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CIMB Singapore Recognised as a Top Employer and “Career Builder” in Inaugural Singapore Opportunity Index

SINGAPORE, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CIMB Singapore has been recognised as one of the top 300 employers in Singapore and honoured as a “Career Builder” in the inaugural Singapore Opportunity Index (SOI) published by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

The SOI evaluated nearly 1,500 of Singapore’s largest organisations across five key dimensions: pay, progression, gender parity, retention, and hiring practices. Only the top 20% of organisations were named to the prestigious Top 300 list, underscoring their leadership in advancing talent and career development in Singapore. In addition, the index recognises “Career Builders” who exemplify best practices by creating internal mobility and development opportunities for their employees.

“This achievement reflects the culture we’ve built together, where opportunity isn’t just a promise but a daily practice. Beyond the recognition that this award provides, it is a validation that our commitment and investments in our people initiatives to support talent development and foster a workplace where people can do their best work have resulted in measurable impact,” said Andrew Boey, Chief Financial Officer and Officer-in-Charge, CIMB Singapore. “The SOI tracks real career trajectories, showing how we open doors through inclusive hiring, enable advancement and progression, as well as sustain careers through meaningful retention.”

Aside from developing its people, as part of its commitment to caring for employees, CIMB Singapore has introduced a range of wellness initiatives to enhance employee wellbeing over the recent years. This includes annual health checks and vaccinations, flexible wellness wallet, as well as various employee engagement efforts such as festive lunch celebrations to cultivate stronger bonds and camaraderie amongst its employees.

In addition, CIMB Singapore also introduced an internal Generative AI bot for employees that simplifies everyday work and boost productivity, and equips staff with AI, data, and analytics training to futureproof employees and the organisation.

Reflecting these efforts, CIMB Singapore was also named the Top Employer in Singapore 2025 & 2026 by Influential Brands and earned the Great Place to Work® certification in 2025 for the second consecutive year based on feedback from its employees, showcasing the bank’s dedication to nurturing a workplace where innovation and excellence truly flourish.

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM75.2 billion as at 31 March 2025. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Philippines. Singapore is one of its key markets with approximately 1,000 employees serving clients across consumer, commercial, wholesale and transaction banking products and services.

Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in Mainland China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 592 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 31 March 2025. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 92.5% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.8% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

Sustainability is a core pillar of CIMB’s Forward30 strategy and 2030 roadmap. The Group is guided by its Green, Social, Sustainable Impact Products and Services (“GSSIPS”) framework, an internal taxonomy designed to deliver impactful sustainable finance. Since launching its sustainable finance framework in 2021, CIMB has progressively raised its ambitions, increasing its initial RM30 billion target to RM100 billion for 2021–2024. The Group now targets RM300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to enabling a lower-carbon and more inclusive economy across the region.

Formosa Pharmaceuticals Announces Licensing Agreement with Arrotex, for Commercialization of Clobetasol Propionate Ophthalmic Suspension for the Treatment of Inflammation and Pain Following Ocular Surgery

TAIPEI, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan-based Formosa Pharmaceuticals (“Formosa”, 6838.TW) announced today that the company has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd. (“Arrotex”), for exclusive rights to the commercialization of clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension, 0.05% (APP13007), an innovative topical eyedrop for the treatment of inflammation and pain following ocular surgery in Australia and New Zealand. Arrotex, ‘Australia’s Medicines Company’, currently fulfills 50% of the country’s total volume and is a leader in ophthalmology.[1-4] The licensing arrangement includes upfront, regulatory milestones, sales milestones, and royalty considerations throughout the terms of the agreement.

APP13007’s active ingredient is the superpotent corticosteroid, clobetasol propionate, and is derived from Formosa Pharma’s proprietary APNT® nanoparticle formulation platform. The novel formulation, approved by the US FDA in 2024, enables a convenient and straightforward dosing regimen (twice daily for 14 days) while providing rapid and sustained relief of inflammation and pain. In a US survey of 100 ophthalmic surgeons, rapid resolution of pain (~80% pain-free four days post-surgery) and low incidence of adverse events (<2%) were highlighted as key drivers to prescribing APP13007. The licensing territory is estimated to have approximately 250,000 cataract surgeries annually with anticipated YOY growth.[5]

“We are grateful Arrotex has chosen to partner with Formosa Pharma, recognizing APP13007 as a worthy addition to their vast and innovative portfolio of therapeutics. Arrotex’s unrivaled sales distribution force and pharmacy access will ensure APP13007’s availability to patients recovering from ocular surgery,” said Erick Co, President and CEO of Formosa Pharmaceuticals.

“This agreement with Formosa Pharmaceuticals strengthens our expanding portfolio in specialist care and reinforces our ambition to deliver meaningful innovation to patients. As Australia’s partner in health, we will leverage our national ophthalmology footprint and unique infrastructure to ensure APP13007 reaches the people who need it most across the broad ecosystem. We look forward to working with Formosa to expand access and support patients and clinicians across Australia and New Zealand,” said Matt Zeller, CEO of Arrotex Pharmaceuticals.

About Formosa Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Formosa Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (6838.TW) is a clinical stage biotechnology company with primary focus in the areas of ophthalmology and oncology. The company’s proprietary nanoparticle formulation technology (APNT®), through which APP13007 was developed, improves the dissolution and bioavailability of APIs for topical, oral, and inhaler administration. Resulting formulations have high uniformity, purity, and stability, thereby allowing the utilization of poorly soluble or extremely potent drug agents which otherwise may face insurmountable challenges in delivery and penetration to target tissues. For more details about Formosa Pharma and APNT®, visit www.formosapharma.com.

About Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd.

Proudly Australian owned, Arrotex Pharmaceuticals is Australia’s largest and most diversified pharmaceutical company, offering the most extensive range of prescription medicines across therapeutic areas. We are committed to ensuring timely, sustainable, and affordable healthcare solutions that enhance patient outcomes and support healthcare providers. With unmatched expertise in pharmacy and healthcare, Arrotex continues to invest in Australia’s healthcare ecosystem, delivering trusted medicines, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships that create real value for patients, healthcare providers, and partners. For more details about Arrotex, visit www.arrotex.com.au.

References: 

1. IQVIA MAT Dec 2025, Prescription SKUs 
2. PBS Expenditure and Prescriptions report 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 2.Table 12(c): Top 20 Responsible Persons by Total PBS Prescriptions, 2024-25. 
3. IQVIA MAT Dec 2025. 
4. Data on file. 
5. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Second Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation 2017, Chapter 4.6: Cataract surgery hospitalisations 40 years and over. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/australian-atlas-healthcare-variation-2017-46-cataract-surgery-0, accessed 18 February 2026.   
PRESCRIPTION-004901. Date of Preparation: February 2026.

 

FROM FRAGILE TO IN-CONTROL, YOUI RESEARCH REVEALS AUSSIES CHOOSE FINANCIAL FITNESS AMID PRICE HIKES

SIPPY DOWNS, Australia, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Australians head into the new year determined to get on top of their finances, new research* has revealed just how fragile many household budgets have become, particularly during times of inflation and interest rate hikes. 

According to a new survey conducted by Australian insurance provider Youi, more than 2 in 5 (42%) Australians say their financial situation has worsened in the past two years –two thirds (66%) admit they are only just scraping by, struggling with debt, and would struggle if hit with an unexpected cost.

The findings show cost-of-living pressures are biting hard, with 62% feeling the squeeze daily or most days and that financial stress has negatively affected their mental (34%) or physical health (26%). 

Despite the pressure, the data reveals a shift in mindset. Nearly one third of Aussies (30%) say their finances have actually improved, largely due to tighter budgeting and cutting back on non-essentials like dining out and entertainment. 

But significant pain points remain. Monthly bills (47%), grocery costs (44%), and the growing need to dip into savings (31%) are the top financial stresses continuing to drag Australians down.    

To help alleviate the pressure, Youi has launched the ‘Youi Financial Fitness Calculator‘, designed to help Australians build their financial knowledge and track their spending during challenging times.

The pressures behind the squeeze

Youi’s research shows financial stress is being driven largely by rising everyday expenses rather than discretionary spending. 91% cite increased costs for essentials such as groceries and fuel as a key contributor to financial stress, followed by unexpected bills (58%) and higher household costs like childcare (37%). The findings reflect a broader economic trend with the latest ABS Consumer Pricing Index, showing housing (+5.5%), food (+3.4%), and recreation (+4.4%) as the largest contributors to annual inflation**.

The financial pressure is extending beyond the hip pocket, with more than 1 in 3 reporting impacts on their sleep (35%), social life (33%), and nutrition (25%). 

The research also shows confidence in external support is fractured, reinforcing the sense that many Australians feel they are largely on their own when it comes to managing rising costs. Nearly 6 in 10 (59%) believe governments should be doing more to support households, while a third (33%) say individuals must take primary responsibility for their financial security. 

Youi Chief Customer Officer, Anthony Antonucci said Australia’s intentions are clear for the year ahead – to get our finances into better shape.

“Aussies are under real pressure, but we’re seeing a shift from reacting to costs to protecting what matters most,” Anthony said. 

“Youi’s new Financial Fitness Calculator is designed to help Aussies take the first step towards reclaiming their financial confidence and working towards their financial goals in 2026.

“Our research shows that almost 80% of Australians review their insurance spending annually, which is a great start, but far fewer, less than 40%, say they are likely to review or switch their insurance provider in the next 12 months. Many could be missing savings simply by not shopping around or comparing their options. With budget pressures impacting most households, affordability without compromising on your cover should be a priority. Take a look closely at your policy and make sure your insurance still fits your needs and budget,” he said.

The changing shape of goals and trade-offs

According to the data, rising costs are reshaping long-term aspirations. The Australian dream is impacted, with almost half of respondents (46%) believing they may never be able to afford a home of their own, and a further 11% stating that home ownership won’t be possible for them within the next 10 years. Only 5% feel confident that they could purchase a home in 2026.

Looking ahead, Australians’ biggest financial concerns for 2026 are managing daily expenses (61%), housing costs (39%) and savings levels (36%). 

When reassessing spending, Australians are prioritising protection over convenience. Insurance (16%) and gym memberships (17%) are among the expenses that are least likely to be axed, while discretionary spending is the first area households are willing to wind back. 

From pressure to priority: what Aussies want in 2026

Of the almost one third (30%) of Aussies that say their finances improved over the past two years, almost half (44%) said they achieved this by cutting expenses and budgeting. An additional 40% did so by changing their spending habits, while 36% said they became more organised.

Looking to 2026, the top financial goals are building savings (24%), reducing expenses (20%) and increasing income (13%). 

Economic Futurist and Behavioural Economist, Evan Lucas said financial pressure is reshaping how Australians think about money and wellbeing.

“Households are under strain, but they’re becoming more deliberate and vigilant with their money to protect what matters most. The key to staying on top of your money is to know where it’s going – turn your reviews of fixed costs like phone, energy and internet, into a regular habit. Exercising discipline here can help identify potential areas of savings,” Evan said. 

“Oftentimes people sign up for a service, and neglect to check whether there are cheaper options out there, a mistake that could be costing you. Moving away from ‘set and forget’ and regularly reviewing fixed costs is one of the simplest ways to build financial strength. 

“Youi’s new Financial Fitness Calculator is designed to help Aussies take the first step towards reclaiming their financial confidence and working towards their financial goals in 2026, whether that’s building your emergency fund or saving towards a house deposit.” 

Practical steps Australians can take now, according to Evan Lucas:

  1. Schedule regular reviews of bills, subscriptions, services and credit cards to avoid ‘set and forget’ spending.
  2. Automate savings so a portion of every pay goes straight into a dedicated account.
  3. Prioritise paying down debt to reduce interest costs and lower financial stress.
  4. Use tools such as Youi’s Financial Fitness Calculator and resources to calculate spending, identify savings opportunities and stay focused on goals.

For more information on the survey or to learn more about how to better manage your finances in 2026, visit here. 

References 

* Research conducted by Dentsu Intelligence in January 2026 with a sample size of 2,012 Australians. 

**Australian Bureau of Statistics, Consumer Price Index, released 28 January 2026, reference period December 2025. 

Disclaimer:  *Data for the Youi Financial Fitness study was sourced from a survey conducted by Dentsu Intelligence from 1 January 2026 to 15 January 2026, involving 2,012 individuals aged 18 years old and above, from all states and territories within Australia. Some percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Survey results have not been independently verified by Youi and may not be representative of the general population. Youi makes no representation or warranty of any kind of the accuracy, adequacy, reliability, or completeness of the data and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind suffered as a result of the use of or reliance on the data. Individual experiences may vary.  

The information provided in this Media Release contains general advice about our products only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s particular objectives, financial situations or needs. Premiums and savings subject to rating, underwriting, and individual circumstances. Products issued by Youi Pty Ltd. You should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination, which contains full details of conditions, limitations and exclusions and consider whether the product is appropriate to you before making any decisions about whether to buy or continue to hold a policy.

ABOUT YOUI:   

Youi Pty Ltd is an Australian registered company and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Youi Holdings Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of OUTsurance International Holdings Pty Limited. The ultimate holding company is OUTsurance Group Limited.   

Youi Pty Ltd is a registered general insurance company which underwrites its own policies. Our products currently include Vehicle insurance (Car, NSW CTP Green Slip, SA CTP, Motorcycle, Caravan and Trailer), Home insurance (Buildings and Contents), Watercraft and Small Business Insurance.   

Youi is regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), a member of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and a signatory to the General Insurance Code of Practice.

Company: Youi Pty Ltd

Address: 2 Smart Dr, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556

Company Phone: 13 96 84

Website: https://www.youi.com.au/ 

Head Office Location: https://share.google/Vw6L9htnVyiMIYQFP

Laos Holds 2026 National Elections, Electing New Assembly, Provincial Councils Members

Laos held its 2026 national elections on 22 February to elect new National Assembly and provincial council members. (Photo credit: Lao National Radio)

Laos successfully held its 2026 national elections on 22 February, electing members of the 10th National Assembly (NA) and the 5th Provincial People’s Councils across the country. 

The elections saw more than 4.76 million eligible voters, out of approximately 7.9 million citizens aged 18 and above, cast their ballots nationwide. 

Citizens voted to elect 175 deputies to the 10th NA from among 243 candidates, and 745 deputies to the 5th Provincial People’s Councils from among 1,041 candidates, representing 17 provinces and the capital.

Polling stations were opened across urban and rural areas to ensure broad access for voters from all regions. Security and election officials were deployed throughout the country to support orderly and smooth operations. 

Senior government and party leaders also participated in the process. President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone both cast their votes publicly in Vientiane,

The elections are held once every five years as part of Laos’ regular political cycle, conducted within the framework of one-party governance under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP). 

They are seen as a key mechanism for reinforcing governance stability and advancing the country’s long-term development agenda for the 2026-2030 period. 

The newly elected NA members and provincial council deputies will play an important role in legislative oversight, development planning, and policy implementation, supporting national priorities in economic growth, infrastructure, and social welfare.

Official voter turnout figures and the final list of elected representatives have not yet been announced. Authorities are expected to release preliminary results in the coming days.

The general elections followed the conclusion of the 12th National Congress of the LPRP, held in early January, which re-elected Thongloun Sisoulith as General Secretary for a second term.

Technology for Change Asia 2026 to decode innovation for business growth

HONG KONG, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Economist Impact will host Technology for Change Asia 2026 on March 11th and 12th at the Hopewell Hotel. This premier event convenes over 700 industry and government leaders to pinpoint solutions that will help businesses prosper in an era of rapid technological shift.

The_Economist_Group
The_Economist_Group

The 2026 programme moves beyond hype to address the practical realities of the AI age. Attendees will engage with senior leaders to discuss regulatory divergence across Asia, the scaling of autonomous agents, the Greater Bay Area innovation ecosystem and the impact of smart mobility on global supply chains.

Speaking ahead of the event, Tom Standage, deputy editor of The Economist, said: “Uncertainty abounds in today’s world, whether in geopolitics, trade or financial markets. Business leaders have little power to shape the environment in which their companies operate. But they do have agency, and the power to make a real difference, when it comes to the adoption of technology. The question is how best to embrace new innovations to deliver meaningful, measurable and sustainable impact. By convening this event, and hearing from organisations that are leading the way in technology adoption, we aim to highlight how technology can provide a positive and prosperous way forward.”

50 speakers confirmed including:

  • Tom Gruber, co-founder, Siri
  • James Elwes, chief information officer, international markets, Asia, HSBC
  • Spencer Lam, group chief technology officer, Shangri-La Group
  • Aseem Puri, digital chief executive officer, Unilever
  • Jeremy Goldstrich, vice-president, North-Pacific operations, FedEx
  • Aseem Puri, digital chief executive officer, Unilever
  • Sachin Verma, chief AI and data officer, Rakuten Mobile
  • Plus leaders from DBS, Volkswagen Group, FWD, OCBC, ST Engineering, Jardine Matheson, Swire Coca-Cola and more.

The event is sponsored by Tata Communications, GCash, Ant International and FWD and supported by The Hong Kong Tourism Board and Invest Hong Kong.

Register: https://econint.co/3R

About Economist Impact
Economist Impact empowers businesses, governments and foundations to catalyse change and enable progress. We combine the rigour of a think tank with the creativity of a media brand, engaging an influential audience in the areas of sustainability, healthcare and new globalisation. Visit www.economistimpact.com for more information.

Contact: 
Karen Ma
Economist Impact
asiaevents@economist.com

Blue Planet Expands to Dubai, Signalling Speed, Scale and Bold Growth

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, a Singapore-headquartered global leader in sustainable waste management and circular economy infrastructure, today announced the incorporation of Blue Planet Environmental Services L.L.C. in Dubai, marking a major milestone in the company’s international growth strategy and its expansion into the Middle East.

Scaling global sustainability partnerships
Scaling global sustainability partnerships

The announcement reflects Blue Planet’s accelerating momentum as it expands its presence into new geographies. This strategic move underscores the company’s focus on scaling its operations to support governments and industries in achieving their sustainability and decarbonisation goals.

Expanding Global Circular Economy Leadership

The new UAE entity strengthens Blue Planet’s ability to deliver integrated waste management, landfill reclamation, recycling, and circular economy solutions across the GCC region. With increasing regional focus on landfill diversion, resource recovery, and climate-aligned infrastructure, the Middle East represents a significant growth opportunity for scalable environmental solutions.

Dubai’s strategic location, progressive sustainability policies, and commitment to circular economy initiatives make it an ideal hub for Blue Planet’s regional operations.

Supporting the Middle East’s Sustainability Ambitions

Through its UAE presence, Blue Planet aims to collaborate with governments, municipalities, and industrial partners to deploy:

  • Organic waste and resource recovery, including biogas solutions.
  • Recycling, Upcycling, and circular-economy consultancy; infrastructure development and operations.
  • Landfill mining and environmental remediation
  • Disaster recovery, remediation and related environmental services.
  • Tank Cleaning & Related Industrial Services

The expansion reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting regional sustainability visions, including net-zero ambitions and landfill remediation and diversion targets.

Prashant Singh, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Planet, said:

“The Year of the Fire Horse represents bold progress, energy, and transformative momentum values that strongly reflect our journey. Establishing our presence in the UAE is a significant milestone as we expand our global footprint and deepen our commitment to enabling circular economy solutions worldwide.”

“Dubai serves as a gateway to the Middle East, and we look forward to working closely with partners across the region to accelerate sustainable infrastructure and resource recovery.”

A Strategic Step in Blue Planet’s Global Growth Journey

With operations spanning Asia and expanding into new international markets, Blue Planet continues to scale its impact through technology, partnerships, and innovative circular economy solutions.

The launch of Blue Planet Environmental Services L.L.C. marks the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s mission to transform waste into value and build a more sustainable future.

About Blue Planet

Founded in 2017, Blue Planet is a Singapore-headquartered company pioneering sustainability across Asia through technology-driven, IP-based, end-to-end waste management and upcycling solutions. By integrating diverse technologies and business models, the company closes the waste loop and accelerates the transition to a circular economy. Guided by its vision of zero waste to landfill, Blue Planet continues to drive measurable environmental and social impact through innovation and collaboration.

To learn more, visit: www.blueplanet.asia

Herbalife Announces Cristiano Ronaldo Invests $7.5 Million in Pro2col™ Technology, Acquires 10% Equity Stake

Long-time partner invests in shared vision for personalized health and wellness

HONG KONG, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF), a premier health and wellness company, community and platform, announced global sports icon Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 10% equity interest in HBL Pro2col Software, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Herbalife that holds the Pro2col technology. Pro2col is Herbalife’s next-generation, digital, personalized health and wellness operating system, designed to drive daily engagement, sustainable behavior change, and measurable outcomes through a structured, data-driven approach to wellness.

Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 10% equity interest in HBL Pro2col Software, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Herbalife.
Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a 10% equity interest in HBL Pro2col Software, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Herbalife.

Ronaldo invested $7.5 million, along with a commitment to provide services and sponsorship rights to Pro2col Software. The investment underscores Ronaldo’s deep personal commitment to health and nutrition. It also reflects his confidence in the future of personalized nutrition and Herbalife’s ambition to make data-driven, personalized wellness accessible to communities globally—combining innovative technology with the power of personal support through its distributor community.

Herbalife has been Ronaldo’s global nutrition partner since 2013, inspiring better nutrition and performance globally. Herbalife and Ronaldo collaborated on the launch of Herbalife24® CR7 Drive, a sports drink formulated to meet the nutrition and performance needs of the global soccer legend and benefit athletes of all levels across the globe.

“Cristiano has been a valued partner for more than a decade, and his decision to take an ownership stake in Pro2col marks an important milestone in our relationship,” said Herbalife Chief Executive Officer Stephan Gratziani. “His investment reflects a shared belief in the power of nutrition, data, AI, and personalized insights to drive better health outcomes, and reinforces his confidence in the future impact of Pro2col.”

Pro2col uses an individual’s unique data to build a wellness plan specific to the individual, with daily habits and smart nutrition tracking. The platform adapts to the individual’s lifestyle, making wellness feel simple and personal. At its core is Pro2Score, a proprietary wellness scoring system that tracks progress across key wellness metrics—designed to deliver clarity, motivation, and actionable insights to support healthier lifestyles. Pro2col also equips Herbalife’s distributors with tools and insights that enhance customer engagement and support, making personalized nutrition and wellness more accessible and scalable.

“After more than a decade together, our relationship is built on trust and shared ambition. Investing in Pro2col felt like a natural evolution — in addition to representing Herbalife, this is about helping shape and grow a platform that can truly change how people engage with their health and wellness,” said Cristiano Ronaldo. “I’ve seen firsthand how Herbalife brings together science, innovation and personal support to make health and wellness more accessible. Working together with Herbalife to create something with lasting impact is what motivates me at this stage of my career.”

Pro2col supports Herbalife’s long-term strategy to become a more connected, data-driven health and wellness platform—integrating products, community, AI and digital capabilities to better serve customers worldwide. Herbalife has initiated a strategic, phased beta rollout of Pro2col, with the objective of gathering in-market user insights that will support a broader commercial release in the future. Beta access is currently available to distributors and customers in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Herbalife expects to expand beta access to additional international markets, beginning with select EMEA markets in 2026.

For more information, visit www.herbalife.com.

About Herbalife Ltd.

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.

For more information, visit https://ir.herbalife.com.

Asia Pacific Media Contact

Susan Tan
Director, Corporate Communications, Asia Pacific
asiapacificteam@herbalife.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management, including for future operations, capital expenditures, or share repurchases; any statements concerning proposed new products, services, or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief or expectation; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing or other future events. Forward-looking statements may include, among others, the words “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate” or any other similar words.

Forward-looking statements made in this release speak only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statement or to report any events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

For the full description of the forward-looking statements related to this release, please refer to https://ir.herbalife.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/935/herbalife-announces-cristiano-ronaldo-invests-7-5-million

Lumen Technologies expands APAC cybersecurity capabilities in collaboration with Palo Alto Networks


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – Lumen Technologies has achieved the Palo Alto Networks NextWave Cortex XSIAM Select Specialisation Status in Singapore. This specialisation recognises partners who have demonstrated expertise in deploying and managing Cortex XSIAM, enabling them to help customers transform their security operations centres (SOCs).

Lumen’s Advanced MDR offering delivers comprehensive, AI-powered threat detection and response across cloud, on-premises, identity, and OT environments – helping customers gain full-spectrum visibility and control over their security operations. Built on Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSIAM platform, which unifies XDR, SOAR, ASM, and SIEM capabilities, the solution simplifies SOC workflows, eliminates console switching, and accelerates incident response through automation and advanced analytics. This platform-centric approach not only improves detection accuracy but also reduces operational complexity and licensing overhead.

As a Select Partner, Lumen supports seamless deployment of Cortex XSIAM, empowering customers to transform their security posture with confidence. Customers benefit from continuous threat hunting, tailored playbooks, and asset discovery powered by Lumen’s SOC analysts and Black Lotus Lab. With deep regional expertise, a strategic global network of SOCs, and a customer-first success model, Lumen ensures proactive defence against evolving threats.

Lumen has also recently been recognised in the Major Players Category in the IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services 2025 Vendor Assessment[1]. Lumen believes this recognition further validates its leadership in delivering scalable, outcome-driven security solutions.

“Our Advanced MDR offering is designed to give customers clarity and control in the face of growing cyber complexity. Partnering with Palo Alto Networks allows us to deliver a unified, intelligence-driven platform that not only strengthens security operations but also aligns with our customers’ business goals. This specialisation validates our ability to deliver trusted, outcome-focused cybersecurity, backed by deep regional expertise and a commitment to proactive protection,” said Ignatius Wong, Senior Director, Managed & Professional Services, APAC at Lumen Technologies.

Michelle Saw, Vice President, GTM Shared Services and Ecosystems, Asia-Pacific and Japan at Palo Alto Networks, said, “Lumen’s achievement is a significant milestone that reinforces our commitment to a partner ecosystem focused on delivering world-class security outcomes in APAC. In today’s complex threat landscape, customers need the power of a unified, AI-driven platform like Cortex XSIAM, combined with the deep regional expertise and managed services of a trusted partner like Lumen. We are proud to collaborate with Lumen to empower businesses across the region to transform their security posture and confidently face the next generation of cyber threats.”


[1] IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services 2025 Vendor Assessment, doc #AP52998725, September 2025.

Hashtag: #LumenTechnologies

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

About Lumen

Lumen is unleashing the world’s digital potential. We ignite business growth by connecting people, data, and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. As the trusted network for AI, Lumen uses the scale of our network to help companies realise AI’s full potential. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, managed service, and digital platform capabilities, we meet our customers’ needs today and as they build for tomorrow.