  2021,  the  management  considers  that  the  counterparty  of  other 
receivables and deposits held for petroleum exploration and production is in financial difficulty since initial 
recognition and thus  the amount totalling HK$1,680,000 (2020: nil) was written off.

Loan and interest receivables

At  31  December  2021,  the  carrying  amount  of  loan  and  interest  receivables  was  HK$115,001,000  (2020: 
HK$161,382,000). The Group had concentration of credit risk for its loan and interest receivables as 100% 
(2020: 85%) of the carrying amount at 31 December 2021 was due from five (2020: five) borrowers which 
amounted to HK$115,001,000 (2020: HK$137,203,000) at 31 December 2021. The Group seeks to maintain 
strict  control  over  its  outstanding  loan  and  interest  receivables  to  minimise  credit  risk.  The  management 
has a credit policy in place and the exposures to the credit risk are monitored on an ongoing basis.

The  recoverability  of  outstanding  loan  and  interest  receivables  are  determined  by  an  evaluation  of  the 
financial  background,  financial  condition  and  historical  settlement  records,  including  past  due  rates  and 
default  rates,  of  the  borrowers  and  reasonable  and  supportable  forward-looking  information  (such  as 
forecast  of  macroeconomic  factors  including  GDP  growth  and  unemployment  rate  with  adjustment  on 
different  scenarios  of  economic  environment  prospect)  that  is  available  without  undue  cost  or  effort  at 
the  end  of  each  reporting  period.  The  borrowers  are  assigned  with  different  risk  grading  under  internal 
credit ratings to calculate the ECL, taking into consideration the estimates of expected cash shortfalls which 
are driven by estimates of possibility of default and the expected loss given default including taking into 
account the amount and timing of cash flows that are expected from foreclosure on the collaterals (if any) 
less the costs of selling the collaterals. Owing to the great financial uncertainty triggered by the COVID-19 
pandemic, the Group has increased the expected loss rates in the current year as there is a high risk that a 
prolonged pandemic could lead to increased credit default rates. The collaterals pledged to the Group in 
relation  to  outstanding  loans  comprise  properties  or  unlisted  debt  instruments  issued  by  listed  company 
in Hong Kong with the estimated fair value of certain collaterals are higher than the related loan balances 
individually.

151

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 202137.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Credit risk and impairment assessment (continued)

Loan and interest receivables (continued)

At 31 December 2021, included in the Group’s loan and interest receivables balance were debtors with 
aggregate  gross  carrying  amount  of  HK$92,344,000  (2020:  HK$75,358,000)  which  were  past  due  as  at 
the  reporting  date,  of  which  HK$34,134,000  (2020:  HK$1,411,000)  had  been  past  due  for  less  than  30 
days, HK$537,000 (2020: HK$1,830,000) had been past due for more than 30 days but less than 90 days 
and HK$57,673,000 (2020: HK$72,117,000) had been past due for 90 days or more. The directors of the 
Company  considered  those  loan  and  interest  receivables  that  were  past  due  for  more  than  90  days  as 
credit-impaired, details of the cumulative ECL provided are set out in Note 23.

Debt instruments at FVTOCI

At  31  December  2021,  the  carrying  amount  of  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  was  HK$78,396,000  (2020: 
HK$132,198,000).  The  Group  had  concentration  of  credit  risk  for  its  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  as 
78%  (2020:  77%)  of  the  carrying  amount  at  31  December  2021  was  due  from  four  (2020:  six)  debt 
instruments  at  FVTOCI  which  amounted  to  HK$61,519,000  (2020:  HK$101,932,000)  at  31  December 
2021.

During the year ended 31 December 2021, provision of ECL on debt instruments at FVTOCI amounting 
to HK$49,247,000 (2020: HK$4,574,000) was recognised in profit or loss with corresponding adjustment 
to other comprehensive income. At 31 December 2021, the cumulative impairment allowance for debt 
instruments at FVTOCI amounted to HK$56,351,000 (2020: HK$7,104,000).

The  Group’s  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  mainly  comprise  instruments  that  have  a  commensurate 
level of risk of default when comparing to its rate of return in terms of coupon interests given that the 
counterparties  have  a  stable  capacity  to  repay,  the  assessment  process  has  also  taken  into  account 
other  comparable  debt  instruments  of  investment  grade  and/or  issuers  have  good  credit  history  and 
repayment  records.  The  Group  assesses  the  financial  strengths  and  performance  of  the  issuers  in 
satisfying  the  repayment  of  principal  and  interest  of  the  debt  instruments  as  they  fall  due.  The  Group 
also  closely  monitors  the  changes  in  the  credit  ratings  of  the  issuers  and  follows  their  market  news 
for taking immediate actions if there is an indication of a deterioration of the repayment ability of the 
issuers.

The  Group  determines  individually  whether  the  issuers  of  the  debt  instruments  have  been  suffered 
from significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition by comparing the credit rating and other 
qualitative benchmarks that affect the credit quality of the issuers at initial recognition and at the end 
of the reporting period. At 31 December 2021, included in the Group’s debt instruments balance were 
issuer  with  carrying  amount  of  HK$78,396,000  (2020:  HK$132,198,000),  of  which  HK$15,675,000  (2020: 
HK$132,198,000)  which  is  under  12m  ECL,  due  to  low  credit  risk;  HK$57,640,000  (2020:  nil)  which  is 
under lifetime ECL (not credit impaired), due to significant deterioration in the internal credit rating and 
adverse  change  in  the  business  during  the  reporting  period;  HK$5,081,000  under  lifetime  ECL  (credit 
impaired),  as  certain  issuers  are  engaging  in  businesses  that  are  unstable  and  in  significant  financial 
difficulties.

152

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 202137.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Credit risk and impairment assessment (continued)

Debt instruments at FVTOCI (continued)

The  Group  had  engaged  an  independent  professional  valuer  to  perform  ECL  assessment  on  the  debt 
instruments  and  the  Company’s  management  works  closely  with  the  qualified  external  valuer  to 
establish the appropriate valuation techniques and inputs to the model. In making that evaluation, the 
Group  assessed  the  ECL  for  debt  instruments  at  FVTOCI  by  reference  to  the  credit  rating  of  the  debt 
instruments estimated by the recognised rating agency (i.e. Moody’s, Fitch), the macroeconomic factors 
affecting  each  issuer,  and  the  probability  of  default  and  loss  given  default  of  each  debt  instrument. 
The  Group  also  took  into  account  forward-looking  information  that  was  reasonably  and  supportably 
available to the Group without undue cost or effort, including information such as GDP growth rate and 
unemployment rate.

At 1 January 2020
Changes due to debt instruments at FVTOCI 

recognised at 1 January 2020:
– Impairment allowance recognised
– Impairment allowance reversed (Note (i))

New debt instruments purchased (Note (ii))

At 31 December 2020

Changes due to debt instruments at FVTOCI 

recognised at 1 January 2021:
– Transferred to lifetime ECL (Note (iii))
– Impairment allowance reversed (Note (iv))
– Impairment allowance recognised

Lifetime ECL 
(not credit 
impaired)
HK$’000

Lifetime ECL 
(credit 
impaired)
HK$’000

12m ECL
HK$’000

2,530

4,476
(324)
422

7,104

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

Total
HK$’000

2,530

4,476
(324)
422

7,104

(6,588)
(434)
–

3,281
–
15,967

3,307
–
33,714

–
(434)
49,681

At 31 December 2021

82

19,248

37,021

56,351

Notes:

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

The impairment allowance reversed of HK$324,000 was attributed to the derecognition of debt instruments 
with carrying amount of HK$15,600,000.

The carrying amount of new debt instruments purchased amounting to HK$7,903,000 during the year ended 
31 December 2020.

The  impairment  allowance  of  HK$6,588,000  was  transferred  from  12m  ECL  to  lifetime  ECL  (not  credit-
impaired)  and  lifetime  ECL  (credit-impaired)  with  debt  instruments  of  carrying  amount  of  HK$57,640,000 
and HK$5,081,000 respectively.

(iv) 

The  impairment  allowance  reversed  of  HK$434,000  was  attributed  to  the  decrease  in  credit  risk  of  debt 
instrument with carrying amount of HK$15,675,000.

153

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Liquidity risk

Liquidity  risk  reflects  the  risk  that  the  Group  will  have  insufficient  resources  to  meet  its  financial 
liabilities as they fall due. In managing liquidity risk, the Group monitors and maintains sufficient funds 
to meet all its potential liabilities as they fall due, including shareholder distributions. It is applicable to 
normal market conditions as well as negative projections against expected outcomes, so as to avoid any 
risk of incurring contractual penalties or damaging the Group’s reputation.

The following table details the Group’s remaining contractual maturity for its financial liabilities based 
on the agreed repayment terms.

For  non-derivative  financial  liabilities,  the  table  has  been  drawn  up  based  on  the  undiscounted  cash 
flows  of  financial  liabilities,  and  on  the  earliest  date  on  which  the  Group  can  be  required  to  pay.  The 
table includes both interest and principal cash flows. To the extent that interest flows are floating rate, 
the undiscounted amount is derived from interest in effect at the end of the reporting period.

Liquidity table

At 31 December 2021
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Trade payables
Other payables

Lease liabilities

At 31 December 2020
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Trade payables
Other payables

Lease liabilities

Weighted
average
interest rate
%

On demand
or less than
1 month
HK$’000

1 to 6
months
HK$’000

7 months
to 1 year
HK$’000

Total
undiscounted
cash flows
HK$’000

Over
1 year
HK$’000

Carrying
amount
HK$’000

%

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

HK$’000

–
–

3.41

–
–

3.50

129
7,941

8,070
141

8,211

526
720

1,246
113

1,359

–
–

–
706

706

–
–

–
564

564

–
–

–
847

847

–
–

–
677

677

–
–

–
3,387

3,387

–
–

–
1,518

1,518

129
7,941

8,070
5,081

129
7,941

8,070
4,394

13,151

12,464

526
720

1,246
2,872

4,118

526
720

1,246
2,773

4,019

154

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Fair value measurements of financial instruments

Fair value of the Group’s financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Some  of  the  Group’s  financial  assets  are  measured  at  fair  value  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period. 
The following table gives information about how fair values of these financial assets are determined (in 
particular, the valuation technique(s) and inputs used).

Financial assets

Debt instruments at FVTOCI
Listed debt securities

Fair value
hierarchy

Valuation technique(s)
and key input(s)

Fair value

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

33,259

132,198

45,137

–

Level 1

Quoted bid prices 
in active markets
Level 2 Quoted market prices with 
credit risk adjustment

Financial assets at FVTPL
Listed equity securities

6,724

25,097

Level 1

Quoted bid prices 
in an active market

During  the  year,  the  fair  value  of  the  debt  instruments  of  HK$45,137,000  was  measured  using  quoted 
market  prices  with  credit  risk  adjustment  and  classified  as  Level  2  of  the  fair  value  hierarchy  as  the 
quoted prices do not represent their fair value.

Fair value of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value 
on a recurring basis

The directors consider that the carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities at amortised 
cost recognised in the consolidated financial statements approximate to their fair values.

155

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38.  PARTICULARS OF PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

Details  of  the  Company’s  principal  subsidiaries,  which  are  limited  liability  companies,  at  31  December 
2021 and 2020, are as follows:

Name of subsidiary

Place of 
incorporation/
operations

Nominal value of issued
and fully paid ordinary 
share/registered capital

Attributable proportion of
nominal value of issued/registered
capital held by the Company

Principal activities

Directly

Indirectly

EP Energy S. A.

Argentina

Have Result Investments Limited

British Virgin Islands/

Argentina

EPI Energy Investments Limited

Hong Kong

Have Result Finance Limited

Hong Kong

EPI Management Limited

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

The PRC

Mobilewise (Hong Kong)  
Limited (Note (iii))

Xiamen Mega Link Hengtian Zhichuang 
Investment Management Partners 
Corporation (Limited Partnership)  
(literal translation of its Chinese name 
廈門兆聯恒天智創投資管理合夥企業 
(有限合夥) (Note (i))

Mobilewise Network Technology  

The PRC

(Beijing) Limited (literal translation  
of its Chinese name  
携智網絡技術(北京)有限公司)  
(Note (ii) and (iii))

Notes:

ARS303,600 
(2020: ARS303,600)

US$10,000 
(2020: US$10,000)

HK$1
(2020: HK$1)

HK$100
(2020: HK$100)

HK$1
(2020: HK$1)

N/A
(2020: HK$1)

RMB60,824,578 
(2020: RMB60,824,578)

N/A 
(2020: US$1,400,000)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

100% 
(2020: 100%)

Petroleum exploration  
and production

100% 
(2020: 100%)

Petroleum exploration  
and production

100% 
(2020: 100%)

100% 
(2020: 100%)

Sales of electricity

Money lending

100% 
(2020: 100%)

Investment in securities  
and management

– 
(2020: 100%)

Investment in securities  
and management

100% 
(2020: 100%)

Investment holding and  

money lending

– 
(2020: 100%)

Money lending

(i) 

Incorporated as unincorporated business (limited partnership).

(ii) 

Incorporated as limited liability company (solely funded by Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao corporate body).

(iii) 

During the year ended 31 December 2021, the companies were disposed of.

156

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
38.  PARTICULARS OF PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES (continued)

The  above  table  lists  the  subsidiaries  of  the  Group  which,  in  the  opinion  of  the  directors,  principally 
affected  the  results  of  the  Group.  To  give  details  of  other  insignificant  subsidiaries  which  are  mainly 
inactive or engaged in investment holding would, in the opinion of the directors, result in particulars of 
excessive length.

None  of  the  subsidiaries  had  any  debt  securities  outstanding  at  the  end  of  the  year,  or  at  any  time 
during the year.

39.  CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

At  31  December  2021,  the  Group  had  capital  commitments  of  HK$34,203,000  and  HK$187,000  in 
relation to the acquisition and installation work of solar photovoltaic systems respectively, which were 
capital expenditures contracted for but not provided in the consolidated financial statements.

40.  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

On  9  February  2022,  EP  Resources  Corporation,  an  indirect  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  the  Company, 
(“EP  Resources”)  as  purchaser  and  RockEast  Energy  Corp.  (“RockEast”)  as  vendor  entered  into  an  asset 
purchase  and  sale  agreement  (the  “APA”),  pursuant  to  which  EP  Resources  has  conditionally  agreed 
to  acquire,  and  RockEast  has  conditionally  agreed  to  sell,  an  operating  oil  field  which  comprises  the 
petroleum  and  natural  gas  rights,  the  facilities  and  pipelines,  together  with  all  other  properties  and 
assets located in Alberta Province of Canada at an initial consideration of C$22,500,000 (approximately 
HK$138,375,000).  The  APA  has  been  duly  approved  by  the  shareholders  in  a  special  general  meeting 
of the Company held on 29 March 2022 and the Group’s management is in the process of completing 
the  transactions  contemplated  thereunder.  Further  details  of  the  transactions  are  contained  in  the 
Company’s circular dated 11 March 2022.

157

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 202141.  STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY

Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Unlisted interests in subsidiaries
Amounts due from subsidiaries

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Other receivables, prepayment and deposits
Amounts due from subsidiaries
Bank balances and cash

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

–
–*
35,210

35,210

468
198,758
171,712

–
–*
93

93

1,172
304,341
100,532

Total current assets

370,938

406,045

Current liabilities
Other payables
Amounts due to subsidiaries
Tax payable

Total current liabilities

Net current assets

2,438
6,630
146

4,238
6,691
3,092

9,214

14,021

361,724

392,024

Total assets less current liabilities

396,934

392,117

Capital and reserves
Share capital
Reserves (Note)

Total equity

52,403
344,531

52,403
339,714

396,934

392,117

* 

The amount of investment in subsidiaries is less than HK$1,000.

158

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
41.  STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY (continued)

Note:

Movements of the Company’s reserves are as follows:

Share

Share

options Accumulated

premium

HK$’000

reserve

HK$’000

losses

HK$’000

Total

HK$’000

918,270

201,645

(732,634)

387,281

–

–

(47,567)

(47,567)

918,270

201,645

(780,201)

339,714

–

–

4,817

4,817

At 1 January 2020

Loss and total comprehensive  

expense for the year

At 31 December 2020

Profit and total comprehensive  

income for the year

At 31 December 2021

918,270

201,645

(775,384)

344,531

159

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESULTS

For the year ended 31 December

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

2019
HK$’000

2018
HK$’000

2017
HK$’000

Revenue

24,820

42,449

60,560

71,419

57,870

(Loss) profit before tax
Income tax credit (expense)

(31,626)
2,255

8,578
(440)

(137,327)
(772)

(115,087)
(140)

(48,424)
(6,431)

(Loss) profit for the year

(29,371)

8,138

(138,099)

(115,227)

(54,855)

Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

(29,371)
–

8,519
(381)

(138,099)
–

(115,227)
–

(54,855)
–

(29,371)

8,138

(138,099)

(115,227)

(54,855)

At 31 December

2021
HK$’000

2020
HK$’000

2019
HK$’000

2018
HK$’000

2017
HK$’000

Total assets
Total liabilities

442,915
(16,925)

475,763
(16,265)

469,264
(25,368)

599,667
(24,614)

706,920
(147,804)

Equity attributable to owners  

of the Company

425,990

459,498

443,896

575,053

559,116

Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

425,990
–

459,879
(381)

443,896
–

575,053
–

559,116
–

425,990

459,498

443,896

575,053

559,116

160

EPI (HOLDINGS) LIMITED   ANNUAL REPORT 2021Five-Year Financial SummaryFor the year ended 31 December 2021