29 C
Vientiane
Thursday, June 19, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1040

The HKFYG successfully concludes “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest”


Pooi To Middle School and HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College emerge as champions
Youngest primary school team proudly claims the Most Potential Award

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – The unique allure of a cappella lies in its harmonious melodies, created solely by human voices, without instrumental accompaniment. On 18 January, local and international talent came together to celebrate the art of a cappella at the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals.

At the HKFYG’s “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals 2024,” the Open Division featured professional teams from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, who competed alongside local vocal talent in an extraordinary musical showdown.
At the HKFYG’s “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals 2024,” the Open Division featured professional teams from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, who competed alongside local vocal talent in an extraordinary musical showdown.

An annual event organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), the Contest was a resounding success. The team from Pooi To Middle School claimed both the Championship and Outstanding Harmony titles in the “School Division: Pop Chorus. Meanwhile, HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s HLC Harmonix won the “School Division: Vocal Band, along with the Best Presentation, Outstanding Lead Vocal and Outstanding Harmony awards.

In the Open Division, the youngest a cappella ensemble, Little by little Kids, earned the Most Potential Award with their original children’s song “A Happy Day” and their rendition of the cartoon theme song “Problems Every Day.” Comprising six members aged eight to ten from three different primary schools, including a nine-year-old beatboxer who started teaching himself to beatbox at age four, they delivered their performance with great poise and were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. All members expressed delight at their competition debut. Despite their young age, they demonstrated sophistication in rhythm, lead vocal, harmony, choreography, beat, and even the finer details of song introduction

Also making their competition debut was Pooi To Middle School’s 12-member team, the winner of the “School Division: Pop Chorus.” Having started practising since last September, they attributed their success to their enjoyment of performing and strong team spirit. The team emphasised the importance of individual performances as well as that of their fellow team members. They revealed that while they initially focused too heavily on pitch accuracy, they disordered that shifting their attention the meaning behind the lyrics eventually enhanced their performance.

The Open Division featured professional teams from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, who competed alongside local talent in an extraordinary musical showdown. TunaStars from Hong Kong ultimately emerged victorious, securing both the Vocal Band (International) and (Hong Kong) Championship titles.

Carrie Wong, Supervisor of the HKFYG, congratulated the winning teams and commended all participants for their exceptional virtuosity and teamwork. She remarked, “By bringing together top teams from Hong Kong and around the world, the Contest serves as a valuable platform for artistic and musical exchange. A cappella groups, without relying on expensive equipment, showcase the power and versatility of the human voice.”

Wong also expressed gratitude to the judges for their professional guidance and extended special thanks to the Hong Kong Arts Development Council for its steadfast support. She affirmed the HKFYG Cultural Services Unit’s continued commitment to promoting a cappella education and fostering exchange through the art form.

The panel of judges for the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest Finals” included: Ray Chu, Pop and Jazz Artistic Director of Taiwan Choral Music Center; Zhang Mingming, Chief Executive Officer of Guangzhou Modern A Cappella Club; baratti, A Cappella Producer and Member of Japanese vocal harmony group “Nagie Lane”; Alfred Wong, composer and recipient of CASH Golden Sail Music Awards; and Guddy Chan, renowned vocal coach.

Appendix: Prize winners of the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Contest 2024 Finals”

School Division: Pop Chorus

Prize School/Team
Champion,
Outstanding Harmony Award
Pooi To Middle School
Second Place,
Best Presentation Award,
Outstanding Lead Vocal Award
HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s
HLCers

School Division: Vocal Band

Prize School/Team
Champion,
Best Presentation Award,
Outstanding Lead Vocal Award,
Outstanding Harmony Award
HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College’s
HLC Harmonix
Second Place SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School’s
LKaMella
Third Place,
Outstanding Rhythm Award
Kwok Tak Seng Catholic Secondary School’s
Trend
Best Arrangement Award Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College’s
ERA

Open Division: Vocal Band (International)

Prize Team
Champion (International),
Champion (Hong Kong),
Best Presentation Award
TunaStars (Hong Kong)
Second Place,
Best Arrangement Award,
Outstanding Lead Vocal Award
JiU (Taiwan)
Third Place SHAKA-SHOKU-SHAKAI (Japan)
Outstanding Harmony Award TunaDream (Hong Kong)
Most Potential Award Little by little Kids (Hong Kong)

Hashtag: #ACappella #contest #HKFYG

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the HKFYG Cultural Services Unit

The HKFYG Cultural Service Unit has long been dedicated to advancing local a cappella development and expanding opportunities for youth participation in arts and cultural activities. Through diverse a cappella training programmes and events organised annually, it has engaged over 370,000 participants from more than 300 secondary schools. In recognition of its contribution, the HKFYG was honoured with the “Arts Education Award (Non-school Category)” by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council in 2016. Signature initiatives such as the “Hong Kong International A Cappella Festival,” “A Cappella Education Programme” and “Hong Kong Melody Makers” continue to promote music appreciation and nurture new a cappella groups, enriching the city’s cultural landscape. For details, please visit .

Supported by:
This project is supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Hong Kong Arts Development Council supports freedom of artistic expression. The views and opinions expressed in this project do not represent the stand of the Council.

About The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) was founded in 1960 and is now the city’s largest youth service organisation. For the past six decades, it has been committed to serving the youth of Hong Kong by providing a variety of services, activities and programmes, which have an annual attendance of nearly six million. We encourage youth to reach their fullest potential, and with community support, we now have over 90 service units. We also have 12 core services, which include the Youth S.P.O.Ts, M21 Multimedia Services, Employment Services, Youth at Risk Services, Counselling Services, Parenting Services, Leadership Training, Volunteer Services, Education Services, Creativity Education and Youth Exchange, Leisure, Cultural and Sports Services, and Research and Publications. Our aim is to motivate young people to grow into responsible and dutiful citizens and we now have over 250,000 registered volunteers and over 500,000 registered members. We believe that our motto HKFYG * Here for You reaffirms our commitment and dedication to the young people of Hong Kong. For more details, please visit

Facebook page:
Donation platform:

Manifest Global Launches as a Visionary Education Investment Firm with Strategic Investment in Kaaiser

  • Cialfo, Singapore based edtech leader, has undergone a corporate restructuring to form the foundational building block of Manifest Global.
  • New Delhi-based Kaaiser becomes Manifest Global’s first strategic investment.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Manifest Global, a pioneering global education investment firm headquartered in Singapore, announces its establishment as the parent company of Cialfo, Explore, and Kaaiser; some of the most reputable and trailblazing brands of the global education industry.

With the vision to connect the world through growth, prosperity, and innovation, Manifest Global is poised to redefine global standards of excellence and innovation in the world of international student mobility. It aims to do so by empowering stakeholders across the education ecosystem to connect with each other through the best of technology and gold standards in services.

Cialfo, a Singapore-based edtech leader since 2017, has undergone a corporate restructuring to form the foundational building block of Manifest Global. Now operating as distinct entities under Manifest Global, Cialfo serves the K12 market, Explore focuses on student and counselor outreach for university stakeholders, and Kaaiser has built a world class brand within Student Placement Services. This corporate evolution reinforces Manifest Global’s dedication to creating a world where every student, irrespective of background, gains access to premier higher education opportunities.

Rohan Pasari, CEO of Manifest Global, shared, “Manifest Global marks the beginning of an ambitious chapter in our journey to reshape global education. By uniting brands like Cialfo, Explore, and now Kaaiser under one visionary group, we are creating a unified ecosystem dedicated to the mission of simplifying global student mobility and fostering meaningful connections between students, parents, educators, and services based institutions worldwide.”

Investment in Kaaiser: Strengthening Global Student Mobility

As part of this transformational journey, Manifest Global is delighted to announce a strategic investment in Kaaiser, a New Delhi-based education company renowned for its expertise in international student counseling.

Established in 1997, Kaaiser is a trusted member of the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI) and has played a pivotal role in enabling Indian students to explore the best education opportunities in Australia and beyond. In fact, Kaaiser represents the prestigious Group of 8 universities from Australia: a rare feat in itself.

Kaaiser’s exceptional reputation, and deep-rooted partnerships with leading Australian universities positions it as a valuable addition to Manifest Global’s portfolio.

Speaking on the investment in Kaaiser, Rohan added, “Kaaiser’s reputable pedigree and legacy in the Indian international higher-ed market, combined with their committed expertise in connecting students with top-tier institutions made them a natural fit for Manifest Global. Together, we’re not just investing in a company; we’re investing in the future of countless students who will benefit from expanded access and resources.”

Kapil Chandok, Founder-Director of Kaaiser, remarked, “Becoming part of Manifest Global’s portfolio is a transformative step for Kaaiser. This investment allows us to amplify and enhance the student’s journey and experience right from application to enrolment. We wish to further our mission of enabling access to quality international education by leaning on Manifest’s visionary leadership and access to its world class technology and operational efficiency.”

About Manifest Global

Manifest Global is a global education investment firm headquartered in Singapore, specializing in building companies that connect the world towards growth, prosperity, and innovation. With a portfolio of brands including Cialfo, Explore, and Kaaiser, Manifest Global is dedicated to enhancing global student mobility and fostering an interconnected education ecosystem. It’s backed by prominent global funds including Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital, Square Peg Capital, Tiger Global, SEEK Growth, DLF Ventures, Cercano Management, January Capital, and more. For more information, visit manifest.inc.

About Cialfo

Cialfo is the world’s leading AI-powered platform for high school college counseling, streamlining the career exploration, college search, and application sending process. It equips counselors with a comprehensive workflow solution and provides students with a centralized hub for profile building, career exploration, and university discovery. Learn more at cialfo.co.

About Kaaiser

Established in 1996, Kaaiser is a premier education consultancy based in New Delhi, India. With over 29 years of experience in facilitating international student mobility, Kaaiser is a trusted name in the industry, representing the entire Group of Eight (Go8), an elite group of Australia’s top research universities. Kaaiser is also proud member of the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI). Learn more at kaaiser.com.

TTV Lunar New Year Special – The 2025 TTV SUPER STAR

Cyndi Wang takes the stage and brings an enthusiastic opening performance

TAIPEI, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan Television Enterprise (TTV)’s Lunar New Year’s Eve special 2025 TTV SUPER STAR will be broadcast globally on January 28th. This large-scale music event accompanies Chinese audiences around the world in celebrating the final night of the year. Cyndi Wang will take on the role of the TTV SUPER STAR leader, kicking off this year’s program with her dreamy and sweet performance. Numerous renowned Chinese artists and international superstars will be divided into red and white teams, delivering spectacular performances back-to-back to welcome the Year of the Snake with audiences worldwide.

2025 TTV SUPER STAR Grand Opening _Photo credit: TTV
2025 TTV SUPER STAR Grand Opening _Photo credit: TTV

The TTV Super Star, now in its 16th year, continues to captivate audiences with its spectacular red and white team singing competition, accompanying Chinese viewers around the world during the Lunar New Year’s Eve family gatherings to welcome the new year. In 2025, renowned Chinese artists and international superstars will take the stage, including popular South Korean girl group Kep1er, BAEKHO, Cyndi Wang, Show Lo, MJ116, Mixer, Amber An, YELLOW, Chih Siou, Bii, TRASH, The Last Day of Summer 831, Henry Hsu, W0LF(S), Accusefive, ØZI, Shi Shi, and Wing, among others.

Cyndi Wang takes the TTV Super Star stage for the eighth time, this year serving as the program’s opening ambassador for the very first time. With her sweet and energetic performance, she sets the tone for the show. Dressed in a stunning red dress featuring a heart-shaped cutout design on the right waist, Cyndi dazzled the audience. Accompanied by 20 dancers, she seemed to radiate love with every step of her choreography. Cyndi brought elements from her highly praised concert performance to the stage, delivering a spectacular medley of “Just Break Up” and “Heart to Heart” on Lunar New Year’s Eve. Her vibrant and electrifying performance is sure to ignite the energy of the entire audience. Cyndi also revealed that this year she will transform into Cupid, making a special appearance in the TTV Super Star opening video. Playfully shooting an arrow, she transitions into her performance of “Just Break Up,” symbolizing renewal and fresh beginnings. Don’t miss the broadcast of this spectacular performance on Lunar New Year’s Eve!

The spectacular TTV program, the 2025 TTV SUPER STAR, will be broadcast on Lunar New Year’s Eve (January 28, 2025) on Taiwan Television (TTV Main Channel). The overseas broadcast platforms include StarHub in Singapore, Astro in Malaysia and Brunei, and TTV SUPER STAR official YouTube channel (except in Taiwan and overseas licensed areas). People all around the world can experience the Lunar New Year atmosphere of TTV SUPER STAR through the above platforms! For more information, please visit to the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/superstarttv/

Agoda shares five destinations to slither into the ‘Year of the Snake’

SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the ‘Year of the Snake’ approaches in the Lunar New Year calendar, digital travel platform Agoda invites travelers to explore destinations where they can safely encounter these fascinating creatures in Asia Pacific.

The snake, a symbol of wisdom and transformation, plays a crucial role in ecosystems worldwide. Understanding these reptiles is essential for appreciating their ecological importance.

The APAC region is home to over 600 species of snakes. These reptiles are often encountered in both urban and rural areas, necessitating caution due to their presence. Despite the fear they may evoke, snakes play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling pest populations and maintaining ecological balance. Understanding their importance can help foster coexistence and appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared: “Growing up in Australia, I’ve had my fair share of snake encounters and know how important it is to be educated about these fascinating animals. The five destinations recommended by Agoda aren’t just great for vacationing but are also perfect spots to awaken our inner herpetologist as we slither into the ‘Year of the Snake’.”

Agoda has identified five destinations in the Asia Pacific region where travelers can safely learn about and observe snakes.

Bali, Indonesia
In Indonesia, visitors of the Bali Reptile Park can encounter a variety of reptiles, including numerous snake species. The park provides an engaging environment for visitors to learn about the ecological roles of snakes and their importance in maintaining balanced ecosystems. The Bali Reptile Park is available to book on Agoda.

Bangkok, Thailand
The Red Cross Snake Farm in the heart of Bangkok, part of the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, is renowned for its educational initiatives. Visitors can witness live snake handling demonstrations and learn about venom extraction, making it a valuable experience for those interested in herpetology and snake conservation.

Byron Bay, Australia
Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes, making awareness and education crucial for locals and visitors alike. The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers Snake Safety Awareness Seminars, providing a comprehensive educational experience on Australia’s venomous snake species. These sessions, led by experienced venomous snake handlers, cover topics such as snake habitats, behavior, and first aid techniques for snake bites.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong Snake Safaris, established in 2017 by long-term resident and nature enthusiast William Sargent, offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife of Hong Kong. As a snake catcher for the Hong Kong Police, Sargent leads small groups on night safari hikes, providing an educational experience. Participants can observe 46 species of snakes in their natural habitat. These safaris often attract individuals looking to overcome their fears.

Singapore
The Herpetological Society of Singapore, a volunteer-run group of herpetology enthusiasts, is dedicated to the conservation, appreciation, and study of reptiles and amphibians in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The society emphasizes education and outreach, offering regular public guided walks to explore local wildlife. This makes the society a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures and their habitats.

Agoda offers over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. For deals on these and other destinations, visit Agoda.com/deals or download the Agoda app.

Trend Micro is Recognized as a 2024 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms

The Gartner® Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice Distinction is based on feedback and ratings from end-user professionals who have experience with the product or service


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, has announced that it was named a Customer’s Choice in the 2024 Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer for Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms. According to Gartner, “Cloud-native application protection platforms (CNAPPs) are a unified and tightly integrated set of security and compliance capabilities designed to protect cloud-native infrastructure and applications.”

To learn more about Trend’s Cloud Security, please visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/en_hk/business/products/hybrid-cloud.html

Rachel Jin, Chief Enterprise Platform Officer at Trend: “Organizations have been grappling with a proliferation of security tools that fail to provide unified risk visibility, comprehensive protection for multi-cloud environments, and effective detection and response capabilities for hybrid clouds. That’s why we’re delighted to be named one of just four Customer’s Choice for CNAPP, with a ‘willingness to recommend’ customer rating of 96% based on 81 reviews submitted as of December 2024 on Gartner Peer Insights for Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms market. We believe this recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences to help address the most pressing challenges in today’s dynamic and complex infrastructure landscape.”

Trend averaged a 4.7-star rating from customer reviews, three-quarters (72%) of which were five-star reviews and 27% four-star. It scored particularly highly in Product Capabilities (4.7) and Sales Experience (4.7) based on 81 reviews submitted as of December 2024.

Today’s businesses are leveraging cloud-native application in ever-greater numbers to drive competitive advantage, but too often cybersecurity solutions are still playing catch up.

Siloed point solutions lack automation, create security gaps for risk to thrive in, and exacerbate friction between security and developer teams caused by time-to-market pressures.

Trend Vision One™ – Cloud Security offers a modern approach to CNAPP for customers. The centralized platform enables deep visibility into risks, preventative measures such as runtime protection, and rapid response actions designed to minimize exposure.

By combining these capabilities in a single platform, organizations can remove developer-security friction, enhance compliance, and continuously mitigate risk in the cloud, through features such as:

  • Cloud misconfiguration checks for open Amazon S3 buckets, databases and network ports
  • Runtime monitoring and protection of cloud workloads such as instances and containers
  • Automated detection of vulnerabilities within containers, virtual machines (VMs) or serverless functions
  • Exposure scanning for CVEs, secrets, sensitive data and malware
  • Infrastructure as code (IaC) and container image scanning enable early risk detection, allowing issues to be addressed before deployment to production.
  • Agentless scanning capabilities identify risks, vulnerabilities, and threats in workloads where deploying agents is not possible.
  • File security scanning detects and prevents any malicious files from being uploaded to critical cloud-native applications
  • Cloud detection and response (CDR) correlates telemetry from workloads, applications, and cloud logs to provide security teams with real-time visibility into suspicious activities in cloud accounts
  • Data security posture management (DSPM) helps identify sensitive information and correlates it with predictive attack paths, enabling organizations to prioritize the most critical risk based on their most valuable assets
  • Cloud infrastructure entitlement management (CIEM) continuously monitors permissions and identity activities to prevent unauthorized access and potential lateral movements within cloud accounts


Disclaimer:
Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms, Peer Contributors, 27 December 2024

Gartner® and Peer Insights™ are trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner® Peer Insights™ content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Hashtag: #trendmicro #trendvisionone #visionone #cybersecurity




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s AI-powered cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, Trend’s platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 70 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world.

Zhejiang Highlights Cultural and Tourism Appeal at Thai International Travel Fair

BANGKOK, Jan. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 30th Thai International Travel Fair, a key event celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, opened on January 16 at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), with China receiving special honors as the guest country.

As China relaxes its visa-free transit policy, Zhejiang Province’s tourism sector has experienced significant growth, with expectations that the number of inbound tourists from Southeast Asia for 2024 has tripled compared to the previous year. The region’s engagement at this major B2B tourism platform is proving essential in promoting its cultural tourism sectors and enhancing its international profile.

At the fair, Zhejiang featured a collection of engaging presentations and interactive displays at its “Hello, China” themed exhibit. The booth included detailed tourism maps, extensive promotional materials, and guides, complemented by thoughtfully designed cultural souvenirs that gave visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and unique character.

In addition, Zhejiang’s cultural and tourism ambassadors delivered a compelling presentation themed “Picturesque Jiangnan.” They highlighted two tourism routes: the “Elegant Tour of Jiangnan” and the “Mountain-Sea Scenic Exploration Tour.” These routes effectively combine the province’s stunning natural landscapes with its rich cultural heritage, generating considerable interest among Thai tourists in visiting the region.

Lazada and Peak3 Launch a New Digital Insurance Joint Venture in Southeast Asia

SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lazada, Southeast Asia’s leading eCommerce platform, and Peak3, a global leader in insurance technology, have announced the launch of a joint venture (JV) to build the leading digital and embedded insurance ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

Lazada and Peak3 Launch a New Digital Insurance Joint Venture in Southeast Asia
Lazada and Peak3 Launch a New Digital Insurance Joint Venture in Southeast Asia

Building on Peak3’s SaaS insurance orchestration platform and in collaboration with leading insurers, the new JV is embedding innovative, convenient and affordable insurance propositions into Lazada’s thriving local ecosystems, linking about 160 million active users to more than one million actively-selling sellers every month.

Bold Vision and Tangible Early Success

This joint venture extends Lazada’s capabilities beyond its core eCommerce offerings by integrating diverse insurance propositions into its ecosystem. Lazada customers can seamlessly obtain insurance coverage through the Lazada app and website, while merchants benefit from tailored protections to safeguard their businesses. This fosters a supportive ecosystem for all users, contributing to Lazada’s vision of becoming a comprehensive lifestyle platform.

In collaboration with leading local and global insurers such as AIA, Astra, Income Insurance, MSIG, and Sompo,  Peak3 and Lazada are set to deliver a diverse portfolio of insurance propositions across property & casualty, accident and health, and life insurance. In a first step, the focus is on developing embedded insurance, including gadget and electronics protection, and product liability protection to safeguard customers and their purchased goods. Additionally, marketplace insurance options, such as car, accident and travel insurance, provide essential coverage for customers’ everyday activities.

Bill Song, Group CEO of Peak3, said: “We are excited to deeply partner with Lazada on this venture, contributing our technology and expertise from similar joint ventures with Grab, Klook and Carro. Lazada has an incredible ecosystem and reach, and we have already seen remarkable market traction.”

Since its establishment in August 2024, the partnership has already rolled out a dozen insurance propositions across six countries—Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. To date, over 5 million policies have been issued, averaging now over 70,000 policies per day.

One Regional Insurance Orchestration Tech Platform

At the core of this JV is Peak3’s SaaS insurance orchestration platform, which provides a flexible solution to unify insurance operations across insurance product lines and enables seamless integration with Lazada’s ecosystem and insurers.

David Zheng, Lazpay Head of Product, Insurance and Digital Goods, at Lazada, highlighted: “Peak3’s platform has truly helped us deepen our capabilities and offerings for insurance products to offer a more holistic experience for our users. In less than half a year, we will be live across six markets with over a dozen seamless insurance propositions and a run rate of over two million policies per month. This partnership will allow us to achieve greater synergies and operational efficiencies, with the products and corresponding services managed centrally on one platform.”

Key benefits of Peak3’s platform include:

  • Rapid Multi-Country Deployment: Enabling new product launches in weeks through configuration, optimized for scalability and re-usability across countries.
  • Comprehensive and Innovative Insurance Offerings: Supporting the full spectrum of insurance products, from micro-insurance to traditional insurance, along with parametric propositions to offer enhanced flexibility and tailored coverage.
  • Simplified API Integration: Streamlining insurer connectivity across core systems and providing seamless customer journeys and high performance during peak sales periods.
  • Data-Driven Optimization: Providing real-time analytics and A/B testing capabilities to enable data-driven optimizations of products and customer journeys.

The Future: Advancing Financial Inclusion and Sustainability

The new joint venture exemplifies the shared commitment of Peak3 and Lazada to advancing financial inclusion and sustainability through digital-first and embedded insurance. The joint venture enhances the accessibility and affordability of insurance for underserved populations. Upcoming inclusive propositions, such as insurance with fractionalized premiums and flexible payment options, will help customers secure essential protection with reduced financial strain.

Given this early success, diverse initiatives are underway to enhance Lazada’s insurance ecosystem and improve the customer journey. This includes enabling users to easily access policies and post-purchase services directly through the Lazada app. Additionally, Peak3’s advanced technologies, such as AI-driven product recommendation, intelligent claims assessments and AI-powered customer support, will further streamline operations and customer experience.

In addition, Peak3 and Alibaba, the parent company of Lazada, are exploring additional opportunities with other Alibaba International Digital Commerce businesses. The ambition is to drive innovation, broaden accessibility, and provide comprehensive insurance solutions to customers globally.

About Peak3

Peak3 offers advanced SaaS core, orchestration, and AI technologies for the global insurance industry. Serving more than 50 insurers, MGAs, and intermediaries across life, health, and P&C insurance, Peak3 enables accelerated growth, enhanced customer experiences, and improved operational efficiency. For more information on Peak3, please visit www.peak3.com

About Lazada Group

Lazada Group is Southeast Asia’s pioneer eCommerce platform. For the last 12 years, Lazada has been accelerating progress in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. Today, a thriving local ecosystem links about 160 million active users to more than one million actively-selling sellers every month, who are transacting safely and securely via trusted payments channels and Lazada Wallet, receiving parcels through a homegrown logistics network that has become the largest in the region. 

SMU at 25: Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation and a Bold Vision for the Future

SINGAPORE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Twenty-five years ago, Singapore Management University (SMU) started out as a bold experiment in transforming the higher education in Singapore. Today, it has already gained the recognition of being a globally recognised institution at the forefront of transformative education and cutting-edge research, shaping future leaders in Asia and beyond. As SMU marks this milestone, the university is not just reflecting on its achievements but charting a path forward with renewed purpose.

SMU Patron's Day 2025
SMU Patron’s Day 2025

 

SMU Patron's Day 2025
SMU Patron’s Day 2025

From Pioneering Beginnings to Regional Leadership

Established in 2000, SMU was designed to redefine the education landscape in Singapore. Its approach—interdisciplinary, interactive, and internationally oriented—was groundbreaking. Since then, the university’s influence has extended far beyond Singapore, with a growing network of alumni shaping industries globally.

Under the leadership of Professor Lily Kong, SMU’s fifth president, first Singaporean to lead SMU and first Singaporean woman to serve as president in any university in Singapore, the university has grown in stature. SMU’s endowment fund, infrastructure, and international outreach have also expanded significantly, with three overseas offices, in Jakarta, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City established in less than two years, underscoring the commitment to foster connections, strengthen existing partnerships and contribute to Asia’s growth.

SMU has also distinguished itself as a trailblazer in higher education, redefining learning and research to address local and global challenges.

Driving Transformative Education

SMU’s distinctive approach to education blends academic rigour with industry relevance, equipping graduates with the skills and mindset to excel in a dynamic world. Notable milestones include:

  • The launch of the Politics, Law, and Economics (PLE) and BSc (Computing and Law) programmes—Singapore-first initiatives designed to equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge and analytical skills to address complex global challenges.
  • The introduction of Individualised Majors under the College of Integrative Studies, that empowers students to design their own multidisciplinary learning pathways according to their individual passion and career aspirations.
  • The establishment of over 50 sustainability-focused courses, aligning education with pressing environmental imperatives.
  • The SMU-X experiential learning model, which has won international accolades such as the QS Innovation in Business Education Award and the International Green Gown Awards for fostering next-generation learning.

Enhancing Accessibility and Equity in Education

In its commitment to inclusivity, SMU has expanded its financial assistance programme through SMU Access Plus, an enhanced version of SMU Access and will be SMU’s most generous financial assistance support to-date. An initiative designed to remove financial barriers for students from lower-income families, SMU Access Plus would cover a range of financial support, ensuring that talented individuals can pursue their aspirations regardless of financial circumstances.

This initiative not only levels the playing field for SMU students but also sets a benchmark for global institutions striving to democratise access to quality education.

Research with Societal Impact

SMU has set benchmarks in research excellence, addressing critical issues such as urban resilience, cybersecurity, and ageing populations:

In recognition of its impactful research, SMU has achieved global rankings, including the #1 position in Singapore and #2 in Asia for impactful business research by the Financial Times.

Shaping the Next Chapter

As SMU embarks on its next phase of growth, its refreshed Vision and Mission reflect a commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration:

VISION
Asia’s premier global city university 
At the nexus of management, social sciences and technology 
Driving innovations, transcending boundaries, transforming lives.

MISSION  
Nurture a community of independent lifelong learners and change agents  
Enable world-class researchers to address societal challenges 
Harness partnerships to serve as gateway between Asia and the world 
Transform lives to create sustainable futures

Strengthening Global Partnerships

SMU’s strategic initiatives have expanded its influence across the region, particularly in ASEAN markets. Its overseas centres in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam serve as conduits for collaborations, fostering economic growth and cross-border partnerships.

The university’s flagship events, such as the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, promote entrepreneurship, while its lifelong learning initiatives have equipped over 15,000 professionals with critical skills to adapt to evolving workforce demands.

In celebrating SMU’s 25th anniversary, Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU, reflected on the university’s journey and aspirations: “As our young undergraduates explore the world, it is essential that they cultivate a well-rounded global perspective while deeply appreciating Asia’s rich social, cultural, and economic tapestry. These qualities—being Asia-ready and globally agile—are highly valued by global and regional enterprises alike, empowering our students to navigate and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic world.”

Prof. Kong also emphasised the significance of SMU’s refreshed vision and mission statements, stating, “While we honour the achievements of the past 25 years, we look forward with renewed purpose. These statements encapsulate our identity as a global city university rooted in Asia—driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and transforming lives as we navigate the next chapter of our journey.”

Piyush Gupta, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Singapore Management University, on SMU’s Role in Shaping Future Leaders

Mr Piyush Gupta added his perspective on the university’s impact: “SMU’s unique emphasis on interdisciplinary education, innovation, and its commitment to societal impact has made it a driving force in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. The university’s ability to adapt to the evolving demands of a global landscape ensures that its graduates are not only equipped with the skills needed to succeed but also the values to lead with purpose. As we celebrate 25 years, SMU continues to demonstrate its vital role in educating the changemakers who will influence industries, communities, and societies worldwide.”

A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Promise

With 25 years of achievements as a foundation, SMU continues to push boundaries, leveraging its unique positioning at the nexus of management, social sciences, and technology. As Singapore evolves as a global hub, SMU remains a pivotal force in developing talent, fostering innovation, and addressing the critical challenges of our time.

About Singapore Management University

Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that addresses issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education, incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. With more than 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelors, masters and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with six of its eight schools – Accountancy, Business, Computing, Economics, Law and Social Sciences. Its seventh school, the SMU College of Integrative Studies, offers degree programmes in deep, integrative interdisciplinary education. The College of Graduate Research Studies, SMU’s eighth school, enhances integration and interdisciplinarity across the various SMU postgraduate research programmes that will enable students to gain a holistic learning experience and well-grounded approach to their research.  SMU also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policy makers and academic institutions. https://www.smu.edu.sg/