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Aon Forecasts 11.1 Percent Increase in Employee Medical Plan Costs for Businesses in Asia Pacific

-Medical trend rates in the APAC region rank second-highest globally, according to report


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2025 Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, has released its 2025 Global Medical Trend Rates Report. The report forecasts a projected 11.1 percent rise in the Asia Pacific region (APAC), which is higher than the global projected increase for 2024 of 9.7 percent, which represented the highest increase forecasted in 10 years.

Trend rate figures represent the percentage increase in medical plan costs per employee – both insured and self-insured. Knowing estimated costs in advance can help organisations budget and adjust their benefits philosophy in response, ensuring programs are sustainable.

This year’s report projects APAC will experience the second highest year-over-year trend rate increase after the Middle East and Africa, which has the highest trend rate of any region at 15.5 percent.

Forecasted Medical Trend Rate from 2024 to 2025
2024 2025
Asia Pacific 9.7% 11.1%
Global 10.1% 10.0%
Europe 10.4% 8.9%
North America 7.6% 8.8%
Latin America and Caribbean 11.7% 10.7%
Middle East and Africa 15.1% 15.5%

“The biggest rise in medical utilisation and inflation are now behind us in APAC, but recovery in insurer profitability is expected to keep medical trend rates in the double digits for 2025 and 2026,” said Alan Oates, head of global benefits for Asia Pacific at Aon.

“The high medical trend rate can also be attributed to a higher incidence of cancer and chronic conditions than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Managing the impact of medical inflation therefore should be a top priority for all southeast Asia markets and especially important in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Vietnam, which are seeing 50 to over 100 percent increases compared to last year,” Oates explained.

The survey further revealed that prescription and specialty medications, including weight loss medication, innovations in medical technology, and geopolitical factors, are significantly impacting medical trend rates in APAC and around the world. In addition, support for emotional health as the fastest-growing claim in Aon’s APAC client portfolio, wellbeing initiatives designed to mitigate stress, along with other plan enhancements, are also contributing to the double-digit medical trend.

Aon Forecasts 11.1 Percent Increase in Employee Medical Plan Costs for Businesses in Asia Pacific

“Although most insurers are still raising premiums, we are seeing a slight drop in some markets where risk appetites are returning among insurance providers that were quick to take corrective measures in previous renewal periods. As these insurance providers can now offer competitive pricing terms, we are encouraging clients to test the market as there is increasing value in doing so,” said Marina Sukhikh, professional services industry practice leader, global benefits for Asia Pacific at Aon.

How are Companies Addressing Rising Costs?
Wellbeing programs, plan design changes, alternative financing, data and analytics and flexible benefits are among the top strategies employers are expected to undertake in 2025 to affordably promote a healthy workforce.

Sukhikh said, “Aon has observed growing co-investment in wellbeing initiatives by employers and insurers. Greater investment is being matched with greater scrutiny into investment return, and wellbeing programs are increasingly being integrated and aligned with prevention strategies. For example, more initiatives are targeting physical inactivity, poor stress management, hypertension, high cholesterol and other risk factors driving chronic conditions that lead to adverse future claims.”

“We are encouraging clients to seek a more integrated value-based outcome from insurers where they are cooperating in the sharing of data, investment in wellbeing and offering creative solutions for design and financing. Sophisticated analytics tools, such as Aon’s Health Risk Analyzer, are helping companies leverage a growing volume of multi-source data, not just to identify and mitigate today’s risks but to accurately predict and prepare for the risks of tomorrow. Technology is helping us identify under-served populations and anticipate opportunities faster than ever,” added Sukhikh.

According to Aon’s 2024 Global Benefits Trends Study, employers in around 60 percent of countries are expected to use flexible benefit plans to address diverse workforce needs while controlling overall benefit costs. Meanwhile, one in three are actively considering alternative benefits financing arrangements, such as multinational pooling, global underwriting and captives.

“More than at any point in the last 10 years we have observed employers taking steps to reduce plan design due to affordability. Flexibility and choice have been a valuable tool in design change because employees generally place a greater value on shorter-term flexibility and choice than they do on longer-term core benefits. Alternative funding will not materially reduce cost, which is generally determined by claims and scale, but it can smooth cost volatility over a longer period than is possible with direct insurance and that is helpful in this volatile market,” Oates added.

Read Aon’s 2025 Global Medical Trend Rates Report.

About the report:
The report is based on insights from 112 Aon offices that broker, administer, or advise on employer-sponsored medical plans in each of the countries covered in the report. The findings reflect the medical trend expectations of Aon professionals based on their interactions with clients and carriers represented in the portfolio of the firm’s medical plan business in each location.

As employer-sponsored medical plans become a larger part of total rewards spend and pressure mounts to accurately forecast and manage costs, this report is a valuable resource for organisations to plan global budgets and benefits strategies for 2025 and beyond.

Read Aon’s 2025 Global Medical Trend Rates Report.
Hashtag: #Aon

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

About Aon

(NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on , , and . Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s and sign up for news alerts .

Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

L&C Bio Secures World’s First NMPA Approval for ‘MegaDerm Plus’ in China

SEONGNAM-SI, South Korea, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — L&C Bio (CEO Hwan-Chul Lee) has achieved a significant milestone in its global market strategy by becoming the first company worldwide to secure approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its acellular dermal matrix, “MegaDerm Plus.” This approval positions the company to potentially dominate China’s regenerative medicine market for human tissue, with full-scale sales expected to commence in the first half of 2025.

L&C Bioscience Technology (Kunshan) Factory
L&C Bioscience Technology (Kunshan) Factory

Pioneering the Chinese Market

China has recently faced a shortage of human tissue products due to incidents involving illegal donor acquisitions, leading to unprecedented shutdowns of major local companies. In this challenging environment, “MegaDerm Plus,” now officially approved by the Chinese government, has emerged as a pivotal product that could effectively address this shortage.

Interest in “MegaDerm Plus” has already surged among China’s leading medical device companies, hospitals, and medical professionals, raising strong prospects for consecutive sales agreements. This positions L&C Bio not only for market entry but also for establishing a decisive foothold in China’s regenerative medicine market for human tissue.

Strategic Acquisition of L&C China

L&C Bio is in the process of completing an acquisition of 100% ownership of L&C China using its own funds, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary. This was achieved without issuing additional convertible bonds (CB), a move of significant strategic importance.

  • Financial Stability: By avoiding CB issuance and acquiring the stake entirely with internal funds, the company eliminated debt burdens, ensuring stable management.
  • Secured Management Control: Full ownership enables independent decision-making for contracts and business expansion strategies in China.
  • Faster Decision-Making: With complete autonomy, L&C Bio can swiftly and flexibly lead operations, strategic alliances, and distribution network development in China.

This move is seen as a strategic masterstroke by CEO Hwan-Chul Lee, who designed a favorable structure for long-term growth in the Chinese market. By avoiding CB issuance, potential risks such as management disputes or stock dilution have been entirely preempted.

Anticipating Significant Gains Through Strategic Investment

Should a major Chinese medical device company acquire a strategic investor (SI) stake in L&C China, the resulting sale proceeds would flow directly to L&C Bio, potentially realizing profits in the hundreds of billions of Korean Won by the end of 2025. This opportunity offers significant financial gains alongside business expansion in China. Moreover, the participation of a major medical device SI could enhance L&C Bio’s corporate value by securing robust medical networks and distribution channels in China, with consistent growth prospects into 2025.

L&C Bio’s Growth Trajectory

Founded in 2011, L&C Bio achieved rapid growth, being listed on KOSDAQ within seven years (2018) of its incorporation and surpassing a market capitalization of KRW 1 trillion by 2020. Currently valued at approximately KRW 500 billion, the company is poised for a new leap forward with the NMPA approval.

CEO Hwan-Chul Lee stated, “Stock prices reflect a company’s growth and stability, and we are steadily achieving our goals as planned. This approval is more than just an achievement; it marks a crucial milestone toward becoming a global leader in regenerative medicine based on human tissue. We will continue to challenge ourselves relentlessly.”

This approval signifies more than market entry—it sets the stage for L&C Bio to establish itself as the industry leader in China. The company’s innovative technology and spirit of challenge are expected to achieve remarkable results in the global market, making its future developments highly anticipated.

HTX Ventures: RWAFi and Stablecoin Payments Set to Dominate the Evolving DeFi Landscape

SINGAPORE, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The DeFi landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation since the “DeFi Summer” of 2020. With Donald Trump assuming office as the President of the United States, a new era of growth for DeFi is emerging, characterized by deeper integration with traditional finance.

HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, has released a forward-looking report titled A New Era for DeFi with Crypto Compliance and New Opportunities in RWA-Fi and Stablecoin Payments. This report analyzes the evolving environment of crypto trading in 2025, focusing on the significant opportunities and challenges RWAFi and stablecoin payments are facing.

Changes in the Crypto Trading Environment Favor Stablecoins and RWAs Prospects

The gradual easing of crypto regulatory policies is facilitating greater institutional investor participation within the crypto ecosystem. This shift has seen stablecoins and RWAs (Real-World Assets) emerge as crucial bridges connecting the traditional finance and decentralized finance worlds.

Data shows a remarkable surge in stablecoins usage in blockchain transactions, which has risen from 3% in 2020 to over 50% by the end of 2024. The core value proposition of stablecoins lies in their ability to facilitate seamless cross-border payments, making them strategically important in international trade.

The report underscores the immense potential of stablecoins, stating, “At present, the global cross-border B2B payments market processed through traditional channels is valued at approximately $40 trillion, while the consumer remittance market generates hundreds of billions of dollars in annual revenue. Stablecoins offer a new alternative for efficient cross-border payments via crypto channels. As the adoption gains momentum, stablecoins are set to penetrate and disrupt this market segment, becoming a key player in the global payments landscape.”

Furthermore, the U.S. House Financial Services Committee is actively preparing to introduce a stablecoin bill, which has the potential to be the first comprehensive crypto legislation passed by Congress. This legislation could drive widespread adoption of crypto wallets, stablecoins, and blockchain-based payment channels among traditional banks, enterprises, and individuals. Notably, several prominent traditional financial giants, including PayPal and Stripe, have already initiated active exploration within the stablecoin sector.

The RWA market saw positive growth during the recent bear market cycle, primarily driven by its stable returns. Unlike cryptocurrencies, the value of RWAs remains largely unaffected by the inherent volatility of the crypto market, a crucial characteristic for building a robust DeFi ecosystem. Industry leaders like Binance project that the RWA market could expand to $16 trillion by 2030. This immense market potential has driven companies like BlackRock and Tether to explore tokenized assets, leading to the emergence of compliance tools for RWA token issuance, such as Securitize.

Opportunities and Challenges for DeFi Projects

As stablecoins and RWAFi emerge as the cornerstones of the evolving DeFi landscape, project teams are tasked with developing innovative products tailored to the new environment and demands. While challenges are inevitable, these transformative shifts also unlock numerous opportunities.

In terms of realizing the vision of yield-generating stablecoins, the report identifies two prevailing market trends:

  • Treasury-backed Stablecoins:
    This approach involves utilizing the U.S. Treasury bonds as the underlying assets for stablecoins, effectively introducing traditional financial assets onto the blockchain through tokenization. This methodology preserves the stability and low-risk nature of Treasury bonds while seamlessly integrating the high liquidity and composability inherent to DeFi. Examples include USDY by Ondo Finance and a range of Treasury-backed Vault products from OpenTrade.
  • Volatility-driven Yield: 
    The alternative approach leverages crypto market volatility and MEV to generate low-risk returns. Ethena, along with its native stablecoin USDe, serve as a prime example of this strategy.

Seamlessly integrating DeFi applications with RWAs presents another critical challenge for project teams. On one hand, the inherent stability of RWAs can effectively mitigate risk in DeFi applications. Collateralized Debt Position (CDP) stablecoins, such as Curve’s crvUSD, are increasingly incorporating RWAs as collateral to enhance their stability. On the other hand, the flexibility of DeFi can significantly boost the utilization rate of tokenized RWAs. Pendle’s newly introduced RWA section, boasting a current TVL of $150 million, exemplifies this synergy. Leveraging the composability of DeFi Lego, Pendle’s diverse yield-generating assets can offer highly attractive APYs, incentivizing users to invest in RWA stablecoins.

Emerging DeFi projects still possess significant untapped potential within niche sectors, such as addressing defaults scenarios within the private credit market within RWA domain and effectively leveraging RWA public chains to empower institutional finance. Looking ahead, the report suggests that on-chain forex, cross-border payment stacks, and multi-pool stablecoin aggregation platforms are among the promising development directions in the “New DeFi” era.

About HTX Ventures

HTX Ventures is the global investment arm of HTX, integrating investment, incubation, and research to identify and discover the best and most innovative projects in the market. Visit us here.

V-GREEN and eTreego sign MoU to develop 100,000 VinFast charging portals in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2025 – V-GREEN has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with eTreego, a Taiwanese green energy company, to significantly expand VinFast electric vehicle charging station infrastructure. This partnership aims to install 100,000 charging portals in VinFast’s three key Southeast Asian markets, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, underscoring V-GREEN’s commitment to building a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem and meet the growing demand for green transformation across Southeast Asia.

Mr. Nguyễn Thành Dương, CEO of V-GREEN (6th from the left), and Mr. Chin Pin Chien, Chairman of eTreego (7th from the left).
Mr. Nguyễn Thành Dương, CEO of V-GREEN (6th from the left), and Mr. Chin Pin Chien, Chairman of eTreego (7th from the left).

Both parties will actively research and work towards strategic goals, including building and operating 100,000 franchised charging portals for VinFast electric vehicles by 2030. Specifically, in the second quarter of 2025, eTreego will deploy 200 pilot charging portals in Vietnam, before expanding into VinFast’s two key international markets: Indonesia and the Philippines.

According to the MoU, eTreego will be the charging station product supplier for V-GREEN. Furthermore, eTreego agrees to lease designated locations and facilitate introductions to potential partner sites in key areas for the development and expansion of V-GREEN’s charging station network.

Both parties will also actively work to promote other green initiatives, including developing a Carbon Credit Certification project for V-GREEN’s charging stations.

Additionally, the two Companies will explore collaborative opportunities to expand VinFast’s electric vehicle supply chain and enter new international markets, seizing the significant opportunities in the global green transportation sector.

Partnering with eTreego is a strategic move by V-GREEN, established by VinFast founder Pham Nhat Vuong, to accelerate its global expansion and solidify its position as a frontrunner in sustainable mobility solutions. This collaboration will significantly enhance V-GREEN’s growing network of VinFast electric vehicle charging stations across the region, reinforcing its commitment to building a world-class green infrastructure.

Leveraging its extensive expertise and commitment to sustainable solutions, eTreego recognizes the immense growth opportunities presented by the Southeast Asian EV market, particularly within VinFast’s electric vehicle ecosystem.

Mr. Chin Pin Chien, Chairman of ETreego Co., Ltd, highlighted, “eTreego highly appreciates the growth potential of the electric vehicle market in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. In the future, we will increase investment in research and development to provide the necessary products, services, and technical support for VinFast electric vehicle ecosystem. The collaboration between eTreego and V-GREEN will support VinFast’s increasingly sustainable transportation network, meeting the strong demand for green transformation in Southeast Asia.”

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duong, CEO of V-GREEN, remarked, “We are confident that eTreego’s global reputation, expertise, and experience will be invaluable in scaling up V-GREEN’s charging infrastructure. By joining forces, eTreego and V-GREEN will contribute to building a comprehensive VinFast electric vehicle ecosystem, delivering exceptional value to both companies, consumers, and driving the global green transportation revolution.”

Indonesia and the Philippines have been identified as key markets for V-GREEN’s international expansion. In a significant milestone, V-GREEN has recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the diversified Prime Group to deploy approximately 100,000 VinFast electric vehicle charging stations across Indonesia within three years, with a projected total investment of up to USD 1.2 billion.

V-GREEN’s charging stations will form the backbone of VinFast’s growing green transportation ecosystem across Southeast Asia. In Indonesia and the Philippines, VinFast has delivered a diverse range of smart, modern electric vehicles, introduced pioneering sales and after-sales policies. By continuously expanding its dealer network, VinFast is committed to providing customers in the region with high-quality vehicles, inclusive pricing and excellent after-sales policy.

Hashtag: #Vingroup

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

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at: .

About eTreego

eTreego is committed to becoming a comprehensive electric vehicle solution provider, contributing to green transportation and sustainable development. The Company specializes in providing charging equipment and management systems for two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial vehicles, supporting green energy initiatives and carbon credit utilization. eTreego has partnered with major players such as Chunghwa Telecom and Far Eas Tone to expand its fast-charging network in shopping malls and restaurants in Taiwan.

Shield AI V-BAT Selected as Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s First Maritime ISR Platform

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shield AI, the defense technology company building an AI-powered autonomy software platform and tools for the world, announced today that its V-BAT unmanned aircraft system (UAS) has been selected by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as the country’s first-ever maritime-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. V-BAT will provide advanced ISR capabilities to JMSDF surface vessels, reinforcing Japan’s defense posture and operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

The V-BAT is the only single-engine, ducted-fan, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS that is operationally deployed across multiple regions globally.
The V-BAT is the only single-engine, ducted-fan, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS that is operationally deployed across multiple regions globally.

This milestone deal represents the beginning of a planned multi-year stream of increasing V-BAT orders to support JMSDF operations. Under the agreement, the JMSDF will acquire multiple V-BAT UAS from Shield AI, enhancing the surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities of its surface vessels.

Japan is a vital ally in the Indo-Pacific and critical to regional deterrence efforts, and this partnership strengthens Japan’s ability to respond effectively to crises and ensures they are equipped with a reliable and proven platform for maritime ISR missions,” said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s President, Co-founder, and former Navy SEAL. “The JMSDF’s selection of V-BAT reflects their understanding of the future of warfare—where operational success requires blending high-cost assets with intelligent, affordable unmanned systems like V-BAT. Every U.S. and allied maritime vessel should be equipped with V-BAT to provide shipborne ISR capabilities wherever and whenever they are needed, and it’s fantastic to be making that vision a reality with JMSDF.”

The V-BAT is the only single-engine, ducted-fan, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS that is operationally deployed across multiple regions globally. With its unique ducted-fan design and the ability to launch and recover in confined spaces, it is ideally suited for shipborne and austere environments, ensuring flexibility and resilience in complex missions. V-BAT has earned its reputation for reliability, operating with impunity even in GPS- and comms-denied environments. Its proven performance in contested regions like Ukraine, the Black Sea, and the Indo-Pacific demonstrates its ability to withstand advanced electronic warfare threats that have grounded many traditional drones.

Delivering the strategic capabilities of much more expensive aircraft, V-BAT excels in missions ranging from ISR to strategic targeting, search-and-rescue, and maritime interdiction. Its versatility and cutting-edge autonomous features make it a critical asset in modern defense operations.

About Shield AI
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its flagship autonomy software, Hivemind, powers aircraft, drones, and other platforms, enabling complex missions with high reliability in contested environments. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and internationally, Shield AI’s products actively support U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.   

Media contact: Lily Hinz, media@shield.ai

 

AIIB Launches Its First Health Strategy to Strengthen the Resilience, Inclusivity and Sustainability of Health Systems

BEIJING, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) launched its inaugural health strategy in December 2024, marking its first comprehensive strategy in social infrastructure and the first health-focused strategy by a multilateral development bank since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The strategy draws on AIIB’s experience financing health projects – 22 projects to date with USD4.87 billion in approved financing – and outlines the direction in which the Bank can develop a niche and create value. It provides a roadmap to address health challenges across members and underscores AIIB’s commitment to social development and inclusion by enabling it to contribute to improved health outcomes in Asia and beyond.

The global pandemic revealed fragilities and inequalities in health systems, emphasizing the need for greater investments in health system resilience and global health security. AIIB’s health strategy provides a framework for financing solutions that strengthen health systems and deliver sustainable outcomes. It links health, infrastructure and economic development, emphasizing the role of infrastructure in underpinning healthy living. The strategy is guided by five principles and outlines six strategic priorities.

AIIB will implement the strategy gradually, leveraging partnerships with multilateral banks, health organizations and private sector actors. A robust monitoring framework will track progress and ensure alignment with strategic priorities, solidifying AIIB’s role in advancing health infrastructure for sustainable development.

ViewSonic Debuts Chromebox OPS and Future-Ready EdTech Solutions at Bett 2025

LONDON, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual and EdTech solutions, unveils its latest innovations at Bett 2025 in London, U.K. Among the highlights are the debut of the Chromebox OPS (Open Pluggable Specification) for interactive displays and the introduction of new Android™ Enterprise Device Licensing Agreement (EDLA)-certified* ViewBoard interactive displays. Designed to streamline educators’ workflows, these cutting-edge offerings foster dynamic and collaborative learning environments for students.

ViewSonic Debuts Chromebox OPS and Future-Ready EdTech Solutions at Bett 2025
ViewSonic Debuts Chromebox OPS and Future-Ready EdTech Solutions at Bett 2025

“With our Chromebox OPS and ViewBoard EDLA solutions, ViewSonic is addressing challenges in modern classrooms by seamlessly integrating our EdTech solutions into educators’ existing Android and Chrome ecosystems,” said Dennis Lin, General Manager of the Presentation Group at ViewSonic. “Our goal is to provide intuitive hardware and software that optimize their workflows, enhance collaboration, and create captivating learning experiences, thereby enabling both teachers and students to excel in today’s dynamic educational environment.” 

Upgrading Interactive Displays with Seamless Google Integration
At Bett 2025, ViewSonic showcases its Chromebox OPS paired with a 75″ 4K OS-free ViewBoard interactive display, designed to elevate classroom technology. Powered by ChromeOS, the Chromebox OPS delivers robust security through automatic updates and enables simplified device management through Google Admin console*. This ensures reliability, scalability, and ease of management, making it an ideal choice for schools seeking top-tier performance.

When paired with the OS-free ViewBoard, the Chromebox OPS transforms the classroom into a smarter, more connected space. Educators can effortlessly access a wide array of teaching tools via the Chrome Web Store and Google Play, enabling them to integrate everything from Chrome browser extensions to Android apps*. These tools empower teachers to create highly engaging, interactive learning experiences that resonate with students.

Advanced ViewBoard EDLA Solutions and Software for Classrooms of the Future
ViewSonic offers a comprehensive portfolio of Android EDLA-certified solutions*, featuring ViewBoard and slot-in PC modules, providing educators with robust tools for enhanced productivity and collaboration while ensuring advanced security. Designed to work seamlessly with popular applications found on Google Play*, these solutions enable educators to streamline lesson planning, enhance class management, and create engaging learning experiences*.

ViewSonic also showcases its upcoming Android EDLA-certified displays at Bett 2025, available in sizes ranging from 65 to 86 inches. Powered by the Android 14 OS, these displays feature enhanced touchscreen technology for an intuitive and responsive user experience*. Advanced split-screen capabilities enable effortless multitasking, while their industry-leading energy-efficient design supports sustainability goals without compromising performance.

Complementing these hardware advancements, ViewSonic is set to release two new software solutions later this year. The latest version of myViewBoard digital whiteboarding software introduces a more user-friendly interface, smarter pen tools, and AI-powered features, enabling educators to create customized and engaging lessons for learners of all levels. Meanwhile, AirSync, a secure screen-sharing solution, enhances collaboration by facilitating seamless content sharing across multiple devices for more interactive and connected learning experiences.

ViewSonic at Bett 2025
ViewSonic’s presence at Bett underscores its commitment to redefining education through a holistic ecosystem that blends state-of-the-art hardware, intuitive software, and expert support. By addressing the needs of modern educators and students, ViewSonic empowers schools to create inclusive, engaging, and sustainable learning environments that inspire success.

Visit ViewSonic at Booth #NK10, ExCel London, from January 22-24, to explore how its Education Ecosystem is shaping the future of education. For more information, visit ViewSonic’s Bett 2025 event page:
https://www.viewsonic.com/uk/bett2025.

*Android, EDLA, Chrome, ChromeOS, Chromebox, Google Play, Google Classroom, Google Drive, and Gmail are trademarks of Google LLC.

About ViewSonic
Founded in 1987 in California, ViewSonic is a leading global visual solutions provider with a presence in over 100 countries. The company leverages over 35 years of expertise in visual technology to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software, content, and services. ViewSonic offers a wide range of products, with screen sizes spanning from 5 inches to a massive 760 inches. This includes interactive displays, large format displays, LED displays, pen displays, monitors, projectors, SaaS, AI services, interactive content, and more. This innovative ecosystem empowers education, workplaces, and individuals to foster creativity, collaboration, and seamless learning. ViewSonic focuses on designing products that deliver optimal performance and customer satisfaction while integrating sustainable production practices and upholding comprehensive environmental, social, and governance standards. The company’s goal is to enable customers to “See the Difference”. Learn more at www.viewsonic.com.

e& is World’s Fastest Growing Brand in the latest Global 500 Brand Report

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — e&, a global technology company, has achieved exceptional brand value growth this year and is ranked by Brand Finance as the “World’s Fastest Growing Brand” in their Global 500 Brand 2025 report released earlier today during World Economic Forum at Davos. This recognition reflects a remarkable eight-fold increase in brand value versus last year, reaching an all-time high brand value of USD15.3 billion for e& as a standalone brand.

e& is World's Fastest Growing Brand in the latest Global 500 Brand Report
e& is World’s Fastest Growing Brand in the latest Global 500 Brand Report

This success is the culmination of a three-year transformation journey, during which e& consolidated its historic “Etisalat” brand under a unified identity.

The significant increase of e&’s brand portfolio and investment value in the 2025 report was driven by growth in investments and portfolio exceeding USD 20 billion, including but not limited to PTCL (Pakistan), Mobily (Saudi Arabia), and the acquisition of a controlling stake (50 per cent plus one economic share) in the service and infrastructure companies of PPF Telecom Group. Furthermore, this growth was strengthened by the integration of the historic Etisalat brand and an organic year-on-year growth for e& of 13 per cent on a consolidated basis. e& also received a Brand Strength Index (BSI) rating of AAA, with a score of 84.6 out of 100.

In addition, e&’s high-profile partnerships, including a 15-year collaboration with Manchester City Football Club and its role as a founding partner of the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, have brought the brand to global audiences, enhancing its visibility and strengthening its position as a leader in innovation and technology.

The brand’s call to ‘Go for More’

The e& brand, introduced as part of the group’s strategic transformation, reflects a forward-looking vision that transcends traditional telecommunications. Though relatively young, it has quickly established itself as a technology powerhouse, housing five distinct business verticals that drive its growth and innovation. Last year’s Brand Finance Global 500 report ranked both the e& and ‘etisalat by e&’ brands, with the latter now fully absorbed into e&, significantly enhancing its position and overall brand portfolio value in the rankings, which soared 700 per cent year-on-year.

Since unveiling its new brand identity in 2022, e& has quickly redefined what it means to deliver value to customers worldwide. Through its inspiring “Go for More” brand positioning, the global technology group highlights a dynamic portfolio that spans connectivity, digital services, entertainment, fintech, and enterprise solutions. Brands like e& UAE, Mobily KSA, and e& PPF Telecom provide cutting-edge connectivity, while platforms such as STARZPLAY, Charge&Go, and e& money simplify and enrich everyday life.

With a focus on empowering individuals, businesses, and communities across 38 countries, e& has built a powerful ecosystem designed to inspire growth, enable innovation, and create opportunities for a brighter, more connected future.

A brand of global significance

e& is also ranked among the Top 10 Most Valuable Telecom Brands globally according to the Global 500 Brand 2025 report. The company has consistently received recognition in its home market, including from Kantar BrandZ, which named it the most valuable brand in the UAE in November 2024.

The Global 500 2025 report again recognised Hatem Dowidar as the “Telecom Guardian of the Year” for the third consecutive year. In the 2025 rankings, he achieved an overall position of 39th and secured the number one spot in the telecom sector.

Contact:
Nancy Sudheer
Senior Manager at e&
nsudheer@eand.com