ZCMD Zhongchao Inc

Item 3. KEY INFORMATION

Contractual Arrangements between the Zhongchao WFOE and Zhongchao Shanghai

Zhongchao Inc. (the “Company” or “Zhongchao Cayman”) is an offshore holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. As a holding company with no material operations of our own, we conduct our operations in China through the contractual arrangements (the “Contractual Arrangements”), between Beijing Zhongchao Zhongxing Technology Limited (“Zhongchao WFOE”), a wholly subsidiary of Zhongchao Cayman incorporated in the PRC, and a variable interest entity (the “VIE”), Zhongchao Medical Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Zhongchao Shanghai”) and its subsidiaries or collectively “the PRC operating entities.” Due to the restrictions imposed by PRC laws and regulations on foreign ownership of companies engaged in value-added telecommunication services and certain other businesses, we operate our businesses in which foreign investment is restricted or prohibited in the PRC through certain PRC domestic companies. Accordingly, the Contractual Arrangements are designed to allow Zhongchao Cayman to consolidate Zhongchao Shanghai’s operations and financial results in Zhongchao Cayman’s financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP as the primary beneficiary. Neither we nor our subsidiaries own any equity interests in the PRC operating entities. See “Item 3. Key Information — A. History and Development of the Company — VIE Arrangements” for more information.

As we chose such VIE structure, we are subject to certain unique risks and uncertainties that may not otherwise exist if we had direct equity ownership in the PRC operating entities. Because we do not directly hold equity interests in the VIE and its subsidiaries, our Contractual Arrangements may not be effective in providing control over Zhongchao Shanghai. Further, we are subject to risks due to uncertainty of the interpretation and the application of the PRC laws and regulations, including but not limited to limitations on foreign ownership and regulatory review of overseas listing of PRC companies through a special purpose vehicle, and the validity and enforcement of the Contractual Arrangements. We are also subject to the risks of uncertainty about any future actions of the PRC government in this regard that could disallow the VIE structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and cause the value of our Class A Ordinary Shares to decrease significantly or become worthless. However, as of the date of this annual report, the agreements under the Contractual Arrangements have not been tested in any courts of law. For a description of the VIE contractual arrangements, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure—We rely on contractual arrangements with our VIE and its respective shareholders for our operations in China, which may not be as effective in providing operational control as direct ownership” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure— We conduct our business through Zhongchao Shanghai and its subsidiaries by means of VIE Arrangements. If the PRC courts or administrative authorities determine that these VIE Arrangements do not comply with applicable regulations, we could be subject to severe penalties and our business could be adversely affected. In addition, changes in such PRC laws and regulations may materially and adversely affect our business” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Related to Doing Business in China — The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities. We are currently not required to obtain approval from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges nor for the execution of VIE agreements, however, if the VIE or the holding company were required to obtain approval and were denied permission from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges, we will not be able to continue listing on U.S. exchange or continue to offer securities to investors, which could materially affect the interest of the investors and cause the value of our Class A Ordinary Shares to significantly decline or be worthless.”

Additionally, PRC laws and regulations governing our current business operations are sometimes vague and uncertain, and therefore, these risks may result in a material change in our operations, significant depreciation of the value of our Class A Ordinary Shares, or a complete hindrance of our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. The Chinese government may intervene or influence the operations of the PRC operating entities at any time and may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could result in a material change in the operations of the PRC operating entities and/or the value of our Class A Ordinary Shares. Further, any actions by the Chinese government to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. Recently, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in China with little advance notice, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over the use of variable interest entities for overseas listing, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. On December 24, 2021, the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, issued the Provisions of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments) (the “Draft Administrative Provisions”) and the Measures for the Filing of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments) (the “Draft Filing Measures”), collectively, the Draft Rules Regarding Overseas Listings. Though we do not believe that we are directly subject to these regulatory actions or statements because our current business operations are not within the specified regulatory scope above, since these statements and regulatory actions are new, it is highly uncertain how soon legislative or administrative regulation making bodies will respond and what existing or new laws or regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations will be modified or promulgated, if any, and the potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our daily business operation, the ability to accept foreign investments and list on a U.S. exchange. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors— Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We face risks associated with uncertainties surrounding the PRC laws and regulations governing the education industry in general, and the online for-profit private training in particular” “— We may be liable for improper use or appropriation of personal information provided by our customers” for more information.

Permission Required from the PRC Authorities for the VIE’s Operation and to Issue Our Class A Ordinary Shares to Foreign Investors. 

We are currently not required to obtain permission from any of the PRC authorities to operate and issue our Class A Ordinary Shares to foreign investors. In addition, we, our subsidiaries, or the VIE are not required to obtain permission or approval from the PRC authorities for the VIE’s operation, nor have we, our subsidiaries, or the VIE received any denial for the VIE’s operation. Based on the understanding of the current PRC law, rules and regulations, given that Zhongchao WFOE was not established by a merger with or an acquisition of any PRC domestic companies as defined under the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors (“M&A Rules”), we believe that, as of the date of this annual report, the CSRC’s approval is not required for the listing and trading of our Class A Ordinary Shares on Nasdaq.

We have been advised by our PRC counsel, Zong Heng Law Firm, based on their understanding of the current PRC laws, rules and regulations, that (i) the structure for operating our business in China (including our corporate structure and VIE Arrangements with Zhongchao Shanghai, Zhongchao Shanghai and their shareholders) will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and (ii) the Contractual Arrangements among Zhongchao WFOE and Zhongchao Shanghai and their shareholders governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable, and will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations concerning foreign investment in the PRC, and their application to and effect on the legality, binding effect and enforceability of the Contractual Arrangements. In particular, we cannot rule out the possibility that PRC regulatory authorities, courts or arbitral tribunals may in the future adopt a different or contrary interpretation or take a view that is inconsistent with the opinion of our PRC legal counsel.

Dividend Distributions or Transfers of Cash among the Holding Company, Its Subsidiaries, and the Consolidated VIE

For the year ended December 31, 2021, Zhongchao Cayman made cash transfer of $3.4 million to Zhongchao USA. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Zhongchao Cayman made cash transfer of $3.69 million to Zhongchao USA. Except as otherwise disclosed above, for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, no other cash transfer or transfer of other assets have occurred between Zhongchao Cayman, its subsidiaries, the consolidated VIE and the subsidiaries of the VIE.   For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, none of our subsidiaries, the consolidated VIE, or the subsidiaries of the VIE have made any dividends or distributions to Zhongchao Cayman. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, no dividends or distributions have been made to any U.S. investors.

We intend to keep any future earnings to re-invest in and finance the expansion of the business of the PRC operating entities, and we do not anticipate that any cash dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend on its shares out of either profit or share premium amount, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the Company being unable to pay its debts due in the ordinary course of business. If we determine to pay dividends on any of our Class A Ordinary Shares in the future, as a holding company, we will be dependent on receipt of funds from our Hong Kong subsidiary, Zhongchao Group Limited (“Zhongchao HK”), unless we receive proceeds from future offerings.

Zhongchao WFOE’s ability to distribute dividends is based upon its distributable earnings. Current PRC regulations permit our indirect PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, each of our subsidiaries in China is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. Each of such entity in China may also set aside a portion of its after-tax profits to fund an optional employee welfare fund, although the amount to be set aside, if any, is determined at the discretion of its board of shareholders. Although the statutory reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses in excess of retained earnings of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation.

The PRC government also imposes controls on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of the PRC. Therefore, we may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency for the payment of dividends from our profits, if any. Furthermore, if our subsidiaries in the PRC incur debt on their own in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments. If we or our subsidiaries are unable to receive all of the revenues from our operations through the current Contractual Arrangements, we may be unable to pay dividends on our Class A Ordinary Shares.

Cash dividends, if any, on our Class A Ordinary Shares will be paid in U.S. dollars. If we are considered a PRC tax resident enterprise for tax purposes, any dividends we pay to our overseas shareholders may be regarded as China-sourced income and as a result may be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10.0%.

In order for us to pay dividends to our shareholders, we will rely on payments made from Zhongchao Shanghai to Zhongchao WFOE, pursuant to the Contractual Arrangements between them, and the distribution of such payments to Zhongchao HK as dividends from Zhongchao WFOE. Certain payments from the VIE, Zhongchao Shanghai, to Zhongchao WFOE are subject to PRC taxes, including business taxes and value added tax.

Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, or the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement, the 10% withholding tax rate may be lowered to 5% if a Hong Kong resident enterprise owns no less than 25% of a PRC project. However, the 5% withholding tax rate does not automatically apply and certain requirements must be satisfied, including without limitation that (a) the Hong Kong project must be the beneficial owner of the relevant dividends; and (b) the Hong Kong project must directly hold no less than 25% share ownership in the PRC project during the 12 consecutive months preceding its receipt of the dividends. In current practice, a Hong Kong project must obtain a tax resident certificate from the Hong Kong tax authority to apply for the 5% lower PRC withholding tax rate. As the Hong Kong tax authority will issue such a tax resident certificate on a case-by-case basis, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain the tax resident certificate from the relevant Hong Kong tax authority and enjoy the preferential withholding tax rate of 5% under the Double Taxation Arrangement with respect to dividends to be paid by our PRC subsidiary to its immediate holding company, Zhongchao HK. As of the date of this annual report, we have not applied and have no plan to apply for the tax resident certificate from the relevant Hong Kong tax authority. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors— Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Governmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability to use our revenues effectively and the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to obtain financing.”

Further, the proceeds of the initial offering and any further offering of the Company may be sent back from the holding company to the PRC, and the process for sending such proceeds back to the PRC may be time-consuming after the closing of this offering. We may be unable to use these proceeds to grow the business of the PRC operating entities until the PRC operating entities receive such proceeds in the PRC. Any transfer of funds by the holding company to the PRC operating entities, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, are subject to approval by or registration or filing with relevant governmental authorities in China. Any foreign loans procured by the PRC operating entities is required to be registered with China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) or its local branches or satisfy relevant requirements, and the PRC operating entities may not procure loans which exceed the difference between their respective total project investment amount and registered capital or 2 times (which may be varied year by year due to the change of PRC’s national macro-control policy) of the net worth of our PRC subsidiary. According to the relevant PRC regulations on foreign-invested enterprises in China, capital contributions to the PRC operating entities are subject to the approval of or filing with State Administration for Market Regulation in its local branches, the Ministry of Commerce in its local branches and registration with a local bank authorized by SAFE. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors— Risks Related to Doing Business in China—PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of the initial public offering or any subsequent offerings to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.”

Financial Information Related to the VIE

The following tables present selected condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, and the selected condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, which showing financial information for parent company, Zhongchao Cayman, its subsidiaries (Zhongchao Group Inc. (“Zhongchao BVI”), Zhongchao HK, Zhongchao USA, Zhongchao Japan and Zhongchao WFOE), the VIE and its subsidiaries, eliminating entries and consolidated information.

A. [Reserved]

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

D. Risk Factors

SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this Annual Report. Investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below together with all of the other information included in this Annual Report before making an investment decision. The risks and uncertainties described below represent our known material risks to our business. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer. In that case, you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to the Business and Industry of the PRC Operating Entities

Risks and uncertainties related to the business and industry of the PRC operating entities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure

We are also subject to risks and uncertainties related to our corporate structure, including, but not limited to, the following:

Risks Related to Doing Business in China

Our WFOE and the PRC operating entities are based in China, and the PRC operating entities have all of their operations in China, and therefore, we face risks and uncertainties related to doing business in China in general, including, but not limited to, the following:

RISKS RELATED TO THE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY OF THE PRC OPERATING ENTITIES

The PRC operating entities may be unable to effectively manage their rapid growth, which could place significant strain on their management personnel, systems and resources. The PRC operating entities may not be able to achieve anticipated growth, which could materially and adversely affect their business and prospects.

The PRC operating entities significantly grown in 2020 and expanded their business recently. In 2021, the PRC operating entities’ business and operation was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and local governmental restrictions in response to the pandemic and to the medical related products, so the revenues and net income decreased. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, our revenues were $16,296,770, $17,989,788, and $14,882,763, respectively, and our net income were $238,665, $4,457,097, and $4,000,499,   respectively. As of the date of this Annual Report, Zhongchao Shanghai maintains 10 subsidiaries and 4 branches, of which are located in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Ningxia, Hainan and Liaoning) to serve different customers in various geographic locations. On March 26, 2020, the board of Horgos Zhongchao Medical, one of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of Zhongchao Shanghai, approved its dissolution. The application for cancellation registration was approved by the registration authority on May 11, 2020. Horgos Zhongchao Zhongxing Medical Technology Co., Ltd., or Horgos Zhongchao Zhongxing, one of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of Zhongchai Shanghai, applied for its cancellation registration, which was approved on September 16, 2020.

In addition, on April 27, 2020, Beijing Zhongchao Boya Medical Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Boya was incorporated under the PRC laws, of which 70% of its equity was owned by Zhongchao Shanghai and 30% of its equity was entrusted to Zhongchao Shanghai by the other shareholder Zhengbo Ma through a certain share entrustment agreement on April 27, 2020. Beijing Boya is primarily engaged in technology development, transfer, and service, and consultation in the fields of medical technology and computer technology, market information consulting and investigating, and organization of culture and art activities. On October 12, 2020, two shareholders of Shanghai Jingyi Medical Technology Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Jingyi, Li Dai and Hegang Ma, transferred their shares to Mr. Weiguang Yang. As a result, Mr. Weiguang Yang holds 49% of Shanghai Jingyi’s equity and Zhongchao Shanghai holds 51% of its equity. On October 23, 2020, Shanghai Jingyi changed its name to Shanghai Zhongxin Medical Technology Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Zhongxin. Shanghai Zhongxun Medical Technology Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Zhongxun holds 51% of the equity interest of Shanghai Zhongxin, and, through certain entrustment agreements, Mr. Weiguang Yang, Beijing Zhongchao Yixin Management Consulting Partnership, LLP (“Zhongchao Yixin”), and Beijing Zhongren Yixin Management Consulting Partnership, LLP (“Zhongren Yixin”), hold 19%, 20% and 10% of the equity interest of Shanghai Jingyi on behalf of Shanghai Zhongxun, respectively. As a result, Shanghai Zhongxun owns 100% of Shanghai Zhongxin’s equity interest. On July 6, 2020, Zhixun Internet Hospital (Liaoning) Co., Ltd., or Liaoning Zhixun was incorporated under the PRC laws and wholly owned by Shanghai Zhongxun. Liaoning Zhixun primarily engaged in online hospital services, medical services, elderly nursing services, remote healthcare management services, healthcare consultation in services, sales of medical appliances and other medical products. On January 11, 2021, Shanghai Zhongxun transferred its whole equity ownership of Liaoning Zhixun to Shanghai Zhonxin, and as a result, Shanghai Zhongxin becomes the sole shareholder of Liaoning Zhixun.

On January 13, 2021, Shanghai Xinyuan Human Resources Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Xinyuan, was incorporated under the PRC laws, as the wholly owned subsidiary of Shanghai Zhongxin. Shanghai Xinyuan is primarily engaged in human resources services and information consulting services. On May 18, 2021, Ningxia Zhongxin Internet Hospital Co., Ltd., or Ningxia Zhongxin, was incorporated under the PRC laws, whose sole shareholder is Shanghai Zhongxin. Ningxia Zhongxin will be engaged in operating an online hospital to provide online medical service, including online consultation, prescription information services, and medication retails. Ningxia Zhongxia is currently undergoing required administrative procedures and not engaging in any active business operations. On July 16, 2021, Hainan Zhongteng Medical Technology Co., Ltd., or Hainan Zhongteng, was incorporated under the PRC laws, as the wholly owned subsidiary of Beijing Boya. Hainan Zhongteng is primarily engaged in healthcare consulting services. On July 21, 2021, Hainan Muxin Medical Technology Co., Ltd., or Hainan Muxin, was incorporated under the PRC laws, as the wholly owned subsidiary of Shanghai Zhongxin. Hainan Muxin is primarily engaged in healthcare consulting services. On August 19, 2021 pursuant to an equity transfer agreement, Shanghai Zhongxin agrees to transfer all of its equity interest of Liaoning Zhixun to Beijing Boya. As a result, Liaoning Zhixun is wholly owned by Beijing Boya.

The PRC entities had 136 full-time employees as of December 31, 2021. As of the date of this Annual Report, the PRC entities have 136 full-time employees and a few contractors from the third party. In September 2020, the PRC operating entities established an office in Tianjin as the offices for medical service staff and technic staff. In October 2020, the PRC operating entities established an office in Japan and will pursue potential market opportunities there. In 2021, as the PRC operating entities had been seeking business expansion countrywide, in consideration of cost, uncertainty of the COVID-19 development, and governmental restriction in response to COVID-19, the PRC operating entities established additional offices at shared workspace in 4 cities (Chongqing, Tianjin, Wuhan, and Shengyang) accommodating a total of 14 employees as of the date of this Annual Report. The rent for these offices at shared workspace is payable monthly or semi-annually, and the leases thereunder could be terminated with advanced notice.  Zhongchao Shanghai and its subsidiaries are actively looking for additional locations to establish new offices and expand their current offices and sales and delivery centers. The PRC operating entities intend to continue their expansion in the foreseeable future to pursue existing and potential market opportunities. The PRC operating entities’ growth has placed and will continue to place significant demands on their management and administrative, operational and financial infrastructure. Continued expansion increases the challenges the PRC operating entities face in:

Moreover, as the PRC operating entities introduce new services or enter into new markets, the PRC operating entities may face new market, technological and operational risks and challenges with which they are unfamiliar, and it may require substantial management efforts and skills to mitigate these risks and challenges. As a result of any of these problems associated with expansion, the PRC operating entities’ business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, the PRC operating entities may not be able to achieve anticipated growth, which could materially and adversely affect their business and prospects.

We depend on the healthcare industry for a significant portion of our revenues.

Our revenues could seriously decrease if there were adverse developments in the healthcare industry. Our near-term and long-term prospects depend upon selling The PRC operating entities’ services to the healthcare industry. In 2021, 11.7% of our revenues were derived from services provided to pharmaceutical enterprises. Accordingly, our success is highly dependent on the sales and marketing expenditures of pharmaceutical enterprises and The PRC operating entities’ ability to attract these expenditures. Some of the adverse developments in the healthcare industry that could affect our revenues would be:

The PRC operating entities face intense competition from onshore and offshore healthcare information, education, and training services companies, and, if the PRC operating entities are unable to compete effectively, the PRC operating entities may lose customers and our revenues may decline.

The market for healthcare information, education, and training services is highly competitive and the PRC operating entities expect competition to persist and intensify. We believe that the principal competitive factors in the PRC operating entities’ markets are industry expertise, breadth and depth of service offerings, quality of the services offered, reputation and track record, marketing and selling skills, scalability of infrastructure and price. In addition, the trend towards offshore outsourcing, international expansion by foreign and domestic competitors and continuing technological changes will result in new and different competitors entering our markets. the PRC operating entities’ ability to compete also depends in part on a number of factors beyond the PRC operating entities’ control, including the ability of the PRC operating entities’ competitors to recruit, train, develop and retain highly skilled professionals, the price at which the PRC operating entities’ competitors offer comparable services and the PRC operating entities’ competitors’ responsiveness to client needs. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the PRC operating entities will be able to retain their customers while competing against such competitors. Increased competition, the PRC operating entities’ inability to compete successfully against competitors, pricing pressures or loss of market share could harm the PRC operating entities’ business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our success depends substantially on the continuing efforts of the PRC operating entities’ senior executives and other key personnel, and the PRC operating entities’ business may be severely disrupted if they lose their services.

Our future success heavily depends upon the continued services of the PRC operating entities’ senior executives and other key employees. If one or more of the PRC operating entities’ senior executives or key employees are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, it could disrupt the PRC operating entities’ business operations, and the PRC operating entities may not be able to replace them easily or at all. In addition, competition for senior executives and key personnel in our industry is intense, and the PRC operating entities may be unable to retain their senior executives and key personnel or attract and retain new senior executive and key personnel in the future, in which case the PRC operating entities’ business may be severely disrupted, and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. If any of the PRC operating entities’ senior executives or key personnel joins a competitor or forms a competing company, the PRC operating entities may lose customers, suppliers, know-how and key professionals and staff members to them. Also, if any of the PRC operating entities’ business development managers, who generally keep a close relationship with the PRC operating entities’ customers, joins a competitor or forms a competing company, the PRC operating entities may lose customers, and our revenues may be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, there could be unauthorized disclosure or use of the PRC operating entities’ technical knowledge, practices or procedures by such personnel. Most of the PRC operating entities’ executives and key personnel have entered into employment agreements with us that contain non-competition provisions, non-solicitation and nondisclosure covenants. However, if any dispute arises between the PRC operating entities’ executive officers and key personnel and us, such non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure provisions might not provide effective protection to us, especially in China, where most of these executive officers and key employees reside, in light of the uncertainties with China’s legal system.

The PRC operating entities may be unable to maintain their existing relationships with their content providers or to build new relationships with other content providers.

Our success depends significantly on the PRC operating entities’ ability to maintain the PRC operating entities’ existing relationships with the third parties who provide healthcare information, education, and training content for the PRC operating entities’ library and courses and the PRC operating entities’ ability to build new relationships with other content partners. Most of the PRC operating entities’ agreements with content providers are on a case-by-case basis. The PRC operating entities generate their resource library of content providers, most of whom are healthcare experts working in leading Chinese hospital or well-known universities. Every time the PRC operating entities have a need for content production, they will search in their resource library and reach out to the relevant experts for content production. Upon the completion of the content production, they will send over a standard form of service order to the experts evidencing such completion and ask for their best ways for the service payment. The PRC operating entities’ content partners usually receive their service payment within one week after the PRC operating entities receive the signed copies of the service orders. If a significant number of the PRC operating entities’ content providers refuse to cooperate with us, it could result in a reduction in the number of courses the PRC operating entities are able to produce and decreased revenues. Most of the PRC operating entities’ agreements with the PRC operating entities’ content partners are also non-exclusive, and the PRC operating entities’ competitors offer, or could offer, healthcare information, education, and training content that is similar to or the same as the PRC operating entities. If the PRC operating entities’ current content partners offer information to users or the PRC operating entities’ competitors on more favorable terms than those offered to us or increase the PRC operating entities’ service fees, the PRC operating entities’ competitive position and our profit margins and prospects could be harmed. In addition, the failure by The PRC operating entities’ content partners to deliver high-quality content and to continuously upgrade their content in response to user demand and evolving healthcare advances and trends could result in user dissatisfaction and inhibit the PRC operating entities’ ability to attract users.

If the PRC operating entities fail to provide high-quality and reliable content in a cost-effective manner, they may not be able to attract and retain users to remain competitive.

Our success depends on the PRC operating entities’ ability to maintain and grow user engagement on the PRC operating entities’ platform. To attract and retain users and compete against the PRC operating entities’ competitors, the PRC operating entities must continue to offer high-quality and reliable content to provide the PRC operating entities’ users with a superior healthcare information, education, and training service experience. To this end, the PRC operating entities must continue to produce original content and source new professional and user-generated content in a cost effective manner. Given that they operate in a rapidly evolving industry, the PRC operating entities need to anticipate industry changes and respond to such changes timely and effectively. If the PRC operating entities fail to continue to offer high-quality and reliable content to their users, we may suffer from reduced user traffic and engagement, and their business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

In addition to content generated by the PRC operating entities’ users and content partners, the PRC operating entities rely on their in-house team to create original content and to edit, manage, and supervise the original content origination and production process, and the PRC operating entities intend to continue to invest resources in content production. The PRC operating entities face competition for qualified personnel in a limited pool of high-quality creative talent. If the PRC operating entities are not able to compete effectively for talents or attract and retain top talents at reasonable costs, their original content production capabilities would be negatively impacted. Any deterioration in the PRC operating entities’ in-house content production capability, inability to attract creative talents at reasonable costs or losses in personnel may materially and adversely affect the PRC operating entities’ business and operating results.

We generate a significant portion of our revenues from a relatively small number of major customers and loss of business from these customers could reduce our revenues and significantly harm the PRC operating entities’ business.

We believe that in the foreseeable future we will continue to derive a significant portion of our revenues from a small number of major customers. For the year ended December 31, 2021, three customers accounted for approximately 23.4%, 21.9%, and 10.7% of the total revenue, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2020, two customers accounted for approximately 26.9% and 19.7% of the total revenue, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2019, three customers accounted for approximately 25.5%, 15.1% and 14.1% of the total revenue, respectively. the PRC operating entities’ ability to maintain close relationships with these and other major customers is essential to the growth and profitability of the PRC operating entities’ business. However, the volume of work performed for a specific client is likely to vary from year to year, especially when the PRC operating entities are not their customers’ exclusive healthcare information, education, and training services provider and the PRC operating entities do not have long-term commitments from any of their customers to purchase the PRC operating entities’ services. A major client in one year may not provide the same level of revenues for the PRC operating entities in any subsequent year. The healthcare information, education, and training services the PRC operating entities provide to their customers, and the revenues and income from those services, may decline or vary as the type and quantity of healthcare information, education, and training services the PRC operating entities provide changes over time. In addition, The PRC operating entities’ reliance on any individual client for a significant portion of our revenues may give that client a certain degree of pricing leverage against us when negotiating contracts and terms of service. In addition, a number of factors other than The PRC operating entities’ performance could cause the loss of or reduction in business or revenues from a client, and these factors are not predictable. These factors may include corporate restructuring, pricing pressure, changes to its outsourcing strategy, switching to another services provider or returning work in-house. In the future, a small number of customers may continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenues in any given period. The loss of any of The PRC operating entities’ major customers could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We expect competition to increase significantly in the future which could reduce the PRC operating entities’ revenues, potential profits and overall market share.

The market for traditional and online healthcare information, education, and training services is competitive. Barriers to entry on the Internet are relatively low, and we expect competition to increase significantly in the future. The PRC operating entities face competitive pressures from certain actual and potential competitors, both online and onsite, many of which have longer operating histories, greater brand name recognition, larger user bases and significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the PRC operating entities do. We cannot assure you that healthcare information, education, and training education services maintained by the PRC operating entities’ existing and potential competitors will not be perceived by the healthcare community as being superior to the PRC operating entities’.

The PRC operating entities may be unable to adequately develop their systems, processes and support in a manner that will enable them to meet the demand for the PRC operating entities’ services.

We have initiated its online operations in the recent 10 years and are developing its ability to provide its courses and education systems on a transactional basis over the Internet. The PRC operating entities’ future success will depend on their ability to develop the infrastructure effectively, including additional hardware and software, and implement the services, including customer support, necessary to meet the demand for the PRC operating entities’ services. In the event the PRC operating entities are not successful in developing the necessary systems and implementing the necessary services on a timely basis, our revenues could be adversely affected, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

The PRC operating entities may lose business if they are unable to keep up with rapid technological or other changes.

If the PRC operating entities are unable to keep up with changing technology and other factors related to their market, they may be unable to attract and retain users and advertisers, which would reduce our revenues. The markets in which the PRC operating entities compete are characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving technological standards in the industry, frequent new service and product announcements and changing consumer demands. the PRC operating entities’ future success will depend on the PRC operating entities’ ability to adapt to these changes and to continuously improve the performance, features and reliability of the PRC operating entities’ service in response to competitive services and product offerings and the evolving demands of the marketplace. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking or telecommunications technologies or other technological changes could require us to incur substantial expenditures to modify or adapt the PRC operating entities’ services or infrastructure, which might impact the PRC operating entities’ ability to become or remain profitable.

If the PRC operating entities are unable to collect their receivables from their customers, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

The PRC operating entities’ business depends on their ability to successfully obtain payment from their customers of the amounts they owe us for work performed. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our accounts receivable balance amounted to approximately $9,218,883 and $10,321,837, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had no doubtful allowance on accounts receivable. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we wrote off $1,449,827, $202,325 and $nil, respectively, against accounts receivable. Since the PRC operating entities generally do not require collateral or other security from their customers, they establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon estimates, historical experience and other factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. However, actual losses on client receivables balance could differ from those that we anticipate and as a result we might need to adjust their allowance. There is no guarantee that we will accurately assess the creditworthiness of the PRC operating entities’ customers. Macroeconomic conditions, including related turmoil in the global financial system, could also result in financial difficulties for the PRC operating entities’ customers, including limited access to the credit markets, insolvency or bankruptcy, and as a result could cause customers to delay payments to us, request modifications to their payment arrangements that could increase our receivables balance, or default on their payment obligations to us. As a result, an extended delay or default in payment relating to a significant account will have a material and adverse effect on the aging schedule and turnover days of our accounts receivable. If the PRC operating entities are unable to collect their receivables from their customers in accordance with the contracts with the PRC operating entities’ customers, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. 

The growth and success of the PRC operating entities’ business depends on their ability to anticipate and develop new services and enhance existing services in order to keep pace with rapid changes in technology and in the industries they focus on.

The market for the PRC operating entities’ services is characterized by rapid technological change, evolving industry standards, changing client preferences and new product and service introductions. The PRC operating entities’ future growth and success depend significantly on their ability to anticipate developments in healthcare information, education, and training services, and develop and offer new product and service lines to meet their customers’ and end-users’ evolving needs. The PRC operating entities may not be successful in anticipating or responding to these developments in a timely manner, or if they do respond, the services or technologies they develop may not be successful in the marketplace. The development of some of the services and technologies may involve significant upfront investments and the failure of these services and technologies may result in the PRC operating entities’ being unable to recover these investments, in part or in full. Further, services or technologies that are developed by the PRC operating entities’ competitors may render the PRC operating entities’ services uncompetitive or obsolete. In addition, new technologies may be developed that allow the PRC operating entities’ customers to more cost-effectively perform the services that they provide, thereby reducing demand for the PRC operating entities’ services. Should the PRC operating entities fail to adapt to the rapidly changing healthcare information, education, and training services market or if they fail to develop suitable services to meet the evolving and increasingly sophisticated requirements of the PRC operating entities’ customers in a timely manner, the PRC operating entities’ business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

If the PRC operating entities do not succeed in attracting new customers for their services or growing revenues from existing customers, they may not achieve our revenue growth goals.

The PRC operating entities plan to significantly expand the number of customers they serve to diversify their client base and grow our revenues. Revenues from a new client often rise quickly over the first several years following the PRC operating entities’ initial engagement as they expand the services that they provide to that client. Therefore, obtaining new customers is important for them to achieve rapid revenue growth. The PRC operating entities also plan to grow revenues from their existing customers by identifying and selling additional services to them. The PRC operating entities’ ability to attract new customers, as well as their ability to grow revenues from existing customers, depends on a number of factors, including the PRC operating entities’ ability to offer high quality services at competitive prices, the strength of the PRC operating entities’ competitors and the capabilities of the PRC operating entities’ sales and marketing teams. If the PRC operating entities are not able to continue to attract new customers or to grow revenues from their existing customers in the future, we may not be able to grow our revenues as quickly as we anticipate or at all.

As a result of the PRC operating entities’ significant recent growth, evaluating their business and prospects may be difficult and the PRC operating entities’ past results may not be indicative of its future performance.

Our future success depends on the PRC operating entities’ ability to significantly increase revenue and maintain profitability from the PRC operating entities’ operations. The PRC operating entities’ business has grown and evolved significantly in recent years. The PRC operating entities’ growth in recent years makes it difficult to evaluate their historical performance and make a period-to-period comparison of the PRC operating entities’ historical operating results less meaningful. The PRC operating entities may not be able to achieve a similar growth rate or maintain profitability in future periods. Therefore, you should not rely on our past results or our historic rate of growth as an indication of The PRC operating entities’ future performance. You should consider our future prospects in light of the risks and challenges encountered by a company seeking to grow and expand in a competitive industry that is characterized by rapid technological change, evolving industry standards, changing client preferences and new product and service introductions. These risks and challenges include, among others:

If the PRC operating entities are unsuccessful in addressing any of these risks or challenges, their business may be materially and adversely affected.

The PRC operating entities’ profitability will suffer if they are not able to maintain their resource utilization levels or continue to improve their productivity levels.

Our gross margin and profitability are significantly impacted by the PRC operating entities’ utilization of human resources as well as other resources, such as computers, IT infrastructure and office space, and the PRC operating entities’ ability to increase their productivity levels. The PRC operating entities have expanded their operations significantly in recent years through organic growth, which has resulted in a significant increase in the PRC operating entities’ headcount and fixed overhead costs. The PRC operating entities may face difficulties maintaining high levels of utilization, especially for their newly established businesses and resources. The framework agreements with some of the PRC operating entities’ customers typically do not impose a minimum or maximum purchase amount and allow the PRC operating entities’ customers to place service orders from time to time at their discretion. Customers demand is varied and it may fall to zero or surge to a level that the PRC operating entities cannot cost-effectively satisfy. Although the PRC operating entities try to use all commercially reasonable efforts to accurately estimate service orders and resource requirements from their customers, we may overestimate or underestimate, which may result in unexpected cost and strain or redundancy of their human capital and adversely effects on their utilization ability. The PRC operating entities’ ability to continually increase their productivity levels depends significantly on their ability to recruit, train, develop and retain high-performing professionals, staff projects appropriately and optimize their mix of services and delivery methods. If the PRC operating entities experience a slowdown or stoppage of work for any client or on any project for which they have dedicated professionals or facilities, they may not be able to efficiently reallocate these professionals and facilities to other customers and projects to keep their high utilization and productivity levels. If the PRC operating entities are not able to maintain high resource utilization levels without corresponding cost reductions or price increases, their profitability will suffer.

Increases in wages for professionals in China could prevent the PRC operating entities from sustaining their competitive advantage and could reduce our profit margins.

Part of the PRC operating entities’ most significant costs are the salaries and other compensation expenses for their medical professionals and other employees. Wage costs for professionals in China are lower than those in more developed countries and India. However, because of rapid economic growth, increased productivity levels, and increased competition for skilled employees and consultants in China, wages for highly skilled employees in China, in particular middle- and senior-level managers, are increasing at a faster rate than in the past. The PRC operating entities may need to increase the levels of employee and consultant compensation more rapidly than in the past to remain competitive in retaining the quality and attracting number of employees that the PRC operating entities’ business requires. Increases in the wages and other compensation the PRC operating entities pay their employees and consultants in China could reduce their competitive advantage unless they are able to increase the efficiency and productivity of their professionals as well as the prices the PRC operating entities can charge for their services. In addition, any appreciation in the value of the Renminbi relative to U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies will cause an increase in the relative wage levels in China, which could further reduce the PRC operating entities’ competitive advantage and adversely impact their profit margin.

The PRC operating entities must continue to upgrade their technology infrastructure, or they will be unable to effectively meet demand for their services.

The PRC operating entities must continue to add hardware and enhance software to accommodate the increasing content in their library and increasing use of their websites, mobile apps, and Wechat accounts. In order to make timely decisions about hardware and software enhancements, the PRC operating entities must be able to accurately forecast the growth in demand for their services. This growth in demand for their services could be difficult to forecast and the potential audience of their services is large. If the PRC operating entities are unable to increase the data storage and processing capacity of their systems at least as fast as the growth in demand, the PRC operating entities’ systems may become unstable and may fail to operate for unknown periods of time. Unscheduled downtime could harm the PRC operating entities’ business and also could discourage current and potential end users and reduce future revenues.

The PRC operating entities’ data and web server systems may stop working or work improperly due to natural disasters, failure of third-party services and other unexpected problems.

An unexpected event like a power or telecommunications outage, fire, flood or earthquake at the PRC operating entities’ on-site data facility or at their Internet service providers’ facilities could cause the loss of critical data and prevent us from offering their services. Currently the PRC operating entities don’t have any business interruption insurance to compensate us for losses that may occur. In addition, the PRC operating entities rely on third parties to securely store their archived data, house their Web server and network systems and connect them to the Internet. The failure by any of these third parties to provide these services satisfactorily and the PRC operating entities’ inability to find suitable replacements would impair the PRC operating entities’ ability to access archives and operate their systems.

The PRC operating entities’ computer networks may be vulnerable to security risks that could disrupt their services and adversely affect their results of operations.

The PRC operating entities’ computer networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer hackers, computer viruses and other security problems caused by unauthorized access to, or improper use of, systems by third parties or employees. A hacker who circumvents security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions or malfunctions in the PRC operating entities’ operations. Although the PRC operating entities intend to continue to implement security measures, computer attacks or disruptions may jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through the PRC operating entities’ computer systems. Actual or perceived concerns that the PRC operating entities’ systems may be vulnerable to such attacks or disruptions may deter their customers from using their platforms or services. As a result, the PRC operating entities may be required to expend significant resources to protect against the threat of these security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by these breaches.

Data networks are also vulnerable to attacks, unauthorized access and disruptions. For example, in a number of public networks, hackers have bypassed firewalls and misappropriated confidential information. It is possible that, despite existing safeguards, an employee could misappropriate the PRC operating entities’ customers’ proprietary information or data, exposing us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability. Losses or liabilities that are incurred as a result of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the PRC operating entities’ business.

The PRC operating entities may lose users and lose revenues if their cyber security measures fail.

If the security measures that the PRC operating entities use to protect personal information are ineffective, the PRC operating entities may lose users of their services, which could reduce our revenues. The PRC operating entities rely on security and authentication technology licensed from third parties. The PRC operating entities cannot predict whether these security measures could be circumvented by new technological developments. In addition, the PRC operating entities’ software, databases and servers may be vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions. The PRC operating entities may need to spend significant resources to protect against security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by any breaches. We cannot assure you that the PRC operating entities can prevent all cyber security breaches.

We depend significantly on the strength of the PRC operating entities’ brand and reputation. Any failure to maintain and enhance, or any damage to, the PRC operating entities’ brand image or reputation could materially and adversely affect the PRC operating entities’ business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

The PRC operating entities’ reputation and brand recognition, which depend on cultivating awareness, trust and confidence among their current or potential users, is critical to the success of the PRC operating entities’ business. We believe a well-recognized brand is crucial to increasing the PRC operating entities’ user base and, in turn, facilitating the PRC operating entities’ effort to monetize their services and enhancing their attractiveness to their users and service providers. The PRC operating entities’ reputation and brand are vulnerable to many threats that can be difficult or impossible to control, and costly or impossible to remediate. Regulatory inquiries or investigations, lawsuits and other claims in the ordinary course of the PRC operating entities’ business, perceptions of conflicts of interest and rumors, including complaints made by the PRC operating entities’ competitors, among other things, could substantially damage the PRC operating entities’ reputation, even if they are baseless or satisfactorily addressed.

In addition, any perception that the quality of the PRC operating entities’ healthcare information, education, and training services may not be the same as or better than that of other healthcare information, education, and training service platforms can damage the PRC operating entities’ reputation. Any negative media publicity about any of the services available on the PRC operating entities’ platform or product or service quality problems at other healthcare training service platforms, including at the PRC operating entities’ competitors, may also negatively impact the PRC operating entities’ reputation and brand. Negative perceptions of healthcare information, education, and training solutions and services, or the industry in general, may reduce the number of users coming to the PRC operating entities’ platform and the number of transactions conducted through the PRC operating entities’ platform, which would adversely impact our revenues and liquidity position.

The PRC operating entities may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of the PRC operating entities’ intellectual property, which could cause a loss of customers, reduce the PRC operating entities’ revenues and harm their competitive position.

The PRC operating entities rely on a combination of copyright, trademark, software registration, anti-unfair competition and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality agreements and other methods to protect their intellectual property rights. To protect the PRC operating entities’ trade secrets and other proprietary information, employees, customers, subcontractors, consultants, advisors and collaborators are required to enter into confidentiality agreements. These agreements might not provide effective protection for the trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information in the event of any unauthorized use, misappropriation or disclosure of such trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information. Implementation of intellectual property-related laws in China has historically been lacking, primarily because of ambiguities in the PRC laws and difficulties in enforcement. Accordingly, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as those in the United States or other developed countries, and infringement of intellectual property rights continues to pose a serious risk of doing business in China. Policing unauthorized use of proprietary technology is difficult and expensive. The steps the PRC operating entities have taken may be inadequate to prevent the misappropriation of their proprietary technology. Unauthorized copying, other misappropriation, or negligent or accidental leakage of the PRC operating entities’ proprietary technologies could enable third parties to benefit from the PRC operating entities’ technologies without obtaining their consent or paying them for doing so, which could harm the PRC operating entities’ business and competitive position. Though the PRC operating entities are not currently involved in any litigation with respect to intellectual property, they may need to enforce their intellectual property rights through litigation. Litigation relating to the PRC operating entities’ intellectual property may not prove successful and might result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.

The PRC operating entities may face intellectual property infringement claims that could be time-consuming and costly to defend. If the PRC operating entities fail to defend themselves against such claims, they may lose significant intellectual property rights and may be unable to continue providing their existing services.

The PRC operating entities’ success largely depends on their ability to use and develop their technology and services without infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties, including copyrights, trade secrets and trademarks. The PRC operating entities may be subject to risk related to potential infringement claims of the copyrights, as the copyrights of the PRC operating entities’ some medical education courses developed by us belong to their customers or share with their customers based on agreements. For example, pursuant to the Copyright Law of the PRC, providing the public with works by wired or wireless means, so as to make the public able to respectively obtain the works at the individually selected time and place, without permission from the owner of the copyrights therein shall constitute infringements of copyrights. The infringer shall, according to the circumstances of the case, undertake to cease the infringement, take remedial action, and offer an apology, pay damages, etc. The PRC operating entities may be subject to litigation involving claims of violation of other intellectual property rights of third parties. The PRC operating entities may be unaware of intellectual property registrations or applications relating to their services that may give rise to potential infringement claims against us. There may also be technologies licensed to and relied on by us that are subject to infringement or other corresponding allegations or claims by third parties which may damage the PRC operating entities’ ability to rely on such technologies. The PRC operating entities are subject to additional risks as a result of their hiring of new employees who may misappropriate intellectual property from their former employers. Parties making infringement claims may be able to obtain an injunction to prevent us from delivering their services or using technology involving the allegedly infringing intellectual property. Intellectual property litigation is expensive and time-consuming and could divert management’s attention from the PRC operating entities’ business. A successful infringement claim against us, whether with or without merit, could, among others things, require us to pay substantial damages, develop non-infringing technology, or re-brand the PRC operating entities’ name or enter into royalty or license agreements that may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all, and cease making, licensing or using products that have infringed a third party’s intellectual property rights. Protracted litigation could also result in existing or potential customers deferring or limiting their purchase or use of the PRC operating entities’ products until resolution of such litigation, or could require us to indemnify their customers against infringement claims in certain instances. Any intellectual property claim or litigation in this area, whether they ultimately win or lose, could damage their reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Disruptions in telecommunications or significant failure in the PRC operating entities’ IT systems could harm their service model, which could result in a reduction of our revenue.

A significant element of the PRC operating entities’ business strategy is to continue to leverage and expand their branches strategically located in China. We believe that the use of a strategically located network of branches will provide us with cost advantages, the ability to attract highly skilled personnel in various regions of the country and the world, and the ability to serve customers on a regional and global basis. Part of the PRC operating entities’ service model is to maintain active voice and data communications, financial control, accounting, customer service and other data processing systems between the PRC operating entities’ main offices in Shanghai, locations of the PRC operating entities’ customers, and other branches and support facilities of the PRC operating entities. The PRC operating entities’ business activities may be materially disrupted in the event of a partial or complete failure of any of these IT or communication systems, which could be caused by, among other things, software malfunction, computer virus attacks, conversion errors due to system upgrading, damage from fire, earthquake, power loss, telecommunications failure, unauthorized entry or other events beyond their control. Loss of all or part of the systems for a period of time could hinder the PRC operating entities’ performance or their ability to complete client projects on time which, in turn, could lead to a reduction of our revenue or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the PRC operating entities’ business and business reputation. The PRC operating entities may also be liable to their customers for breach of contract for interruptions in service.

The PRC operating entities may be liable to third parties for content that is available from their online library.

The PRC operating entities may be liable to third parties for the content in the PRC operating entities’ online library if the text, graphics, software or other content in their library violates copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights, the PRC operating entities’ content partners violate their contractual obligations to others by providing content to the PRC operating entities’ library or the content does not conform to accepted standards of care in the healthcare profession. The PRC operating entities may also be liable for anything that is accessible from their Website through links to other Websites. The PRC operating entities attempt to minimize these types of liabilities by requiring representations and warranties relating to their content partners’ ownership of, the rights to distribute as well as the accuracy of their content. The PRC operating entities also take necessary measures to review this content themselves. Although the PRC operating entities’ agreements with their content partners contain provisions providing for indemnification by the content providers in the event of inaccurate content, we cannot assure you that the PRC operating entities’ content partners will have the financial resources to meet this obligation. Alleged liability could harm the PRC operating entities’ business by damaging their reputation, requiring them to incur legal costs in defense, exposing them to awards of damages and costs and diverting management’s attention away from the PRC operating entities’ business. See “Business -- Intellectual Property Rights” for a more complete discussion of the potential effects of this liability on the PRC operating entities’ business.

Any reduction in the regulation of continuing education and training in the healthcare industry may adversely affect the PRC operating entities’ business.

The PRC operating entities’ business model is dependent in part on required training and continuing education for healthcare professionals and other healthcare workers resulting from regulations of Chinese Health Department. Any change in these regulations which reduce the demands for continuing education and training for the healthcare industry could harm the PRC operating entities’ business.

We may need additional capital and any failure by us to raise additional capital on terms favorable to us, or at all, could limit the PRC operating entities’ ability to grow their business and develop or enhance their service offerings to respond to market demand or competitive challenges.

We believe that our current cash, cash flow from operations and the proceeds from our initial public offering should be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next 12 months. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If these resources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain a credit facility. The sale of additional equity securities could result in dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could require us to agree to operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations. Our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms is subject to a variety of uncertainties, including:

Financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any failure by us to raise additional funds on terms favorable to us, or at all, could limit the PRC operating entities’ ability to grow their business and develop or enhance their product and service offerings to respond to market demand or competitive challenges.

The impact of the continued outbreak of COVID-19 on the Company’s business operations is currently uncertain. 

The business operations of the PRC operating entities have been be adversely affected by the effects of a widespread outbreak of contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 which was first reported in the City of Wuhan, Hubei, China. The PRC operating entities offices are located in Shanghai and Beijing, China, where any outbreak of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments could be adverse on the PRC operating entities’ business operations.

The ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19 was first reported on December 31, 2019 in City of Wuhan, Hubei, China and was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. In late January 2020, the local governments of Beijing and Shanghai released a stop order on all activities that involved public gatherings. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the PRC operating entities advised all employees to work from home from mid-January to early April 2020, as such PRC operating entities were able to continue servicing its customers with minimum interruption. All of the PRC operating entities’ employees are well equipped and prepared for the remote work situations even before the outbreak. Although the PRC operating entities were unable to adhere to original delivery timeliness of certain projects due to the strict movement restrictions imposed by the government, the PRC operating entities have managed to convert certain onsite training and education programs to online programs and timely deliver the updated training information to their customers and     users.

In the wake of the COVID-19 sweeping across the world, the PRC operating entities have also been closely monitoring the fluid and rapidly evolving situation. Since mid-January 2021, the Company, through its MDMOOC platform (www.MDMOOC.org), has successfully developed and launched coronavirus curriculum (the “Curriculum”) with over 60 courses covering a wide range of medical specialties. The Curriculum includes 1) free online courses developed independently by the Company and 2) customized courses developed through partnership/sponsorship with leading pharmaceutical companies and not-for-profit organizations (the “Partners and Sponsors”). The curriculum has been successively distributed through the PRC operating entities’ web portals, mobile APP, WeChat subscription accounts, as well as social media channels, providing much-needed help to the medical workers who are at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus. 

With prevention and control measures and vaccination, the COVID-19 was gradually controlled. In the struggle to prevent and control the pandemic, the vast number of medical workers have taken on the responsibility of treating diseases, relieving pain and maintaining the health of the patients, all of these strengthened their demand for new knowledge and skills. Under the pandemic situation, people’s life and work are greatly affected, and the desire for health knowledge is increasing day by day, which will stimulate the demand for medical education. Marketing activities of pharmaceutical companies have also gradually resumed and increased investment in medical education.

Zhongchao generates a vast majority of its revenues from medical and education training courses delivered through online portals. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, we generated net revenues of $16,296,770, $17,989,788, and $14,882,763.

As it continues to spread globally, the impact of COVID-19, including the effects of a subvariant of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which may spread faster than the original Omicron variant, as well as the effects of any new variants and subvariants which may develop, including any actions taken by governments, on the economy environment, market condition, the financial position of the PRC operating entities’ customers as well as Company’s operations, business and financial results is currently uncertain and could be adverse. In March 2022, due to the spread of new variants and subvariants of COVID-19, which may spread faster than the original COVID-19 variant in Shanghai and some other cities in China, some local government in China has imposed strict movement restrictions. In the mid-March 2022, the Shanghai authorities issued strict lock-downs and shut-down orders in response to the pandemic. As a result, the employees of the PRC operating entities located in Shanghai started to work from home. Starting on May 6, 2022, due to the new order from the Beijing authorities in response to the COVID-19, the office of the PRC operating entities in Beijing started to limit the number of the employees at office to 10 people, and the other employees started to work from home. As the employees are equipped and prepared for the remote work situations, and the PRC operating entities are able to continue to provide services with the customers remotely with minimum interruption. The management of the PRC operating entities do not believe the lock-down restrictions in Shanghai and the restriction measures in Beijing will have a materially negative impact to the business, operations, and financial results.

As of the date of this annual report, the employees in Shanghai offices are still working from home, and it is uncertain when the local authorities will lift the restrictions related to the pandemic. It is uncertain if the Beijing authorities will extend the restrictions or issue new orders in connection with the pandemic. Further, there is also uncertainty if the new variants and subvariants of COVID-19 will spread to other cities in China where the PRC operating entities’ offices located or what restrictive measures that local authorities may impose.    However, based on the current situation, the Company does not expect a significant impact on the Company’s operations and financial results in the long run.    

Fluctuation in the value of the Renminbi and other currencies may have a material adverse effect on the value of your investment.

Our financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars. However, a majority of our revenues and expenses are denominated in Renminbi (RMB). Our exposure to foreign exchange risk primarily relates to the limited cash denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of each entity. We do not believe that we currently have any significant direct foreign exchange risk and have not hedged exposures denominated in foreign currencies or any other derivative financial instruments. However, the value of your investment in our Class A Ordinary Shares will be affected by the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollars and RMB because the primary value of the PRC operating entities’ business is effectively denominated in RMB, while the Class A Ordinary Shares will be traded in U.S. dollars.

The value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions and China’s foreign exchange policies. The People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to limit fluctuations in RMB exchange rate and achieve certain exchange rate targets, and through such intervention kept the U.S. dollar-RMB exchange rate relatively stable.

As we may rely on dividends paid to us by our PRC subsidiaries and branches, any significant revaluation of the RMB may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition, and the value of any dividends payable on our Class A Ordinary Shares in foreign currency terms. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from our initial public offering into for our operations, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the RMB amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our Class A Ordinary Share or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. Furthermore, appreciation or depreciation in the value of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar would affect our financial results reported in U.S. dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying change in our business or results of operations. We cannot predict the impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations and may incur net foreign exchange losses in the future. In addition, our foreign currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert into foreign currencies.

Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.

Changes in the value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar, euro and other foreign currencies are affected by, among other things, changes in China political and economic conditions. Any significant revaluation of the RMB may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition, and the value of, and any dividends payable on our shares in the U.S. dollar terms. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollar we receive from our initial public offering into RMB for our operations, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the RMB amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollar for the purpose of paying dividends on our ordinary shares or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us.

Since July 2005, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar, although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in future, PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.

Very limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions. While we may enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these transactions may be limited, and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all. In addition, our foreign currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into foreign currencies.

We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to develop and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.

In connection with audits of our financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, our management identified below material weaknesses in the design and operation of our internal controls:

As defined under standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

In addition, in order to address the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting of the Company, we have: (a) hired an experienced outside consultant with adequate experience with US GAAP and the SEC reporting and compliance requirements; (b) continued our efforts to provide ongoing training courses in US GAAP to existing personnel, including our Chief Financial Officer; (c) continued our efforts to setup the internal audit department, and enhance the effectiveness of the internal control system; and (d) continued our efforts to implement necessary review and controls at related levels and the submission of all important documents and contracts to the office of our Chief Executive Officer for retention.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal controls may vary over time. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

We cannot be certain that these measures will successfully remediate the material weakness or that other material weaknesses will not be discovered in the future. If our efforts are not successful or other material weaknesses or control deficiencies occur in the future, we may be unable to report our financial results accurately on a timely basis or help prevent fraud, which could cause our reported financial results to be materially misstated and result in the loss of investor confidence or delisting and cause the market price of our ordinary shares to decline. In addition, it could in turn limit our access to capital markets, harm our results of operations, and lead to a decline in the trading price of our securities. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose us to increased risk of fraud or misuse of corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list, regulatory investigations and civil or criminal sanctions. We may also be required to restate our financial statements from prior periods. Because of our status as an emerging growth company, you will not be able to depend on any attestation from our independent registered public accountants as to our internal control over financial reporting for the foreseeable future.

If major mobile application distribution channels change their standard terms and conditions in a manner that is detrimental to us, or suspend or terminate their existing relationship with us, the PRC operating entities’ business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

The PRC operating entities currently cooperate with Apple’s app store and major PRC-based Android app stores to distribute their MDMOOC and Sunshine Health Forum mobile application to users. As such, the promotion, distribution and operation of the PRC operating entities’ application are subject to such distribution platforms’ standard terms and policies for application developers, which are subject to the interpretation of, and frequent changes by, these distribution channels. If these third-party distribution platforms change their terms and conditions in a manner that is detrimental to us, or refuse to distribute the PRC operating entities’ application, or if any other major distribution channel with which they would like to seek collaboration refuses to collaborate with us in the future on commercially favorable terms, the PRC operating entities’ business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

The PRC operating entities’ activities may expose them to malpractice liability and other liability inherent in healthcare delivery.

The PRC operating entities may be exposed to malpractice or other liability against which they may not be adequately insured, resulting in a decline in our financial results. A court or government agency may take the position that the PRC operating entities’ delivery of health information directly, including through licensed physicians, or information delivered by a third-party site that a consumer accesses through the PRC operating entities’ Website, exposes us to malpractice or other personal injury liability for wrongful delivery of healthcare services or erroneous health information. The amount of insurance the PRC operating entities maintain with insurance carriers may not be sufficient to cover all of the losses they might incur from these claims and legal actions. In addition, insurance for some risks is difficult, impossible or too costly to obtain, and as a result, the PRC operating entities may not be able to purchase insurance for some types of risks.

Healthcare reforms and the cost of regulatory compliance could negatively affect the PRC operating entities’ business.

The healthcare industry is heavily regulated in China. Various laws, regulations and guidelines promulgated by government, industry and professional associations affect, among other matters, the provision, licensing, labeling, marketing, promotion and reimbursement of healthcare services and products, including pharmaceutical products. The PRC operating entities’ failure or their customers’ failure to comply with any applicable regulatory requirements or industry guidelines could:

Some of PRC laws have been applied to the marketing and promotional practices of pharmaceutical manufacturers, to payments to physicians for services and to other benefits to physicians, and could constrain the PRC operating entities’ relationships, including financial, marketing and continuing medical education relationships, with the PRC operating entities’ sponsors and advertisers and with physicians, including any physicians who perform services for us. It is possible that additional or changed laws, regulations or guidelines could be adopted in the future.

In addition, implementation of government healthcare reform may adversely affect promotional and marketing expenditures by pharmaceutical enterprises, which could decrease the business opportunities available to us.

The Internet is subject to many legal uncertainties and potential government regulations that may decrease demand for the PRC operating entities’ services, increase the PRC operating entities’ cost of doing business or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our financial results or prospects.

Any new law or regulation pertaining to the Internet or online publication, or the application or interpretation of existing laws, could decrease demand for the PRC operating entities’ services, increase the PRC operating entities’ cost of doing business or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our financial results and prospects.

New laws and regulations or the application or interpretation of existing laws and regulations pertaining to the Internet or online publication may be adopted by PRC regulatory authorities in the future that address Internet-related issues, including online content, user privacy, pricing and quality of products and services. For example, due to the ambiguity of the definition of “online publishing service,” the online distribution of content, including the PRC operating entities’ online services, the courseware or audio-visual contents uploaded by the users in MDMOOC platforms, through the PRC operating entities’ website or mobile apps, may be regarded as “online publishing service” and therefore the PRC operating entities may be required to obtain an Online Publishing License in the future.

The United States or foreign nations may adopt legislation aimed at protecting Internet users’ privacy. This legislation could increase the PRC operating entities’ cost of doing business and negatively affect our financial results. Moreover, it may take years to determine the extent to which existing laws governing issues like property ownership, libel, negligence and personal privacy are applicable to the Internet. Currently, U.S. privacy law consists of disparate state and federal statutes regulating specific industries that collect personal data. Most of them predate and therefore do not specifically address online activities. In addition, a number of comprehensive legislative and regulatory privacy proposals are now under consideration by federal, state and local governments in the United States.

The PRC operating entities’ future growth depends on the further acceptance of the Internet and particularly the mobile Internet as an effective platform for assessing healthcare training services and content.

While the Internet and the mobile Internet have gained increased popularity in China as platforms for online healthcare training and information sharing in recent years, many users have limited experience in accessing healthcare training services or healthcare information online. For example, users may not consider online content to be reliable sources of healthcare information. If the PRC operating entities fail to educate users about the value of the PRC operating entities’ content, platform and services, the PRC operating entities’ growth may be limited and their business, financial performance and prospects may be materially and adversely affected. The further acceptance of the internet and the mobile internet as an effective and efficient platform for healthcare information sharing and training content is also affected by factors beyond the PRC operating entities’ control, including negative publicity around online healthcare training or information sharing services and potential restrictive regulatory measures taken by the PRC government. If online and mobile networks do not achieve adequate acceptance in the market, the PRC operating entities’ growth prospects, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.

PRC laws that protect individual information may limit our plans to collect, use and disclose that information.

If the PRC operating entities fail to comply with current or future laws or regulations governing the collection, dissemination, use and confidentiality of users’ health information, this failure could have a material adverse effect on the PRC operating entities’ business, operating results and financial condition.

End users sometimes enter private health information about themselves or their family members when using the PRC operating entities’ services. Also, the PRC operating entities’ systems record use patterns when end users access the PRC operating entities’ databases that may reveal health-related information or other private information about the users. Certain PRC laws and regulations govern collection, dissemination, use and confidentiality of users’ private information. For example, General Provisions of the Civil Law of the PRC which stipulates that the personal information of a natural person shall be protected by laws, any organization or individual that needs to obtain the personal information of others shall obtain such information pursuant to the law and ensure information security, and may neither illegally collect, use, transmit the personal information of others, nor illegally trade, provide or disclose the personal information of others.

The PRC government has been considering proposed legislation that would establish a new standard for protection and use of health information. In addition, the laws of other countries also govern the use of and disclosure of health information. The PRC operating entities’ systems for safeguarding users’ health information from unauthorized disclosure or use may not preclude successful claims against us for violation of applicable law. Other third-party sites that users access through the PRC operating entities’ site also may not maintain systems to safeguard this health information. In some cases, the PRC operating entities may place their content on computers that are under the physical control of others, which may increase the risk of an inappropriate disclosure of health information. For example, the PRC operating entities may contract out the hosting of their Website to a third party. In addition, future laws or changes in current laws may necessitate costly adaptations to the PRC operating entities’ systems.

The PRC operating entities intend to develop medical information systems and market research services that they will use to collect, analyze and report aggregate medical care, medical research, outcomes and financial data pertaining to items such as prescribing patterns and usage habits. Because this area of the law is rapidly changing, the PRC operating entities’ collection, analysis and reporting of aggregate healthcare data maintained in the PRC operating entities’ database may not at all times and in all respects comply with laws or regulations governing the ownership, collection and use of this data. Future laws or changes in current laws governing the ownership, collection and use of aggregate healthcare data may necessitate costly adaptations to the PRC operating entities’ systems or limit their ability to use this data.

If we are deemed to be an investment company under the United States Investment Company Act, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete a business transaction.

If we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, our activities may be restricted, including:

In addition, we may have imposed upon us burdensome requirements, including:

In order not to be regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, unless we can qualify for an exclusion, we must ensure that we are engaged primarily in a business other than investing, reinvesting or trading of securities and that our activities do not include investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading “investment securities” constituting more than 40% of our assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We are a holding company no material operations of our own. All of our business is conducted through Zhongchao Shanghai, whose principle business is to provide healthcare information, education, and training services to healthcare professionals and the public in China. We do not plan to buy businesses or assets with a view to resale or profit from their resale. We do not plan to buy unrelated businesses or assets or to be a passive investor. We do not believe that the PRC operating entities’ anticipated principal activities will subject us to the Investment Company Act. To this end, the investment by the VIE’s subsidiary Shanghai Jingyi is only in a private equity fund particularly investing in a certain biotech company in China with a limited capital subscription and a limited investment period. By restricting the investment to such a certain instrument, we intend to avoid being deemed an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Compact Act.

An investment in our securities is not intended for persons who are seeking a return on investments in government securities or investment securities. Shanghai Jingyi is primarily engaged in technology development, transfer, service and consulting in the fields of medical technology and computer technology, market information consulting and investigating. If we continue to invest in other investment securities, we may be deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act. If we were deemed to be subject to the Investment Company Act, compliance with these additional regulatory burdens would require additional expense for which we have not accounted.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR CORPORATE STRUCTURE

We will likely not pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

Dividend policy is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors. There is no assurance that our Board of Directors will declare dividends even if we are profitable. The payment of dividends by entities organized in China is subject to limitations as described herein. Under Cayman Islands law, we may only pay dividends from profits of the Company, or credits standing in the Company’s share premium account, and we must be solvent before and after the dividend payment in the sense that we will be able to satisfy our liabilities as they become due in the ordinary course of business; and the realizable value of assets of our Company will not be less than the sum of our total liabilities, other than deferred taxes as shown on our books of account, and our capital. Pursuant to the Chinese enterprise income tax law, dividends payable by a foreign investment entity to its foreign investors are subject to a withholding tax of 10%. Similarly, dividends payable by a foreign investment entity to its Hong Kong investor who owns 25% or more of the equity of the foreign investment entity is subject to a withholding tax of 5%. The payment of dividends by entities organized in China is subject to limitations, procedures and formalities. Regulations in China currently permit payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in China. The transfer to this reserve must be made before distribution of any dividend to shareholders.

The dual class structure of our ordinary shares has the effect of concentrating voting control with our CEO, directors and their affiliates.

Our Class B Ordinary Share has 15 votes per share, and our Class A Ordinary Share has 1 vote per share. The shareholder who holds shares of Class B Ordinary Shares holds approximately 80.08% of the voting power of our outstanding ordinary shares, assuming the exercise of the HF Warrant. Because of the fifteen-to-one voting ratio between our Class B and Class A Ordinary Shares, the holder of our Class B Ordinary Shares will continue to control a majority of the combined voting power of our ordinary share and therefore be able to control all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval so long as the shares of Class B Ordinary Shares represent more than 6.25% of all outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B Ordinary Shares, assuming the exercise of the HF Warrant. This concentrated control will limit your ability to influence corporate matters for the foreseeable future.

Future transfers by the holder of Class B Ordinary Shares will generally result in those shares converting to Class A Ordinary Shares, subject to limited exceptions, such as certain transfers effected for estate planning purposes. The conversion of Class B Ordinary Shares to Class A Ordinary Shares will have the effect, over time, of increasing the relative voting power of those holders of Class B Ordinary Shares who retain their shares in the long term. If, for example, Mr. Weiguang Yang retains a significant portion of his holdings of Class B Ordinary Share for an extended period of time, he could, in the future, continue to control a majority of the combined voting power of our Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares.

Our CEO has control over key decision making as a result of his control of a majority of our voting shares.

Our Founder, CEO, and our Chairman of the Board, Mr. Weiguang Yang, and his affiliates which he deemed to have control and/or have substantial influence is able to exercise full voting rights with respect to an aggregate of 5,497,715 Class B Ordinary Shares, representing a majority of the voting power of our outstanding ordinary shares. As a result, Mr. Yang has the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election of directors and any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, Mr. Yang has the ability to control the management and affairs of our company as a result of his position as our CEO and his ability to control the election of our directors. Additionally, in the event that Mr. Yang controls our company at the time of his death, control may be transferred to a person or entity that he designates as his successor. As a board member and officer, Mr. Yang owes a fiduciary duty to our shareholders and must act in good faith in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of our shareholders. As a shareholder, even a controlling shareholder, Mr. Yang is entitled to vote his shares, and shares over which he has voting control as a result of voting agreements, in his own interests, which may not always be in the interests of our shareholders generally.

As a “controlled company” under the rules of the NASDAQ Capital Market, we may choose to exempt our company from certain corporate governance requirements that could have an adverse effect on our public shareholders.

Our directors and officers beneficially own a majority of the voting power of our outstanding Class A Ordinary Shares. Under the Rule 4350(c) of the NASDAQ Capital Market, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirement that a majority of our directors be independent, as defined in the NASDAQ Capital Market Rules, and the requirement that our compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees consist entirely of independent directors. Although we do not intend to rely on the “controlled company” exemption under the Nasdaq listing rules, we could elect to rely on this exemption in the future. If we elect to rely on the “controlled company” exemption, a majority of the members of our board of directors might not be independent directors and our nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees might not consist entirely of independent directors. Accordingly, during any time while we remain a controlled company relying on the exemption and during any transition period following a time when we are no longer a controlled company, you would not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the NASDAQ Capital Market corporate governance requirements. Our status as a controlled company could cause our Class A Ordinary Share to look less attractive to certain investors or otherwise harm our trading price.

We depend upon the VIE Arrangements in consolidating the financial results of the PRC operating entities, which may not be as effective as direct ownership.

Our affiliation with Zhongchao Shanghai is managed through the VIE Arrangements, which agreements may not be as effective in providing us with control over Zhongchao Shanghai as direct ownership. The VIE Arrangements are governed by and would be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the PRC. If Zhongchao Shanghai fails to perform the obligations under the VIE Arrangements, we may have to rely on legal remedies under the laws of the PRC, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages. There is a risk that we may be unable to obtain any of these remedies. The legal environment in the PRC is not as developed as in other jurisdictions. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce the VIE Arrangements, or could affect the validity of the VIE Arrangements.

We may not be able to consolidate the financial results of the PRC operating entities or such consolidation could materially adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

We are not a Chinese operating company, but a holding company incorporated in Cayman Islands. As a holding company with no material operations of our own, all of our business is conducted through Zhongchao Shanghai, which is considered a VIE for accounting purposes, and we, through Zhongchao WFOE, are considered the primary beneficiary, thus enabling us to consolidate the financial results of Zhongchao Shanghai and its subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements. In the event that in the future a company we hold as a VIE no longer meets the definition of a VIE under applicable accounting rules, or we are deemed not to be the primary beneficiary, we would not be able to consolidate line by line that entity’s financial results in our consolidated financial statements for reporting purposes. Also, if in the future an affiliate company becomes a VIE and we become the primary beneficiary, we would be required to consolidate that entity’s financial results in our consolidated financial statements for accounting purposes. If such entity’s financial results were negative, this would have a corresponding negative impact on our operating results for reporting purposes.

Because we rely on the VIE Arrangements for our revenue, the termination of these agreements would severely and detrimentally affect our continuing business viability under our current corporate structure.

We are a holding company, and all of our business operations are conducted through the VIE Arrangements. Zhongchao Shanghai may terminate the VIE Arrangements for any or no reason at all. Because neither we, nor our subsidiaries, own equity interests of Zhongchao Shanghai, the termination of the VIE Arrangements would sever our ability to receive payments from Zhongchao Shanghai under our current holding company structure. While we are currently not aware of any event or reason that may cause the VIE Arrangements to terminate, we cannot assure you that such an event or reason will not occur in the future. In the event that the VIE Arrangements are terminated, this would have a severe and detrimental effect on our continuing business viability under our current corporate structure, which, in turn, may affect the value of your investment.

VIE Arrangements in relation to our VIE may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and they may determine that we, the VIE, or its subsidiaries owe additional taxes, which could negatively affect our financial condition and the value of your investment.

Under applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities within ten years after the taxable year when the transactions are conducted. We could face material and adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the VIE Arrangements were not entered into on an arm’s-length basis in such a way as to result in an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, and adjust the income of the VIE and its subsidiaries in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in a reduction of expense deductions recorded by the VIE and its subsidiaries for PRC tax purposes, which could in turn increase its tax liabilities without reducing our subsidiary’s tax expenses. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on the VIE and its subsidiaries for the adjusted but unpaid taxes according to the applicable regulations. Our financial position could be materially and adversely affected if the VIE’s or its subsidiaries’ tax liabilities increase or if it is required to pay late payment fees and other penalties.

We conduct our business through Zhongchao Shanghai and its subsidiaries by means of VIE Arrangements. If the PRC courts or administrative authorities determine that these VIE Arrangements do not comply with applicable regulations, we could be subject to severe penalties and our business could be adversely affected. In addition, changes in such PRC laws and regulations may materially and adversely affect our business.

There are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws, rules and regulations, including the laws, rules and regulations governing the validity and enforcement of the VIE Arrangements between Zhongchao WFOE and Zhongchao Shanghai. We have been advised by our PRC counsel, Zong Heng Law Firm, based on their understanding of the current PRC laws, rules and regulations, that (i) the structure for operating our business in China (including our corporate structure and VIE Arrangements with Zhongchao Shanghai, Zhongchao Shanghai and their shareholders) will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and (ii) the VIE Arrangements among Zhongchao WFOE and Zhongchao Shanghai and their shareholders governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable, and will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations concerning foreign investment in the PRC, and their application to and effect on the legality, binding effect and enforceability of the VIE Arrangements. In particular, we cannot rule out the possibility that PRC regulatory authorities, courts or arbitral tribunals may in the future adopt a different or contrary interpretation or take a view that is inconsistent with the opinion of our PRC legal counsel.

If any of our PRC entities or the PRC operating entities or their ownership structure or the VIE Arrangements are determined to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws, rules or regulations, or any of our PRC entities or the PRC operating entities fail to obtain or maintain any of the required governmental permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations, including:

The imposition of any of these penalties would severely disrupt the PRC operating entities’ ability to conduct business and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

The shareholders of the VIE may have actual or potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

The shareholders of the VIE may have actual or potential conflicts of interest with us. These shareholders may refuse to sign or breach, or cause the VIE to breach, or refuse to renew, the existing VIE Arrangements we have with them and the VIE, which would have a material and adverse effect on our ability to consolidate the financial results of the VIE and its subsidiaries. For example, the shareholders may be able to cause our agreements with the VIE to be performed in a manner adverse to us by, among other things, failing to remit payments due under the VIE Arrangements to us on a timely basis. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise any or all of these shareholders will act in the best interests of our company or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor. Currently, we do not have any arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these shareholders and our company. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between us and these shareholders, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.

Our current corporate structure and business operations may be affected by the Foreign Investment Law.

On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress approved the Foreign Investment Law, which became effect on January 1, 2020. Since it is relatively new, uncertainties exist in relation to its interpretation and its implementation rules that are yet to be issued. The Foreign Investment Law does not explicitly classify whether variable interest entities whose financial results are consolidated through VIE Arrangements would be deemed as foreign-invested enterprises if they are ultimately “controlled” by foreign investors. However, it has a catch-all provision under definition of “foreign investment” that includes investments made by foreign investors in China through other means as provided by laws, administrative regulations or the State Council. Therefore, it still leaves leeway for future laws, administrative regulations or provisions of the State Council to provide for VIE Arrangements as a form of foreign investment. Therefore, there can be no assurance that our ability to consolidate the financial results of the VIE and its subsidiaries through VIE Arrangements will not be deemed as foreign investment in the future.

The Foreign Investment Law grants national treatment to foreign-invested entities, except for those foreign-invested entities that operate in industries specified as either “restricted” or “prohibited” from foreign investment in a “negative list” that is yet to be published. It is unclear whether the “negative list” to be published will differ from the current Special Administrative Measures for Market Access of Foreign Investment (Negative List). The Foreign Investment Law provides that foreign-invested entities operating in “restricted” or “prohibited” industries will require market entry clearance and other approvals from relevant PRC government authorities. If our ability to consolidate the financial results of the VIE and its subsidiaries through VIE Arrangements are deemed as foreign investment in the future, and any business of the VIE and its subsidiaries is “restricted” or “prohibited” from foreign investment under the “negative list” effective at the time, we may be deemed to be in violation of the Foreign Investment Law, the VIE Arrangements that allow us to consolidate the financial results of the VIE and its subsidiaries may be deemed as invalid and illegal, and we may be required to unwind such VIE Arrangements and/or restructure our business operations, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business operation.

Furthermore, if future laws, administrative regulations or provisions mandate further actions to be taken by companies with respect to existing VIE Arrangements, we may face substantial uncertainties as to whether we can complete such actions in a timely manner, or at all. Failure to take timely and appropriate measures to cope with any of these or similar regulatory compliance challenges could materially and adversely affect our current corporate structure and business operations.

If any of our affiliated entities becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or liquidation proceeding, we may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by such entity, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We currently conduct our operations in China through our VIE Arrangements. As part of these arrangements, substantially all of our assets that are significant to the operation of our business are held by our affiliated entities. If any of these entities becomes bankrupt and all or part of their assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if any of our affiliated entities undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, its equity owner or unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights relating to some or all of these assets, which would hinder our ability to operate our business and could materially and adversely affect our business, our ability to generate revenue and the market price of our ordinary shares.

If the PRC operating entities fail to maintain continuing compliance with the PRC state regulatory rules, policies and procedures applicable to their industry, the PRC operating entities may risk losing certain preferential tax and other treatments which may adversely affect the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.

The State Council has promulgated several notices since 2000 to launch favorable policies for IT services, such as preferential tax treatments and credit support. Under rules and regulations promulgated by various Chinese government agencies, enterprises that have met specified criteria and are recognized as software enterprises by the relevant government authorities in China are entitled to preferential treatment, including financing support, preferential tax rates, export incentives, discretion and flexibility in determining employees’ welfare benefits and remuneration. Software enterprise qualifications are subject to annual examination. Enterprises that fail to meet the annual examination standards will lose the favorable enterprise income tax treatment. Enterprises exporting software or producing software products that are registered with the relevant government authorities are also entitled to preferential treatment including governmental financial support, preferential import, export policies and preferential tax rates. Companies in China engaging in systems integration are required to obtain qualification certificates from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Companies planning to set up computer information systems may only retain systems integration companies with appropriate qualification certificates. Currently the PRC operating entities do not engage in information system integration business, therefore the PRC operating entities are not required to have such qualification certificates. The qualification certificate is subject to review every two years and is renewable every four years. In 2003, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology promulgated the Amended Appraisal Condition for Qualification Grade of Systems Integration of Computer Information to elaborate the conditions for appraising each of the four qualification grades of systems integration companies. Companies applying for qualification are graded depending on the scale of the work they undertake. The grades range from Grade 1 (highest) to Grade 4 (lowest) in the scale of the work the respective companies can undertake. Companies with Grade 3 qualification can independently undertake projects at the medium-scale and small-scale enterprise level and undertake projects at the large-scale enterprise level in cooperation with other entities. If and to the extent we fail to maintain compliance with such applicable rules and regulations, our operations and financial results may be adversely affected.

RISKS RELATED TO DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA

Adverse changes in political, economic and other policies of the Chinese government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China, which could materially and adversely affect the growth of the PRC operating entities’ business and their competitive position.

Substantially all of the PRC operating entities’ business operations are conducted in China. Accordingly, the PRC operating entities’ business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects are affected significantly by economic, political and legal developments in China. Although the PRC economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy since the late 1970s, the PRC government continues to exercise significant control over China’s economic growth through direct allocation of resources, monetary and tax policies, and a host of other government policies such as those that encourage or restrict investment in certain industries by foreign investors, control the exchange between the Renminbi and foreign currencies, and regulate the growth of the general or specific market. While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth in the past 40 years, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. As the PRC economy has become increasingly linked with the global economy, China is affected in various respects by downturns and recessions of major economies around the world. The various economic and policy measures enacted by the PRC government to forestall economic downturns or bolster China’s economic growth could materially affect the PRC operating entities’ business. Any adverse change in the economic conditions in China, in policies of the PRC government or in laws and regulations in China could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China and market demand for the PRC operating entities’ outsourcing services. Such developments could adversely affect the PRC operating entities’ businesses, lead to reduction in demand for their services and adversely affect their competitive position.

Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could have a material adverse effect on us.

The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since the late 1970s, the PRC government has been building a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The overall effect has been to significantly enhance the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. We are a holding company with no material operation and conduct our business primarily through the VIE and its subsidiaries established in China through the VIE Arrangements. The PRC operating entities are generally subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China. However, since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties, which may limit legal protections available to us. In addition, some regulatory requirements issued by certain PRC government authorities may not be consistently applied by other government authorities (including local government authorities), thus making strict compliance with all regulatory requirements impractical, or in some circumstances impossible. For example, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce the legal protection that we enjoy either by law or contract. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to predict the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. These uncertainties may impede the PRC operating entities’ ability to enforce the contracts the PRC operating entities have entered into with their business partners, customers and suppliers. In addition, such uncertainties, including any inability to enforce the PRC operating entities’ contracts, together with any development or interpretation of PRC law that is adverse to us, could materially and adversely affect the PRC operating entities’ business and operations. Furthermore, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other more developed countries. We cannot predict the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us and other foreign investors, including you. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of the PRC operating entities’ resources and management attention.

The PRC operating entities may face risks and uncertainties with respect to the licensing requirement for internet audio-visual programs.

On December 20, 2007, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (“SAPPRFT”) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (“MIIT”), jointly promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Audio-Visual Program Service, or the Audio-Visual Program Provisions, which became effective on January 31, 2008 and was last amended on August 28, 2015. Among other things, the Audio-Visual Program Provisions stipulated that no entities or individuals may provide internet audio-visual program services without a License for Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs issued by SAPPRFT or its local bureaus or completing the relevant registration procedures with SAPPRFT or its local bureaus, and only state-owned or state-controlled entities are eligible to apply for a License for Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs. On March 17, 2010, SAPPRFT promulgated the Tentative Categories of Internet Audio-Visual Program Services, or the Categories, clarifying the scope of internet audio-visual programs services, which was amended on March 10, 2017. The making and editing of certain specialized audio-visual programs concerning, among other things, educational content, and broadcasting such content to the general public online is covered in the Categories. However, there are still significant uncertainties relating to the interpretation and implementation of the Audio-Visual Program Provisions, in particular, the scope of “internet audio-visual programs.”

The PRC operating entities offer short audio clips and the live course on their mobile apps or website for users to listen and learn, which can be repeatedly played by the users. We believe the audio clips we offer and the live courses we transmit distinguish us from general providers of internet audio-visual program services. However, we cannot assure you that the competent PRC government authorities will not take a view contrary to our opinion.

The Categories describe “internet audio-visual program services” in a very broad, vague manner and are unclear as to whether the contents the PRC operating entities offer or are available on their platforms fall into the definition of “internet audio-visual programs.” The PRC government may find that the PRC operating entities’ activities mentioned above or any other content offered on their mobile apps or website fall within the definition of “internet audio-visual programs” and thus are subject to the licensing requirement for internet audio-visual programs. The PRC operating entities currently do not hold a License for Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs. If the PRC government determines that the PRC operating entities’ content should be considered as “internet audio-visual programs” for the purpose of the Audio-Visual Program Provisions, the PRC operating entities may be required to obtain a License for Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs. The PRC operating entities are, however, not eligible to apply for such license since they are not a state-owned or state-controlled entity. If this were to occur, the PRC operating entities may be subject to penalties, fines, legal sanctions or an order to suspend the provision of their relevant content.

We face risks associated with uncertainties surrounding the PRC laws and regulations governing the education industry in general, and the online for-profit private training in particular.

The principal regulations governing private education in China primarily consist of the PRC Education Law, the Law for Promoting Private Education, or Private Education Law, the Implementation Rules for Private Education Law and the Implementation Rules on the Supervision and Administration of For-profit Private Schools, or the Implementation Rules, as amended from time to time. These PRC laws and regulations on private education generally apply to the establishment and operation of all private schools, including schools and other education institutions, and provide that, among others, (i) the establishment of a for-profit private school shall be approved by the education authorities or the authorities in charge of labor and social welfare, (ii) such for-profit private schools should be registered with the competent branch of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (“SAIC”, currently known as the State Administration for Market Regulation), and (iii) a duly approved private school will be granted a private school operating permit. The Implementation Rules further provide that the provisions contained therein should be applicable to “for-profit private training institutions” in an analogous manner. Shanghai, has accordingly promulgated specific local regulations to clarify the requirements and procedures for establishing and operating private schools in December 2017, however, it expressly provided that management measures and regulations applicable to private training institutions that only provide online courses would be promulgated separately. As of the date of this Annual Report, no explicit local rules or guideline on regulation of online private training institutions have been promulgated in Shanghai, where the operating entity of the online platform and the VIE, Zhongchao Shanghai, was incorporated. 

The PRC operating entities operate online platform that provides online training programs through the internet, and the PRC operating entities of the online platform are registered with local counterparts of the competent PRC government authorities as for-profit enterprises. As there lacks clear and consistent statutory interpretation regarding the implementation of the above laws and regulations, it is unclear how these regulatory requirements shall be applied to us. During the PRC operating entities’ previous consultation with relevant governmental authorities, they were informed that they are not required to obtain a private school operating permit or other approval from education authorities or the authorities in charge of labor and social welfare for their operation of online education platform. However, we cannot assure you that the government authorities will not take a different view in the future. The PRC operating entities may be required to obtain the above-mentioned, or any other approvals, licenses, permits or filings, or otherwise comply with additional regulatory requirements in the future, due to clarification or change in interpretation or implementation of laws and regulations in education industry, or promulgation of new regulations or guidelines regulating online education institutions.

In August 2018, the Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China published the Draft Amendment for the Implementation Rules for Private Education Law, for public review and comments, which is still subject to discussion, potential revision and adoption by the State Council before it becomes effective. Accordingly, the Draft Amendment for the Implementation Rules for Private Education Law clarifies that the scope of “private school” includes private training education institutions engaging in non-degree education, which could potentially include us. According to the Draft Amendment for the Implementation Rules for Private Education Law, a for-profit private institution that provides online training education or an online platform that facilitates such training education services, which does not engage in (i) cultural education related to school curriculums or tutoring services for kindergarten, primary or second school examinations or entrance requirements for primary, secondary or high school, or (ii) education that leads to a degree, would require a filing with (but not approval by) education or human resources and social security authorities. If enacted into law in its current form, the Draft Amendment for the Implementation Rules for Private Education Law would represent a major change to the laws and regulations relating to private schools, including, among others, (i) the required composition of the board of directors of private schools, (ii) that related party transactions to which a private school is a party would be required to be conducted on a fair and just basis without impediment to the interests of the state, the school, the teachers and the students and any director who is interested in any related party transactions of such private school should abstain from voting to approve any such transactions, and (iii) that, for a for-profit private school, 25% of its net profit per annum should be reserved for its development. If the Draft Amendment for the Implementation Rules for Private Education Law is enacted in its current form, the PRC operating entities may be required to change their corporate governance practices and their compliance costs could increase. The Draft Amendment for the Implementation Rules for Private Education Law also expressly provides that any investor controlled by a foreign entity is prohibited from establishing, participating in the establishment of, or exercising de facto control over compulsory education schools. As the PRC operating entities do not provide compulsory education services, we believe such prohibition, even if enacted in its current form, would not apply to them.

If the PRC operating entities fail to comply with any regulatory requirements, including obtaining any required licenses, approvals, permits or filings in a timely manner or at all, the PRC operating entities’ continued business operations may be disrupted and the PRC operating entities may be subject to various penalties or be unable to continue their operations, all of which will materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which the PRC operating entities must conduct their  business activities. We are currently not required to obtain approval from Chinese authorities to list or continue to list on U.S. exchanges nor for the execution of VIE agreements, however, if the VIE or the holding company were required to obtain approval and were denied permission from Chinese authorities to list or continue to list on U.S. exchanges, we will not be able to continue listing on U.S. exchange or continue to offer securities to investors, which could materially affect the interest of the investors and cause the value of our Class A Ordinary Shares to significantly decline or be worthless.

The Chinese government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. The PRC operating entities’ ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties.

For example, the Chinese cybersecurity regulator announced on July 2, 2021, that it had begun an investigation of Didi Global Inc. (NYSE: DIDI) and two days later ordered that the company’s app be removed from smartphone app stores. On July 24, 2021, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council jointly released the Guidelines for Further Easing the Burden of Excessive Homework and Off-campus Tutoring for Students at the Stage of Compulsory Education, pursuant to which foreign investment in such firms via mergers and acquisitions, franchise development, and variable interest entities are banned from this sector.

As such, the PRC operating entities’ business segments may be subject to various government and regulatory interference in the provinces in which they operate. The PRC operating entities could be subject to regulation by various political and regulatory entities, including various local and municipal agencies and government sub-divisions. The PRC operating entities may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply. In the event that the PRC operating entities are not able to substantially comply with any existing or newly adopted laws and regulations, the business operations of the PRC operating entities may be materially adversely affected and the value of our Ordinary Shares may significantly decrease or become worthless.

Furthermore, it is uncertain when and whether we will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list or continue to list on U.S. exchanges or enter into Contractual Arrangements (including retroactively), and even when such permission is obtained, whether it will be denied or rescinded. Although the Company is currently not required to obtain permission from any of the PRC federal or local government to obtain such permission and has not received any denial to list on the U.S. exchange and or enter into Contractual Arrangements, our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws and regulations relating to our business or industry.

Additionally, the PRC government authorities may strengthen oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers like us. Such actions taken by the PRC government authorities may intervene or influence the operations of the PRC operating entities at any time, which are beyond our control. Therefore, any such action may adversely affect the operations of the PRC operating entities and significantly limit or hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to you and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

The Chinese government may intervene or influence our operations at any time, which actions may impact our operations materially and adversely, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and cause the value of our Class A Ordinary Shares to significantly decline or be worthless.

The Chinese government has exercised, and continues to exercise, substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to online transmission of audio-visual program, internet live streaming services, online publishing, private education, internet information security, privacy protection and other matters. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties.

The PRC operating entities’ business is subject to various government and regulatory interference. The PRC operating entities could be subject to regulation by various political and regulatory entities, including various local and municipal agencies and government sub-divisions. The PRC Operation entities may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply. Our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws and regulations relating to our business or industry, which could result in further material changes in our operations and could adversely impact the value of our Class A Ordinary Shares.

Furthermore, given recent statements by the Chinese government indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas, although we are currently not required to obtain permission from any of the PRC federal or local government and has not received any denial to list or continue to list on the U.S. exchange, it is uncertain whether or when we might be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list or continue to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even if such permission is obtained, whether it will be later denied or rescinded, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities to investors and cause the value of our shares to significantly decline or be worthless.

PRC laws and regulations governing our current business operations are sometimes vague and uncertain and any changes in such laws and regulations may be quick with little impair our ability to operate profitably.

There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations governing our business and the enforcement and performance of our arrangements with customers in certain circumstances. The laws and regulations are sometimes vague and may be subject to future changes, and their official interpretation and enforcement may involve substantial uncertainty. The effectiveness and interpretation of newly enacted laws or regulations, including amendments to existing laws and regulations, may be delayed, and our business may be affected if we rely on laws and regulations which are subsequently adopted or interpreted in a manner different from our understanding of these laws and regulations. New laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future businesses may also be applied retroactively. We cannot predict what effect the interpretation of existing or new PRC laws or regulations may have on our business.

The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike the common law system, prior court decisions under the civil law system may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and the enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties.

In 1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The overall effect of legislation over the past three decades has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, China has not developed a fully integrated legal system, and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in China. In particular, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties.

Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory provisions and contractual terms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy. These uncertainties may affect our judgment on the relevance of legal requirements and our ability to enforce our contractual rights or tort claims. In addition, the regulatory uncertainties may be exploited through unmerited or frivolous legal actions or threats in attempts to extract payments or benefits from us.

Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all and may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of any of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. In addition, any administrative and court proceedings in China may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.

From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published in a timely manner or at all) that may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainty over the scope and effect of our contractual, property (including intellectual property) and procedural rights, and any failure to respond to changes in the regulatory environment in China could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.

Recently, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the “Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law,” or the Opinions, which was made available to the public on July 6, 2021. The Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, and the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings by Chinese companies. Effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems will be taken to deal with the risks and incidents of China-concept overseas listed companies, and cybersecurity and data privacy protection requirements and similar matters. The Opinions and any related implementing rules to be enacted may subject us to compliance requirement in the future.

Draft rules for China-based companies seeking for securities offerings in foreign stock markets was released by the CSRC for public consultation. While such rules have not yet come into effect as of the date of this prospectus, the Chinese government may exert more oversight and control over overseas public offerings conducted by China-based issuers, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer our Class A Ordinary Shares to investors and could cause the value of our Class A Ordinary Shares to significantly decline or become worthless.

On December 24, 2021, the CSRC and relevant departments of the State Council published the Draft Rules Regarding Overseas Listings, which aim to regulate overseas securities offerings and listings by China-based companies, are available for public consultation. The Draft Rules Regarding Overseas Listing aim to lay out the filing regulation arrangement for both direct and indirect overseas listing and clarify the determination criteria for indirect overseas listing in overseas markers.

The Draft Rules Regarding Overseas Listing, among other things, stipulate that, after making initial applications with overseas stock markets for initial public offerings or listings, all China-based companies shall file with the CSRC within three working days. The required filing materials with the CSRC include (without limitation): (i) record-filing reports and related undertakings, (ii) compliance certificates, filing or approval documents from the primary regulator of the applicants’ businesses (if applicable), (iii) security assessment opinions issued by related departments (if applicable), (iv) PRC legal opinions, and (v) prospectus. In addition, overseas offerings and listings may be prohibited for such China-based companies when any of the following applies: (1) if the intended securities offerings and listings are specifically prohibited by the laws, regulations or provision of the PRC; (2) if the intended securities offerings and listings may constitute a threat to, or endanger national security as reviewed and determined by competent authorities under the State Council in accordance with laws; (3) if there are material ownership disputes over applicants’ equity interests, major assets, core technologies, etc.; (4) if, in the past three years, applicants’ domestic enterprises, controlling shareholders or de facto controllers have committed corruption, bribery, embezzlement, misappropriation of property, or other criminal offenses disruptive to the order of the socialist market economy, or are currently under judicial investigation for suspicion of criminal offenses, or are under investigation for suspicion of major violations; (5) if, in the past three years, any directors, supervisors, or senior executives of applicants have been subject to administrative punishments for severe violations, or are currently under judicial investigation for suspicion of criminal offenses, or are under investigation for suspicion of major violations; (6) other circumstances as prescribed by the State Council. The Draft Administrative Provisions further stipulate that a fine between RMB 1 million and RMB 10 million may be imposed if an applicant fails to fulfill the filing requirements with the CSRC or conducts an overseas offering or listing in violation of the Draft Rules Regarding Overseas Listings, and in cases of severe violations, a parallel order to suspend relevant businesses or halt operations for rectification may be issued, and relevant business permits or operational license revoked.

Even though we have completed our public offering and are currently listing on the Nasdaq, the Draft Rules Regarding Overseas Listings, if enacted, may subject us to additional compliance requirements in the future, and though we believe that none of the situations that would clearly prohibit overseas listing and offering applies to us, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to receive clearance of such filing requirements in a timely manner, or at all. Any failure of us to fully comply with new regulatory requirements may significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer the Class A Ordinary Shares, cause significant disruption to our business operations, severely damage our reputation, materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, and cause the Ordinary Shares to significantly decline in value or become worthless.

The recent joint statement by the SEC and the PCAOB, proposed rule changes submitted by Nasdaq, and the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act all call for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of their auditors, especially the non-U.S. auditors who are not inspected by the PCAOB. These developments could add uncertainties to our offering.

U.S. public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China have been the subject of intense scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity has centered on financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, a lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud.

On April 21, 2020, the former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) Chairman William D. Duhnke III, along with other senior SEC staff, released a joint statement highlighting the risks associated with investing in companies based in or have substantial operations in emerging markets including China. The joint statement emphasized the risks associated with lack of access for the PCAOB to inspect auditors and audit work papers in China and higher risks of fraud in emerging markets.

On May 18, 2020, Nasdaq filed three proposals with the SEC to (i) apply minimum offering size requirement for companies primarily operating in “Restrictive Market”, (ii) adopt a new requirement relating to the qualification of management or board of director for Restrictive Market companies, and (iii) apply additional and more stringent criteria to an applicant or listed company based on the qualifications of the company’s auditors.

On May 20, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the HFCA Act requiring a foreign company to certify it is not owned or controlled by a foreign government if the PCAOB is unable to audit specified reports because the company uses a foreign auditor not subject to PCAOB inspection. If the PCAOB is unable to inspect the company’s auditors for three consecutive years, the issuer’s securities are prohibited to trade on a national exchange. On December 2, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the HFCA Act. On December 18, 2020, the HFCA Act was signed into law.

On March 24, 2021, the SEC announced that it had adopted interim final amendments to implement congressionally mandated submission and disclosure requirements of the Act. The interim final amendments will apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report on Forms 10-K, 20-F, 40-F or N-CSR with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in that jurisdiction. The SEC will implement a process for identifying such a registrant and any such identified registrant will be required to submit documentation to the SEC establishing that it is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity in that foreign jurisdiction, and will also require disclosure in the registrant’s annual report regarding the audit arrangements of, and governmental influence on, such a registrant.

Furthermore, the HFCA Act, which requires that the PCAOB be permitted to inspect the issuer’s public accounting firm within three years, may result in the delisting of our Company in the future if the PCAOB is unable to inspect our accounting firm at such future time.

In addition, on June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the “AHFCAA”), which, if signed into law, would amend the HFCA Act and require the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three consecutive years. As a result, the time period before our Class A Ordinary Shares may be prohibited from trading or delisted will be reduced.

On November 5, 2021, the SEC approved the PCAOB’s Rule 6100, Board Determinations Under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. Rule 6100 provides a framework for the PCAOB to use when determining, as contemplated under the HFCA Act, whether it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms located in a foreign jurisdiction because of a position taken by one or more authorities in that jurisdiction. On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a Determination Report which found that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in: (1) mainland China, and (2) Hong Kong.

The lack of access to the PCAOB inspection in China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of the auditors based in China. As a result, the investors may be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of these accounting firms’ audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the PCAOB inspections, which could cause existing and potential investors in our stock to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.

Our current independent accounting firm, Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP (“MBP”), whose audit report is included in this annual report on Form 20-F, is headquartered in Manhattan, New York and was not included in the list of PCAOB Identified Firms in the PCAOB December Release. However, given that all PCAOB-registered firms in China were included on that list, our ability to retain an auditor subject to PCAOB inspection and investigation may depend on the relevant U.S. and PRC regulators reaching an agreement to permit these inspections and investigations. Recent developments with respect to audits of China-based companies create uncertainty about the ability of MBP to fully cooperate with a PCAOB request for audit working papers without the approval of the Chinese authorities. MBP’s audit working papers related to us are located in China. More broadly, the PCAOB entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the CSRC and the PRC Ministry of Finance, which established a cooperative framework between the parties for the production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations undertaken by the PCAOB in the PRC or by the CSRC or the PRC Ministry of Finance in the United States. The PCAOB continues to be in discussions with the CSRC and the PRC Ministry of Finance to permit joint inspections of the PCAOB-registered audit firms that audit Chinese companies that trade on U.S. exchanges. However, in the PCAOB December 2021 Release, the PCAOB identified problems in implementing these agreements and a lack of cooperation. Accordingly, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to retain an auditor that would allow us to avoid a trading prohibition for our securities under the HFCA Act.

In addition to the issues under the HFCA Act discussed above, the PCAOB’s inability to conduct inspections in China and Hong Kong prevents it from fully evaluating the audits and quality control procedures of the independent registered public accounting firm. Our current independent registered public accounting firm, Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP, is headquartered in Manhattan, New York, and has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis with the last inspection in 2020. However, as noted above, recent developments create uncertainty as to the PCAOB’s continued ability to conduct inspections of our independent accounting firm, Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP.

Our securities may be delisted under the HFCA Act if the PCAOB is unable to inspect auditors with presence in China for three consecutive years. The delisting of our securities, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. Additionally, the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections deprives our investors with the benefits of such inspections.

The above recent developments may have added uncertainties to our ability to continue to list on Nasdaq or to offer our securities and we cannot assure you whether Nasdaq or regulatory authorities would apply additional and more stringent criteria to us since we are an emerging growth company and substantial all of our operations are conducting in China. 

The SEC may propose additional rules or guidance that could impact us if our auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspection. For example, on August 6, 2020, the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets, or the PWG, issued the Report on Protecting United States Investors from Significant Risks from Chinese Companies to the then President of the United States. This report recommended the SEC implement five recommendations to address companies from jurisdictions that do not provide the PCAOB with sufficient access to fulfil its statutory mandate. Some of the concepts of these recommendations were implemented with the enactment of the HFCA Act. However, some of the recommendations were more stringent than the HFCA Act. For example, if a company’s auditor was not subject to PCAOB inspection, the report recommended that the transition period before a company would be delisted would end on January 1, 2022.

The SEC has announced that the SEC staff is preparing a consolidated proposal for the rules regarding the implementation of the HFCA Act and to address the recommendations in the PWG report. It is unclear when the SEC will complete its rulemaking and when such rules will become effective and what, if any, of the PWG recommendations will be adopted. The implications of this possible regulation in addition to the requirements of the HFCA Act are uncertain. Such uncertainty could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to be materially and adversely affected, and our securities could be delisted or prohibited from being traded on the national securities exchange earlier than would be required by the HFCA Act. If our Ordinary Shares are unable to be listed on another securities exchange by then, such a delisting would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our Ordinary Shares when you wish to do so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with a potential delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our Ordinary Shares.

In light of recent events indicating greater oversight by the Cyberspace Administration of China over data security, particularly for companies seeking to list on a foreign exchange, though such oversight is not applicable to us, we may be subject to a variety of PRC laws and other obligations regarding data protection and any other rules, and any failure to comply with applicable laws and obligations could have a material and adverse effect on our business, our listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, financial condition, results of operations, and the offering.

Even though, currently, we are not subject to PRC laws relating to the collection, use, sharing, retention, security, and transfer of confidential and private information, such as personal information and other data, these laws continue to develop, and the PRC government may adopt other rules and restrictions in the future. Non-compliance could result in penalties or other significant legal liabilities.

The Cybersecurity Law, which was adopted by the National People’s Congress on November 7, 2016 and came into force on June 1, 2017, and the Cybersecurity Review Measures, or the “Review Measures,” which were promulgated on April 13, 2020, provide that personal information and important data collected and generated by a critical information infrastructure operator in the course of its operations in China must be stored in China, and if a critical information infrastructure operator purchases internet products and services that affect or may affect national security, it should be subject to cybersecurity review by the CAC. In addition, a cybersecurity review is required where critical information infrastructure operators, or the “CIIOs,” purchase network-related products and services, which products and services affect or may affect national security. Due to the lack of further interpretations, the exact scope of what constitute a “CIIO” remains unclear. Further, the PRC government authorities may have wide discretion in the interpretation and enforcement of these laws.

On June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Data Security Law which took effect on September 1, 2021. The Data Security Law requires that data shall not be collected by theft or other illegal means, and it also provides that a data classification and hierarchical protection system. The data classification and hierarchical protection system protects data according to its importance in economic and social development, and the damages it may cause to national security, public interests, or the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations if the data is falsified, damaged, disclosed, illegally obtained or illegally used, which protection system is expected to be built by the state for data security in the near future. In addition, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and the Office of Cybersecurity Review under the CAC, published the Cybersecurity Review Measures (Revised Draft for Comments), or the “Review Measures Draft,” on July 10, 2021, which provides that, aside from CIIOs that intend to purchase internet products and services, data processing operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security must be subject to the cybersecurity review by the Cybersecurity Review Office. According to the Review Measures Draft, a cybersecurity review is conducted by the CAC, to assess potential national security risks that may be brought about by any procurement, data processing, or overseas listing. The Review Measures Draft further requires that critical information infrastructure operators and services and data processing operators that possess personal data of at least one (1) million users must apply for a review by the Cybersecurity Review Office of PRC, if they plan to conduct listings in foreign countries. The deadline for public comments to the Review Measures Draft was July 25, 2021. While the Review Measures Draft has been released for consultation purpose, there is uncertainty about its final content, its adoption timeline or effective date, its final interpretation and implementation, and various other implications. It also remains uncertain whether any future regulatory changes would impose additional restrictions on companies like us.

As the PRC operating entities’ business is engaged in cold roll formed steel profile manufacturing in China and do not involve the collection of personal data of at least 1,000,000 users, or implicate cybersecurity, we believe that we, our subsidiaries, or the VIE are not subject to the cybersecurity review of the CAC, if the Review Measures Draft becomes effective as they are currently published. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not received any notice from any authorities identifying us as a CIIO or requiring us to undertake a cybersecurity review by the CAC. Further, we have not been subject to any penalties, fines, suspensions, investigations from any competent authorities for violation of the regulations or policies that have been issued by the CAC to date. If the Review Measures Draft is enacted as proposed, we believe we are not subject to the cybersecurity review by the CAC for this offering, given that we are a CRF profile manufacturer and not engaged in any operation of information infrastructure. However, there remains uncertainty as to how the Review Measures Draft will be interpreted or implemented and whether the PRC regulatory agencies, including the CAC, may adopt new laws, regulations, rules, or detailed implementation and interpretation related to the Review Measures Draft. If any such new laws, regulations, rules, or implementation and interpretation come into effect, we expect to take all reasonable measures and actions to comply. We cannot assure you that PRC regulatory agencies, including the CAC, would take the same view as we do, and there is no assurance that we can fully or timely comply with such laws should they be deemed applicable to our operations. There is no certainty as to how such review or prescribed actions would impact our operations and we cannot guarantee that any clearance can be obtained or any actions that may be required for our listing on the Nasdaq capital market and the offering as well can be taken in a timely manner, or at all.

We may be liable for improper use or appropriation of personal information provided by our customers.

The business of the PRC operating entities involves collecting and retaining certain internal and customer data. We also maintain information about various aspects of our operations as well as regarding our employees. The integrity and protection of the customer, employee and company data is critical to our business. The customers and employees of the PRC operating entities expect that the PRC operating entities will adequately protect their personal information. The PRC operating entities are required by applicable laws to keep strictly confidential the personal information that they collect, and to take adequate security measures to safeguard such information.

The PRC Criminal Law, as amended by its Amendment 7 (effective on February 28, 2009) and Amendment 9 (effective on November 1, 2015), prohibits institutions, companies and their employees from selling or otherwise illegally disclosing a citizen’s personal information obtained in performing duties or providing services or obtaining such information through theft or other illegal ways. On November 7, 2016, the SCNPC issued the Cyber Security Law of the PRC, or Cyber Security Law, which became effective on June 1, 2017. Pursuant to the Cyber Security Law, network operators must not, without users’ consent, collect their personal information, and may only collect users’ personal information necessary to provide their services. Providers are also obliged to provide security maintenance for their products and services and shall comply with provisions regarding the protection of personal information as stipulated under the relevant laws and regulations.

The Civil Code of the PRC (issued by the PRC National People’s Congress on May 28, 2020 and effective from January 1, 2021) provides legal basis for privacy and personal information infringement claims under the Chinese civil laws. PRC regulators, including the CAC, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or MIIT, and the Ministry of Public Security, have been increasingly focused on regulation in data security and data protection.

The PRC regulatory requirements regarding cybersecurity are evolving. For instance, various regulatory bodies in China, including the CAC, the Ministry of Public Security and the State Administration for Market Regulation, or the SAMR (formerly known as State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or the SAIC), have enforced data privacy and protection laws and regulations with varying and evolving standards and interpretations. In April 2020, the Chinese government promulgated Cybersecurity Review Measures, which came into effect on June 1, 2020. According to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, operators of critical information infrastructure must pass a cybersecurity review when purchasing network products and services which do or may affect national security.

According to the latest amended Cybersecurity Review Measures, which was promulgated on December 28, 2021 and became effective on February 15, 2022, and replaced the Cybersecurity Review Measures promulgated on April 13, 2020, online platform operator holding more than one million users/users’ individual information shall be subject to cybersecurity review before listing abroad. Cybersecurity Review Measures does not provide a definition of “online platform operator”, therefore, we cannot assure you that any PRC operating entities will not be deemed as an “online platform operator.” On November 14, 2021, the CAC released the Regulations on the Network Data Security Management (Draft for Comments), or the Data Security Management Regulations Draft, to solicit public opinion and comments. Pursuant to the Data Security Management Regulations Draft, data processor holding more than one million users/users’ individual information shall be subject to cybersecurity review before listing abroad. Data processing activities refers to activities such as the collection, retention, use, processing, transmission, provision, disclosure, or deletion of data. We may be deemed as a data processor under the Data Security Management Regulations Draft and may be subject to the cybersecurity review in connection with our continuing listing abroad because, as of the date of this Annual Report, the MDMOOC online platform has more than 732,000 registered users and a database of more than 2 million healthcare experts. 

The Cybersecurity Review Measures also provide that if a critical information infrastructure operator, or a CIIO, purchases internet products and services that affect or may affect national security, it should be subject to cybersecurity review by the CAC. We do not expect to be a CIIO, since (i) we do not hold a large amount of individual information, and (ii) data processed in our business is less likely to have a bearing on national security, thus it may not be classified as core or important data by the authorities. However, due to the lack of further interpretations, the exact scope of what constitutes a “CIIO” remains unclear. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not received any notice from any authorities identifying us as a CIIO or requiring us to undertake a cybersecurity review by the CAC. Further, as of the date of this prospectus, we have not been subject to any penalties, fines, suspensions, or investigations from any competent authorities for violation of the regulations or policies that have been issued by the CAC.

As of the date of this prospectus, we have not been informed by any PRC governmental authority of any requirement that we file for a cybersecurity review. However, if we are deemed to be a critical information infrastructure operator or a company that is engaged in data processing and holds personal information of more than one million users, we could be subject to PRC cybersecurity review.

As of the date hereof, as advised by our PRC counsel, we are of the view that we are in compliance with the applicable PRC laws and regulations governing the data privacy and personal information in all material respects, including the data privacy and personal information requirements of the Cyberspace Administration of China, and we have not received any complaints from any third party, or been investigated or punished by any PRC competent authority in relation to data privacy and personal information protection. However, as there remains significant uncertainty in the interpretation and enforcement of relevant PRC cybersecurity laws and regulations, we could be subject to cybersecurity review, and if so, we may not be able to pass such review in relation to this offering. In addition, we could become subject to enhanced cybersecurity review or investigations launched by PRC regulators in the future. Any failure or delay in the completion of the cybersecurity review procedures or any other non-compliance with the related laws and regulations may result in fines or other penalties, including suspension of business, website closure, removal of our app from the relevant app stores, and revocation of prerequisite licenses, as well as reputational damage or legal proceedings or actions against us, which may have material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

On June 10, 2021, the SCNPC promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took effect in September 2021. The PRC Data Security Law imposes data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals carrying out data activities, and introduces a data classification and hierarchical protection system based on the importance of data in economic and social development, and the degree of harm it will cause to national security, public interests, or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations when such data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked, illegally acquired or used. The PRC Data Security Law also provides for a national security review procedure for data activities that may affect national security and imposes export restrictions on certain data an information.

As uncertainties remain regarding the interpretation and implementation of these laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that we will comply with such regulations in all respects and we may be ordered to rectify or terminate any actions that are deemed illegal by regulatory authorities. We may also become subject to fines and/or other sanctions which may have material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.

While we take various measures to comply with all applicable data privacy and protection laws and regulations, our current security measures and those of our third-party service providers may not always be adequate for the protection of our customer, employee or company data. We may be a target for computer hackers, foreign governments or cyber terrorists in the future.

Unauthorized access to our proprietary internal and customer data may be obtained through break-ins, sabotage, breach of our secure network by an unauthorized party, computer viruses, computer denial-of-service attacks, employee theft or misuse, breach of the security of the networks of our third party service providers, or other misconduct. Because the techniques used by computer programmers who may attempt to penetrate and sabotage our proprietary internal and customer data change frequently and may not be recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques.

Unauthorized access to our proprietary internal and customer data may also be obtained through inadequate use of security controls. Any of such incidents may harm our reputation and adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, we may be subject to negative publicity about our security and privacy policies, systems, or measurements. Any failure to prevent or mitigate security breaches, cyber-attacks or other unauthorized access to our systems or disclosure of our customers’ data, including their personal information, could result in loss or misuse of such data, interruptions to our service system, diminished customer experience, loss of customer confidence and trust, impairment of our technology infrastructure, and harm our reputation and business, resulting in significant legal and financial exposure and potential lawsuits.

The PRC operating entities’ failure to obtain, maintain or renew other licenses, approvals, permits, registrations or filings necessary to conduct their operations in China could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial conditions and results of operations.

A number of PRC regulatory authorities oversee different aspects of the PRC operating entities’ business operations, and the PRC operating entities are required to obtain a wide range of licenses, approvals, permits, registrations and filings required for conducting their business in China, which we cannot assure you that the PRC operating entities have obtained all of them or will continue to maintain or renew all of them.

The PRC operating entities may be deemed as providing certain restricted services or conduct certain restricted activities and thus be subject to certain licenses, approvals, permits, registrations and filings due to lack official interpretations on certain terms under internet related PRC regulations and laws. For example, certain content posted on the PRC operating entities’ website or mobile apps, including the course materials, the courseware or audio-visual content uploaded by users in MDMOOC online platform, may be deemed as “internet cultural products,” and the PRC operating entities’ use of those contents may be regarded as “internet cultural activities,” thus they may be required to obtain an Internet Culture Business Operating License for provision of those contents. Also, due to the ambiguity of the definition of “online publishing service,” the online distribution of content, including the PRC operating entities’ course materials, the courseware or audio-visual contents uploaded by the users MDMOOC online platform may be regarded as “online publishing service” and therefore they may be required to obtain an Online Publishing License. In addition, the PRC operating entities deliver certain courses in live-streaming format on the MDMOOC online platform which the relevant authorities may regard us as a live-streaming platform and may thus subject us to the requirement of making necessary filings as a live-streaming platform. The PRC operating entities currently have not obtained any of the above licenses or have made any such filings. Under current PRC laws and regulations, an information service provider that reposts news for internet publication shall first obtain license from Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) or its local counterpart. Certain learning materials the PRC operating entities provide on their platform are partly from foreign media. Due to the ambiguity of the definition of “news” under the current PRC laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that the PRC operating entities’ provision of such materials will not be deemed by the relevant PRC government authorities as reposting “news” without proper license, which will subject us to various penalties, including fines and suspension of such provision. Although we do not think the PRC operating entities are subject to any of these licenses or filing requirements, and as of the date of this Annual Report, the PRC operating entities have not been subject to any fines or other form of regulatory or administrative penalties or sanctions due to the lack of any the licenses, approvals, permits, registrations and filings, we cannot assure you that the PRC government authorities will not take a different view or will not require us to obtain any additional licenses, approvals, permits, registrations and filings in the future. If the PRC operating entities fail to do so, they may be subject to various penalties, such as confiscation of illegal revenues, fines and discontinuation or restriction of business operations, which may materially and adversely affect the PRC operating entities’ business, financial condition and results of operations. 

In addition, there can be no assurance that the PRC operating entities will be able to maintain their existing licenses, approvals, registrations or permits necessary to provide their current online services in China, renew any of them when their current term expires, or update existing licenses or obtain additional licenses, approvals, permits, registrations or filings necessary for their business expansion from time to time. If the PRC operating entities fail to do so, the PRC operating entities’ business, financial conditions and operational results may be materially and adversely affected.

U.S. regulators’ ability to conduct investigations or enforce rules in China is limited.

The majority of the operations of the PRC operating entities conducted outside of the U.S. In addition, our management consists of five officers who are all located in China and three independent directors, among which two are located in the United States and one is located in China. As a result, it may not be possible for the U.S. regulators to conduct investigations or inspections, or to effect service of process within the U.S. or elsewhere outside the U.S. on us, our subsidiaries, the PRC operating entities, officers, directors (except two independent directors) and shareholders, and others, including with respect to matters arising under U.S. federal or state securities laws. China does not have treaties providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts with the U.S. and many other countries. As a result, recognition and enforcement in China of these judgments in relation to any matter, including U.S. securities laws and the laws of the Cayman Islands, may be difficult.

We face uncertainty regarding the PRC tax reporting obligations and consequences for certain indirect transfers of the stock of the operating company.

Pursuant to the Notice on Strengthening Administration of Enterprise Income Tax for Share Transfers by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises issued by the PRC State Administration of Taxation on December 10, 2009, or Circular 698, where a foreign investor transfers the equity interests of a PRC resident enterprise indirectly by way of the sale of equity interests of an overseas holding company, or an Indirect Transfer, and such overseas holding company is located in a tax jurisdiction that: (i) has an effective tax rate less than 12.5% or (ii) does not tax foreign income of its residents, the foreign investor should report such Indirect Transfer to the competent tax authority of the PRC resident enterprise. The PRC tax authority will examine the true nature of the Indirect Transfer, and if the tax authority considers that the foreign investor has adopted an abusive arrangement in order to avoid PRC tax, they will disregard the existence of the overseas holding company and re-characterize the Indirect Transfer and as a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to PRC withholding tax at the rate of up to 10%. In addition, the PRC resident enterprise is supposed to provide necessary assistance to support the enforcement of Circular 698. At present, the PRC tax authorities will neither confirm nor deny that they would enforce Circular 698, in conjunction with other tax collection and tax withholding rules, to make claims against our PRC subsidiary or the PRC operating entities as being indirectly liable for unpaid taxes, if any, arising from Indirect Transfers by shareholders who did not obtain their shares in the public offering of our shares.

We may be subject to any enforcement actions brought by Chinese tax authorities if we fail to pay certain valued-added tax and income taxes in a timely manner.

In January 2008, the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law (“EIT Law”) took effect, which was last amended by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on December 29, 2018. The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law applies a uniform 25 percent enterprise income tax rate to both FIEs and domestic enterprises, except where tax incentives are granted to special industries and projects. The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law defines “resident enterprise” as an enterprise established outside of the territory of China but with its “de facto management body” within China, which will also be subject to the 25% enterprise income tax rate. The implementation rules define the term “de facto management body” as the body that exercises full and substantial control and overall management over the business, productions, personnel, accounts, and properties of an enterprise. Enterprises qualified as “High and New Technology Enterprises” are entitled to a 15% enterprises income tax rate rather than the 25% uniform statutory tax rate. The preferential tax treatment continues as long as an enterprise can retain its “High and New Technology Enterprise” status. Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation regulations, dividends generated from the business of a PRC subsidiary after January 1, 2008, and payable to its foreign investor may be subject to a withholding tax rate of 10 percent if the PRC tax authorities determine that the foreign investor is a Non-resident Enterprise, unless there is a tax treaty with China that provides for a preferential withholding tax rate. Distributions of earnings generated before January 1, 2008, are exempt from PRC withholding tax.

The State Administration of Taxation (“SAT”) has promulgated several rules and notices to tighten the scrutiny over acquisition transactions in recent years, including the Interim Measures for the Administration of Remittance of Income Tax for Non-Resident Enterprise Withheld at Source (the “Interim Measures”) which became effective on January 1, 2009, the Notice of the SAT on Strengthening the Administration of Enterprise Income Tax on Gain Derived from Equity Transfer Made by Non-Resident Enterprise (the “Notice”) which became effective on January 1, 2008 and was amended on July 19, 2015, the Announcement of the SAT on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source (the “SAT Circular 37”) which was promulgated on October 17, 2017, became effective on December 1, 2017 and was amended on June 15, 2018, and the Public Notice of the SAT Regarding Certain Enterprise Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of Properties by Non-Resident Enterprises (the “Public Notice 7”) which became effective on February 3, 2015 and was amended on December 1, 2017 and December 29, 2017.

The SAT Circular 37 amended some provisions in Public Notice 7, repealed the Interim Measures and the Notice and simplifies procedures of withholding and payment of income tax levied on non-resident enterprises. Pursuant to these rules and notices, where a non-resident enterprise investor transfers equity interests or other taxable assets in a PRC resident enterprise indirectly by way of disposing of equity interests in an overseas holding company, the non-resident enterprise investor, being the transferor, may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax if the indirect transfer is considered to be an abusive use of company structure without reasonable commercial purposes. In addition, Public Notice 7 provides clear criteria on how to assess reasonable commercial purposes.

According to the Temporary Regulations on Value-added Tax, which was most recently amended on November 19, 2017, and the Detailed Implementing Rules of the Temporary Regulations on Value-added Tax, which was amended on October 28, 2011, and became effective on November 1, 2011, all taxpayers selling goods, providing processing, repair or replacement services or importing goods within the PRC shall pay Value-Added Tax. The rate of VAT is 17%, 11% or 6% in certain limited circumstances depending on the product type.

On April 4, 2018, the Ministry of Finance and the SAT jointly issued the Notice of Adjustment of Value-added Tax Rates which declared that the VAT tax rate in regard to the sale of goods, provision of processing, repairs and replacement services and importation of goods into China shall be reduced from the previous 17% and 11% to 16% and 10% respectively from May 1, 2018.

According to the Announcement of the MOF, the SAT and the General Administration of Customs on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-added Tax Reform promulgated on March 20, 2019 and became effective on April 1, 2019 (the “Announcement”), for the VAT taxable sales or imports by a general taxpayer of VAT, the applicable tax rate shall be adjusted to 13% from the original 16% and to 9% from original 10%.

Furthermore, according to the Trial Scheme for the Conversion of Business Tax to Value-added Tax, which was promulgated by the MOF and the SAT, the PRC began to launch taxation reforms in a gradual manner in January 1, 2012, whereby the collection of value-added tax in lieu of business tax items was implemented on a trial basis in regions showing significant radiating effects in economic development and providing outstanding reform examples, beginning with production service industries such as transportation and certain modern service industries.

In accordance with Notice of the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation on Full Launch of the Pilot Scheme on Levying Value-added Tax in Place of Business Tax, a SAT circular that took effect on May 1, 2016, amended on July 11, 2017 and April 1, 2019, upon approval of the State Council, the pilot program of the collection of value-added tax in lieu of business tax shall be promoted nationwide in a comprehensive manner starting May 1, 2016, and all taxpayers of business tax engaged in the building industry, the real estate industry, the financial industry and the life service industry shall be included in the scope of the pilot program with regard to payment of value-added tax instead of business tax.

If we fail to timely pay any value-added tax and income taxes in full as required by the applicable laws and regulations and the competent tax authorities in China, the competent tax authorities may take any enforcement actions against us, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident shareholders to personal liability and limit our ability to acquire PRC companies or to inject capital into our PRC subsidiary, limit our PRC subsidiary ability to distribute profits to us, or otherwise materially and adversely affect us.

In July 2014, SAFE has promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, to replace the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Residents’ Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 75, which ceased to be effective upon the promulgation of SAFE Circular 37. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents (including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities) to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we make in the future.

Under SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who make, or have prior to the implementation of SAFE Circular 37 made, direct or indirect investments in offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, will be required to register such investments with the SAFE or its local branches. In addition, any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV, is required to update its filed registration with the local branch of SAFE with respect to that SPV, to reflect any material change. Moreover, any subsidiaries of such SPV in China is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders to update their registration with the local branch of SAFE. If any PRC shareholder of such SPV fails to make the required registration or to update the previously filed registration, the subsidiaries of such SPV in China may be prohibited from distributing its profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV may also be prohibited from making additional capital contribution into its subsidiary in China. On February 28, 2015, the SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, which became effective on June 1, 2015. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investment and outbound overseas direct investment, including those required under the SAFE Circular 37, will be filed with qualified banks instead of the SAFE. The qualified banks will directly examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of the SAFE. 

We have requested our shareholders that we know are PRC residents and hold direct or indirect interests in us to make the necessary applications, filings and amendments as required under SAFE Circular 37 and other related rules. To our knowledge, as the date hereof, all our current PRC resident beneficial owners who has more than 5% of our voting power, including our founder Weiguang Yang, have filed the foreign exchange registration in connection with their respective overseas shareholding in our company in accordance with the Circular 37. However, we may not at all times be fully aware or informed of the identities of all our beneficial owners who are PRC residents, and we may not always be able to compel our beneficial owners to comply with the SAFE Circular 37 requirements. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents will at all times comply with, or in the future make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals required by, SAFE Circular 37 or other related regulations. Failure by any such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE Circular 37 could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our PRC subsidiary’s ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.

Furthermore, as the interpretation and implementation of foreign exchange regulations has been constantly evolving, it is unclear how these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant governmental authorities. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent review and approval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.

PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of the initial public offering or any subsequent offerings to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.

In utilizing the proceeds from our public offering or any future offerings, as an offshore holding company of our PRC subsidiary, we may make loans to our PRC subsidiary and controlled PRC affiliate, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary. Any loans to our PRC subsidiary or controlled PRC affiliate are subject to PRC regulations and approvals. For example, loans by us to our PRC subsidiary in China, each of which is a foreign-invested enterprise, to finance their activities cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with SAFE or its local counterpart.

We may also decide to finance our PRC subsidiary through capital contributions. These capital contributions must be approved by the MOFCOM or its local counterpart. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain these government registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans by us to our PRC subsidiary or controlled PRC affiliate or capital contributions by us to our subsidiaries or any of their respective subsidiaries. If we fail to receive such registrations or approvals, our ability to use the proceeds of our initial public offering and to capitalize our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely and materially affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.

In 2015, SAFE promulgated Circular 19, a notice regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign currency into Renminbi by restricting how the converted Renminbi may be used. Circular 19 requires that Renminbi converted from the foreign currency-denominated capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable governmental authority and may not be used for equity investments within the PRC unless specifically provided for otherwise in its business scope. In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of Renminbi funds converted from the foreign currency-denominated capital of a foreign-invested enterprise. The use of such Renminbi may not be changed without approval from SAFE and may not be used to repay Renminbi loans if the proceeds of such loans have not yet been used for purposes within the foreign-invested enterprise’s approved business scope.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans by us to our PRC subsidiary or controlled PRC affiliate or with respect to future capital contributions by us to our PRC subsidiary. If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds we receive from the initial public offering and any subsequent offering and to capitalize or otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely and materially affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.

Governmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability to use our revenues effectively and the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to obtain financing.

The PRC government imposes control on the convertibility of the RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive a majority of our revenues in Renminbi, which currently is not a freely convertible currency. Restrictions on currency conversion imposed by the PRC government may limit our ability to use revenues generated in Renminbi to fund our expenditures denominated in foreign currencies or our business activities outside China. Under China’s existing foreign exchange regulations, Renminbi may be freely converted into foreign currency for payments relating to current account transactions, which include among other things dividend payments and payments for the import of goods and services, by complying with certain procedural requirements. Our PRC subsidiaries are able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to us without prior approval from SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. Our PRC subsidiaries may also retain foreign currency in their respective current account bank accounts for use in payment of international current account transactions. However, we cannot assure you that the PRC government will not take measures in the future to restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions.

Conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, and of foreign currencies into Renminbi, for payments relating to capital account transactions, which principally includes investments and loans, generally requires the approval of SAFE and other relevant PRC governmental authorities. Restrictions on the convertibility of the Renminbi for capital account transactions could affect the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make investments overseas or to obtain foreign currency through debt or equity financing, including by means of loans or capital contributions from us. We cannot assure you that the registration process will not delay or prevent our conversion of Renminbi for use outside of China.

We may be classified as a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes; such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.

The Enterprise Income Tax Law provides that enterprises established outside of China whose “de facto management bodies” are located in China are considered PRC tax resident enterprises and will generally be subject to the uniform 25% PRC enterprise income tax rate on their global income. In addition, a tax circular issued by the State Administration of Taxation on April 22, 2009 regarding the standards used to classify certain Chinese-invested enterprises established outside of China as resident enterprises clarified that dividends and other income paid by such resident enterprises will be considered to be PRC source income, subject to PRC withholding tax, currently at a rate of 10%, when recognized by non-PRC enterprise shareholders. This circular also subjects such resident enterprises to various reporting requirements with the PRC tax authorities. Under the implementation rules to the Enterprise Income Tax Law, a de facto management body is defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and other assets of an enterprise. In addition, the tax circular mentioned above details that certain Chinese-invested enterprises will be classified as resident enterprises if the following are located or resident in China: senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; financial and personnel decision making bodies; key properties, accounting books, company seal, and minutes of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings; and half or more of the senior management or directors having voting rights.

Currently, there are no detailed rules or precedents governing the procedures and specific criteria for determining de facto management bodies which are applicable to our company or our overseas subsidiaries. We do not believe that Zhongchao meets all of the conditions required for PRC resident enterprise. The Company is a company incorporated outside the PRC. As a holding company, its key assets are its ownership interests in its subsidiaries, and its key assets are located, and its records (including the resolutions of its board of directors and the resolutions of its shareholders) are maintained, outside the PRC. For the same reasons, we believe our other entities outside of China are not PRC resident enterprises either. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” There can be no assurance that the PRC government will ultimately take a view that is consistent with ours.

However, if the PRC tax authorities determine that Zhongchao is a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we may be required to withhold a 10% withholding tax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-resident enterprises. Such 10% tax rate could be reduced by applicable tax treaties or similar arrangements between China and the jurisdiction of our shareholders. For example, for shareholders eligible for the benefits of the tax treaty between China and Hong Kong, the tax rate is reduced to 5% for dividends if relevant conditions are met. In addition, non-resident enterprise shareholders may be subject to a 10% PRC tax on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares, if such income is treated as sourced from within the PRC. It is unclear whether our non-PRC individual shareholders would be subject to any PRC tax on dividends or gains obtained by such non-PRC individual shareholders in the event we are determined to be a PRC resident enterprise. If any PRC tax were to apply to such dividends or gains, it would generally apply at a rate of 20% unless a reduced rate is available under an applicable tax treaty. However, it is also unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of the Company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that the Company is treated as a PRC resident enterprise.

Provided that our Cayman Islands holding company, Zhongchao, is not deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise, our shareholders who are not PRC residents will not be subject to PRC income tax on dividends distributed by us or gains realized from the sale or other disposition of our shares. However, under the Circular on Issues of Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Transfers of Assets by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, or Circular 7, where a non-resident enterprise conducts an “indirect transfer” by transferring taxable assets, including, in particular, equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise, indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, the non-resident enterprise, being the transferor, or the transferee or the PRC entity which directly owned such taxable assets may report to the relevant tax authority such indirect transfer. Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee would be obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. We and our non-PRC resident investors may be at risk of being required to file a return and being taxed under Circular 7, and we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with the Circular on Issues of Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Transfers of Assets by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, or Bulletin 37, or to establish that we should not be taxed under Circular 7 and Bulletin 37.

In addition to the uncertainty in how the new resident enterprise classification could apply, it is also possible that the rules may change in the future, possibly with retroactive effect. If we are required under the Enterprise Income Tax law to withhold PRC income tax on our dividends payable to our foreign shareholders, or if you are required to pay PRC income tax on the transfer of our shares under the circumstances mentioned above, the value of your investment in our shares may be materially and adversely affected. These rates may be reduced by an applicable tax treaty, but it is unclear whether, if we are considered a PRC resident enterprise, holders of our shares would be able to claim the benefit of income tax treaties or agreements entered into between China and other countries or areas. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in our shares. 

The M&A Rules and certain other PRC regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.

The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in August 2006 and amended in 2009, requires an overseas special purpose vehicle formed for listing purposes through acquisitions of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC companies or individuals to obtain the approval of the CSRC, prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. In September 2006, the CSRC published a notice on its official website specifying documents and materials required to be submitted to it by a special purpose vehicle seeking CSRC approval of its overseas listings. The application of the M&A Rules remains unclear. These M&A Rules and some other regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time consuming and complex, including requirements in some instances that the Ministry of Commerce (“MOC”) be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law requires that the MOC shall be notified in advance of any concentration of undertaking if certain thresholds are triggered. In addition, the security review rules issued by the MOC that became effective in September 2011 specify that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors that raise “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control over domestic enterprises that raise “national security” concerns are subject to strict review by the MOC, and the rules prohibit any activities attempting to bypass a security review, including by structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement. In the future, we may grow our business by acquiring complementary businesses. Complying with the requirements of the above-mentioned regulations and other relevant rules to complete such transactions could be time consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the MOC or its local counterparts may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.

Any failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock incentive plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.

In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies, replacing earlier rules promulgated in March 2007. Pursuant to these rules, PRC citizens and non-PRC citizens who reside in China for a continuous period of not less than one year who participate in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent, which could be the PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company, and complete certain other procedures. In addition, an overseas entrusted institution must be retained to handle matters in connection with the exercise or sale of stock options and the purchase or sale of shares and interests. We and our executive officers and other employees who are PRC citizens or who have resided in the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one year and who are granted options or other awards under the equity incentive plan are subject to these regulations as our company is an overseas listed company. Failure to complete the SAFE registrations may subject them to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiary and limit our PRC subsidiary’ ability to distribute dividends to us. We also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional incentive plans for our directors, executive officers and employees under PRC law. 

Failure to make adequate contributions to various mandatory social security plans as required by PRC regulations may subject the PRC operating entities to penalties.

PRC laws and regulations require us to pay several statutory social welfare benefits for our employees, including pensions, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance and housing provident fund contributions. Local governments usually implement localized requirements as to mandatory social security plans considering differences in economic development in different regions. The PRC operating entities failure in making contributions to various mandatory social security plans and in complying with applicable PRC labor-related laws may subject us to late payment penalties. The PRC operating entities may be required to make up the contributions for these plans as well as to pay late fees and fines. If the PRC operating entities are subject to late fees or fines in relation to the underpaid employee benefits, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

The PRC operating entities’ current employment practices may be restricted under the PRC Labor Contract Law and their labor costs may increase as a result.

The PRC Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules impose requirements concerning contracts entered into between an employer and its employees and establish time limits for probationary periods and for how long an employee can be placed in a fixed-term labor contract. Because the Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules have not been in effect very long and because there is lack of clarity with respect to their implementation and potential penalties and fines, it is uncertain how it will impact the PRC operating entities’ current employment policies and practices. We cannot assure you that the PRC operating entities’ employment policies and practices do not, or will not, violate the Labor Contract Law or its implementing rules and that the PRC operating entities will not be subject to related penalties, fines or legal fees. If the PRC operating entities are subject to large penalties or fees related to the Labor Contract Law or its implementing rules, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, according to the Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules, if the PRC operating entities intend to enforce the non-compete provision with an employee in a labor contract or non-competition agreement, they have to compensate the employee on a monthly basis during the term of the restriction period after the termination or ending of the labor contract, which may cause extra expenses to us. Furthermore, the Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules require certain terminations to be based upon seniority rather than merit, which significantly affects the cost of reducing workforce for employers. In the event the PRC operating entities decide to significantly change or decrease the PRC operating entities’ workforce in the PRC, the Labor Contract Law could adversely affect the PRC operating entities’ ability to enact such changes in a manner that is most advantageous to their circumstances or in a timely and cost effective manner, thus our results of operations could be adversely affected.

If the chops of the PRC operating entities and branches are not kept safely, are stolen or are used by unauthorized persons or for unauthorized purposes, the corporate governance of these entities could be severely and adversely compromised.

In China, a company chop or seal serves as the legal representation of the company towards third parties even when unaccompanied by a signature. Each legally registered company in China is required to maintain a company chop, which must be registered with the local Public Security Bureau. In addition to this mandatory company chop, companies may have several other chops which can be used for specific purposes. The chops of the PRC operating entities are generally held securely by personnel designated or approved by us in accordance with their internal control procedures. To the extent those chops are not kept safely, are stolen or are used by unauthorized persons or for unauthorized purposes, the corporate governance of these entities could be severely and adversely compromised and those corporate entities may be bound to abide by the terms of any documents so chopped, even if they were chopped by an individual who lacked the requisite power and authority to do so. In addition, if the chops are misused by unauthorized persons, the PRC operating entities could experience disruption to their normal business operations. The PRC operating entities may have to take corporate or legal action, which could involve significant time and resources to resolve while distracting management from our operations.