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Fineline Design Celebrates Qanvast SuperTrust Award Win and Strategic Partnership with Gain City


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2024 – Fineline Design— a renowned name for interior design and renovation—has won its 7th Qanvast SuperTrust Award in 2024, highlighting its commitment to creative and exceptional home solutions. This award reflects the comprehensive services and expertise provided to homeowners in Singapore, transforming their spaces into blissful homes. This interior design company aims to provide unparalleled quality that exceeds customers’ expectations.

Fineline Design wins Qanvast SuperTrust Award for 7 consecutive years (2018–2024).
Fineline Design wins Qanvast SuperTrust Award for 7 consecutive years (2018–2024).

Fineline Design Receives Qanvast SuperTrust Award
With consistent recognition from the Qanvast SuperTrust Award 2017 through 2024, Fineline Design has positioned itself as one of the top interior design companies in Singapore. The SuperTrust recognition, which is awarded to only the top 20% of businesses on Qanvast, speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to delivering top-notch design and renovation services. This honour is based on a thorough evaluation that reviews numerous successful projects, verified reviews, and client ratings.

Meeting Rigorous Criteria
Fineline Design proved its expertise by meeting the key criteria set by Qanvast—being featured in the top 20% ranking and 10 verified reviews on the platform—and qualified for the Qanvast SuperTrust award. The company also successfully completed more than $1 million worth of projects in 2024, demonstrating its excellent performance and satisfied clients.

Commitment to Excellence
The Qanvast SuperTrust award shows Fineline Design’s unwavering dedication to quality and innovation. This award further strengthened the company’s reputation as a reliable name in interior design, highlighting its ability to continuously meet and exceed industry standards. Fineline has established itself as a leader in the competitive interior design and renovation market with its efforts to offer premium home solutions and prioritise its client’s needs on top.

Partnership with Gain City
Alongside the recent award, Fineline Design has established a strategic partnership with Gain City, one of Singapore’s leading suppliers of electronics and installation services. Through this partnership, Fineline Design will be able to demonstrate its interior design skills in Gain City’s Sungei Kadut showroom, providing homeowners easy access to home appliances and remodelling services.

As a part of this collaboration, Fineline Design has renovated its store and is actively engaged in organising Gain City’s New Homeowner Fiesta. During this event, customers who sign up for renovation services will have access to exclusive offers, such as enhanced chances to win prizes in Fineline’s Annual Grand Lucky Draw.

Enhancing Customer Experience
With Gain City, Fineline Design aims to combine the strengths of both businesses to make the customer experience worthwhile. By offering a comprehensive range of home improvement options in a single location, Fineline Design seeks to simplify the renovation process for homeowners. The company is dedicated to giving customers exceptional value and service through tailored consultations and exclusive offers.

Receiving the Qanvast SuperTrust Award for the seventh time is a tremendous honour for our team at Fineline Design. This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality interior design solutions that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations. We are grateful to our clients for their trust and support, which drives us to continuously innovate and elevate the standards of our services.” said Wayne Tan, Director of Fineline Design.Hashtag: #finelinedesign

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

About Fineline Design Pte Ltd

Fineline Design is a name of trust, quality, and innovation. This interior design company brings excellence to your home, exceeding your expectations. The company has years of experience in personalised home solutions that meet the diverse needs of customers. It has earned a stellar reputation for excellence by continuously producing top-notch designs and ensuring client satisfaction. Fineline Design is the preferred choice for homeowners looking for unique interior design services, which blend creativity and functionality.

Alibaba Cloud Named a Leader in Public Cloud Platforms Report

Ranked the 2nd highest among nine global vendors evaluated by top global research firm in current offering and strategy categories


HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2024 – Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, has been recently named a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Public Cloud Platforms Q4 2024 report. Alibaba Cloud believes this designation recognizes its depth of its cloud and AI offerings and strategy, its significant global presence, as well as the ability to provide its global customers with a wide range of products and services. This is the first time Alibaba Cloud has been recognized as a Leader among other significant public cloud platform providers in this report.

Alibaba Cloud is named one of four leaders among nine global vendors evaluated in Forrester’s report, with the 2nd highest scores in the current offering and strategy categories. The report states that Alibaba Cloud showed its capacity for AI innovation with homegrown AI models, breadth of foundation model choices and model-as-a-service (MaaS) innovation. The report also states that the core infrastructure and model-as-a-service capabilities enable Alibaba Cloud to provide a major model repository for AI across China.

“Alibaba has upped the ante on serverless beyond AI, packaging its powerful cloud-native infrastructure into more accessible offerings for both developers and operators, with data and analytics as a stand out,” said Forrester in the report. “Alibaba is a good fit for Chinese-based enterprises or international corporations requiring cloud scale across APAC and parts of Africa, Europe, and Latin America,” the report added.

The Forrester report is a 30-criterion evaluation of the nine most significant public cloud platform providers. Each provider is evaluated on the strengths of their current offerings, strategy and market presence. Alibaba Cloud has achieved the highest possible assessment score (5.0 out of 5.0) in 17 criteria, including database, data integration and governance services, container and Kubernetes services, serverless/FaaS services, compute, IoT, storage services as well as AI development services.

“Expanding our cloud-native infrastructure and AI capabilities in the public cloud space to better support our clients is a top priority. We are honored to be recognized by Forrester for our efforts in this critical area,” said Jingren Zhou, Chief Technology Officer of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. “To address the increasing demands of AI, we are dedicated to continuously enhancing our ability to provide accessible, scalable, and reliable cloud products and AI applications to our customers.”

At Apsara Conference 2024, Alibaba Cloud’s annual flagship event hosted in September, Alibaba Cloud unveiled a revamped full-stack infrastructure designed to meet the growing demands for robust AI computing. It also released over 100 of its newly-launched large language models, Qwen 2.5, to the global open-source community. Qwen, Alibaba Cloud’s proprietary large language model, has seen significant adoption since its introduction in April 2023. The Qwen models have been downloaded over 40 million times on open-source platforms such as Hugging Face and ModelScope, and have inspired the creation of more than 78,000 derivative models.

As a creator of the MaaS concept and an advocate of open source, Alibaba Cloud also build ModelScope, China’s biggest AI model community. It hosts over 10,000 models and serves more than 8 million developers.

On the global presence, Alibaba Cloud continues to expanding its global reach, currently operating 85 data centers in 28 regions globally. In May 2024, Alibaba Cloud announced its plan to launch its first cloud region in Mexico, and to establish additional data centers in its key markets including Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and South Korea in the next three years.
Hashtag: #alibaba

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

About Alibaba Cloud

Established in 2009, Alibaba Cloud (www.alibabacloud.com) is the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group. It offers a complete suite of cloud services to customers worldwide, including elastic computing, database, storage, network virtualization services, large-scale computing, security, big data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) services. Alibaba has been named the leading IaaS provider in Asia Pacific by revenue in U.S. dollars since 2018, according to Gartner. It has also maintained its position as one of the world’s leading public cloud IaaS service providers since 2018, according to IDC.

Nikkei Forum Medini, Johor 2025 To Showcase Johor’s Strategic Investment Opportunities For Japanese Businesses

Exploring Asia’s Future Focusing on Technology, Business Growth and Strategic Partnerships for Japanese Companies in Southeast Asia


TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2024 – Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), Nikkei Inc. and Nikkei Business Publication (Nikkei BP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly host the Nikkei Forum 2025 in Medini, Johor, Malaysia, in June 2025. This landmark event will bring together over 500 leaders from business, and government across Asia to exchange ideas, foster collaborations, and discuss key issues shaping the region’s future. With themes such as digital transformation, sustainable development, and emerging technologies, the forum provides a platform for cultivating partnerships in Southeast Asia.

(From Left to Right) En Haris Hardi Zakaria, Chief Investment Officer (IIB), En Anwar Udzir, Deputy Chief of Mission Malaysia to Japan, Dato' Idzham Mohd Hashim, President/ Chief Executive Officer (IIB), Mr Daisuke Arakawa, Managing Director of Nikkei Inc, YB Tuan Lee Ting Han, Chairman of Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee, Mr Naoki Asami, Senior Managing Director of Nikkei Publications
(From Left to Right) En Haris Hardi Zakaria, Chief Investment Officer (IIB), En Anwar Udzir, Deputy Chief of Mission Malaysia to Japan, Dato’ Idzham Mohd Hashim, President/ Chief Executive Officer (IIB), Mr Daisuke Arakawa, Managing Director of Nikkei Inc, YB Tuan Lee Ting Han, Chairman of Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee, Mr Naoki Asami, Senior Managing Director of Nikkei Publications

As the strategic and catalytic developer of Medini, Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) plays a key role in driving growth and innovation in the region. Medini, situated 30 kilometres from Singapore, is a rapidly developing urban centre known for its focus on technology, sustainability, and connectivity. Projects like Tech Medini, which emphasise artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotics, reflect IIB’s commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem for businesses. Medini’s strategic location near Singapore, along with its support for cross-border economic activity, makes it an ideal destination for businesses seeking opportunities in Southeast Asia’s expanding markets. This collaboration with Nikkei builds on a long history of successful partnerships between Japan and Malaysia, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, and electronics.

Dato’ Idzham Mohd Hashim, President/CEO of Iskandar Investment Berhad, emphasised the significance of the forum, “Nikkei Forum Medini, Johor 2025 is a golden opportunity to present Johor’s dynamic investment landscape to the world and position Johor as a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) hub for investment and business development in Asian markets. Through our collaboration with Nikkei Inc. and Nikkei BP, we aim to strengthen the ties between Japan and Malaysia, focusing on technology, innovation, and sustainable development. This forum will act as a catalyst for Japanese businesses to explore new opportunities, form strategic partnerships, and drive economic growth across the region.”

The partnership between IIB, Nikkei Inc. and Nikkei BP demonstrate their shared vision of facilitating meaningful exchanges that benefit businesses across Asia. Building upon the strong historical ties between Japan and Malaysia, which have seen successful collaborations in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, and electronics, this partnership aims to deepen engagement in areas critical to the future of both nations. For Nikkei Inc. and Nikkei BP bringing the forum to Medini is an opportunity to expand its reach in Southeast Asia while contributing to discussions on topics critical to the region’s future. The forum will focus on emerging trends in technology and sustainability, providing insights for companies looking to navigate these transformative areas.

Since its inception in 1999, the Nikkei Forum has become a cornerstone of thought leadership in Asia, bringing together global leaders to tackle pressing challenges and uncover new opportunities. Hosting the forum in Medini underlines its growing prominence as a hub for innovation and investment.

The 2025 forum will explore key areas such as digital transformation, sustainable development, and advancements in technology, aligning with the evolving priorities of businesses and policymakers in Asia. Through this collaboration, IIB, Nikkei Inc. and Nikkei BP aim to foster a deeper understanding of the region’s opportunities while promoting lasting partnerships that drive shared growth.

Partnering with IIB allows Nikkei Inc. and Nikkei BP to fulfil its mission of connecting leaders across Asia by leveraging Medini’s strengths in innovation, sustainability, and connectivity. Together, they are creating an ideal environment for meaningful exchanges and impactful collaborations that will shape the future of the region.

Hashtag: #IskandarInvestmentBerhad #NikkeiForumAsia #NikkeiInc #NikkeiBP #Investment #Medini



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

About Iskandar Investment Berhad

Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) is a Catalyst of Change and a key player in Iskandar Malaysia’s transformation into a regional metropolis of international standing. Incorporated in November 2006, IIB is tasked to ensure that Iskandar Malaysia continues its successful trajectory into an attractive investment destination in Southeast Asia and a vibrant, liveable region of Malaysia via catalytic projects. IIB focuses on the development of Iskandar Puteri in the education, technology, ESG, tourism, entertainment, and health and wellness sectors. IIB’s impactful accomplishments include the successful joint ventures and investment partnerships in EduCity, LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort, Iskandar Puteri, Medini and other infrastructure projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan in Iskandar Malaysia. IIB is committed to steering economic and environmentally sustainable growth in Iskandar Malaysia and ensuring inclusive developments for local Iskandarians through employment and income opportunities.

Southco Introduces New Squeeze Handle With Multi-point Latching Support


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2024 – Southco’s new AC-50 Squeeze Handle Actuator features a dual cable pull system, enabling greater freedom in actuator positioning and secure multi-point latching on larger panels. This gives end users an ergonomic operating experience without compromising security.

AC-50 Squeeze Handle Actuator
AC-50 Squeeze Handle Actuator

As panels get larger, they become more difficult to secure. Multi-point latching is an effective solution to this problem, since multiple rotary latches can apply consistent force across the entire panel, preventing warping and leakage. However, it usually comes with complications since the latches need to be attached to an actuator by a single cable pull. This either limits where designers can place their actuator, or adds additional hardware to a design.

Southco’s AC-50 Multi-Point Squeeze Handle solves these issues with integrated symmetrical conduit cable mounting brackets and aluminum die cast levers for high pre-loads which pair with cable barrel fittings that eliminate the need for additional cable clips. Designers can freely mount this actuator on their application and use the two cables supported by it to actuate a multi-point latching system across the entire panel with minimal additional hardware. The actuator mounts to tubular structures or round surfaces, with thru hole surface mounting.

Versatility, ergonomics, and durability make the Southco AC-50 Squeeze Handle Actuator an ideal solution for large panels where security is paramount. For more information about the AC-50 Squeeze Handle Actuator, visit www.southco.com/AC-Actuactors or email the 24/7 customer service department at info@southco.com.

Hashtag: #southco #latchingsolutions #multiple #touchpoint

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

About Southco

Southco, Inc. is the leading global designer and manufacturer of engineered access solutions. From quality and performance to aesthetics and ergonomics, we understand that first impressions are lasting impressions in product design. For over 70 years, Southco has helped the world’s most recognized brands create value for their customers with innovative access solutions designed to enhance the touch points of their products in transportation and industrial applications, medical equipment, data centers and more. With unrivalled engineering resources, innovative products and a dedicated global team, Southco delivers the broadest portfolio of premium access solutions available to equipment designers throughout the world.

The Story of Centenary Hotel Central Book Launch & Documentary Screening


MACAO SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2024 – On December 4, 2024, the “Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Macao’s Return to the Motherland: The Story of Centenary Hotel Central Book Launch & Documentary Screening” event, organized by Lek Hang Group and supported by the Macao Government Tourism Office and the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, was held at Bona International Cineplex in Macau. Lek Hang Group Chairman, Sio Chong Meng, announced that the book and documentary, “The Story of Centenary Hotel Central”, were born out of the revitalization project of the Hotel Central.

The new book The Story of Centenary Hotel Central tells the history of Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and Hotel Central over the past century
The new book The Story of Centenary Hotel Central tells the history of Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and Hotel Central over the past century

The launch ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Xu Dong jie, Chief of the Division of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Wu Zhi liang, President of the Macau Foundation; Mr. Sio Chong Meng and his wife; Mr. Cheng Wai Tong , Deputy Directors of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr. Choi Kin Long, Acting Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau; Mr. Leung Antonio, Director-general of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau Economic Activities Development Department; Ms. Wong Un Han, Director of the Department Administrative Support of the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM); Mr. Ma Chi Ngai, President’s representative of Macao Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Jia Tianbing, President of the Macau Association of Banks and President of Bank of China Macau Branch; Mr. Ieng Weng Fat, author of “The Story of Centenary Hotel Central,” and Mr. Wang Libing, director of the documentary. During the ceremony, Sio Chong Meng presented books to representatives of the University of Macau, Macau University of Science and Technology, City University of Macau, Macau University of Tourism, University of Saint Joseph of Macau and Macao Public Library.

Lek Hang Group Chairman Sio Chong Meng donated books to representatives of the Macau Public Library and libraries of several University institutes
Lek Hang Group Chairman Sio Chong Meng donated books to representatives of the Macau Public Library and libraries of several University institutes

In his address, Sio Chong Meng explained that Lek Hang Group’s commitment to revitalizing Hotel Central extends beyond its prime location; it is also a tribute to the hotel’s historical significance. He stressed the value of history, noting that Hotel Central not only records its own story but also mirrors the transformations along Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro for over a century since its establishment in 1918.

Guests of honor officiate the launching ceremony
Guests of honor officiate the launching ceremony

Acknowledging the challenges and risks of the revitalization project, the Group decided to document the entire renovation process, along with the century-long history of Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and Hotel Central, resulting in the documentary “The Story of Centenary Hotel Central.” This initiative aims to preserve and share the historical narratives of the district with the public.

Sio Chong Meng revealed that the book project originated during the initial planning phase of the revitalization, with the intention of creating a “Historical Cultural Corridor” on the hotel’s ground floor. However, significant gaps in historical materials led the Group to invited Professor leng Weng Fat, a historian from Macau, to conduct research and gather evidence.

Through Professor leng’s in-depth exploration, a wealth of previously unknown historical materials and stories related to Hotel Central was uncovered. To meticulously present the development history of Macau’s historical district, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and Hotel Central, he and the book’s author decided to document this history.

The book “The Story of Centenary Hotel Central” spans nearly 300,000 words and features approximately 400 illustrations. It provides insights into the development of Macau’s tourism and gaming industries through the lens of Hotel Central, narrating the early 20th-century efforts to build a tourism and entertainment city. The book also explores Macau’s journey through challenges, starting from a century ago, to guide readers through social changes and the lives of its people over the past hundred years.

Accompanying the book’s launch, the documentary “The Story of Centenary Hotel Central” vividly recounts the hotel’s historical value and revitalization process through rich archival footage and beautiful reenactments, featuring key officials and respected figures from the Macau SAR government. It highlights the dedication of those working to preserve Macau’s historical district.

The book “The Story of Centenary Hotel Central” is now available at various bookstores in Macau, including Livraria Uma, Seng Kwong Bookstore, Pin-to Livros, Wan Tat Bookstore and Plaza Cultural Macau. Additionally, the documentary is also available for free viewing in Hotel Central’s guest rooms, with future screenings planned in mainland China and Hong Kong-Macau.
Hashtag: #Macao #Hotel #HotelCentral #LekHangGroup #Travel #Heritage

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

About Lek Hang Group

Established in 1991, Lek Hang Group has become a pillar of Macau’s business landscape, adhering to a philosophy of “Diligence and Focus, Grounded in action” and growing alongside the region. Over three decades, the group has diversified into real estate, construction, hotel management, dining, mall operations, and advertising planning, all while actively engaging in corporate social responsibilities. These efforts include revitalizing old districts and contributing to the community, reflecting the group’s commitment to long-term strategic planning and the stable development of its businesses.

Gold’s road to $3,000: expert analysis by global broker Octa


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2024 – Gold has been valued for its stability when the financial fires are raging. That stable nature was underscored in 2024 when its price shot upward, gaining over $700 per ounce. This amounted to a 34% increase since January. The vibrant price increase has gotten traders and investors all jazzed up again about gold, with the most pressing question among them being: could gold exceed the $3,000 price point by 2025? Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, delves into the topic.

Octa

Inflation, interest rates, and geopolitics
Inflation and interest rates influence gold prices. When inflation soars, investors tend to buy gold to protect their purchasing power. They view it as a much safer investment than stocks or bonds because stocks are prone to sudden price drops, and bonds can lose value when interest rates rise due to high inflation. Historically, though, when real interest rates (which are inflation-adjusted) have declined, gold has just soared. As some would say, ‘There is no better buy’.

By 2024, the percentage of overall reserves held in gold by central banks had reached 10%, a significant climb from the 3% level recorded just 10 years earlier. Although we are still in an era where most reserve currencies are fiat (for example, paper with little intrinsic value), an increasing number of central banks seem to believe that holding gold adds an element of prudence to their reserve diversification strategy. Emerging economies, especially in Asia, are seeing their central banks take on an increasingly important role in the gold market. China (which now holds 5% of its reserves in gold), along with India, has emerged as one of the preeminent buyers of gold.

Moreover, the central banks of the emerging economies have, since 2022, stepped up their pace of gold buying. The catalyst for this last development was the unprecedented freezing of Russian assets, which prompted multiple nations to reconsider the makeup of their reserves.

Octa

Furthermore, the global shift towards a more sustainable economy, including investment in renewable energy and green technologies, is driving limited demand for certain commodities, such as precious metals that include gold. Gold plays an important role in clean energy technologies, including solar panels and electronics for energy-efficient systems. This increased demand for technological gold is exacerbated by growing concerns about the lack of resources necessary for the green transition.

Moreover, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty further underscore the attractiveness of gold as a safe asset, attracting investors seeking relief amid rapid changes in global markets. The Ukraine conflict, strained US-China relations, and unrest in the Middle East have sent investors scurrying to safe-haven assets. And when it comes to safe havens, gold is a time-tested destination. Its record of price stability in an unstable world at present stands in stark contrast to the behaviour of the stock market and other assets. An instance of this is China’s recent accumulation of gold, which now makes up 5% of its foreign exchange reserves. This is yet another sign of a shift towards resilience in a global economy fraught with uncertainty.

Technical analysis: key levels to watch
According to the technical analysis, the asset’s price is still in the uptrend, even on a high timeframe. The long-term bullish trend also hasn’t changed for a bearish one. The $3,000 target, which aligns with the 4.236 Fibonacci extension level, is pretty real. However, this level may be too ambitious for the moment of publication.

Octa

Prospects for 2025 – factors shaping gold’s future
According to the Chief Economists’ Survey from the World Economic Forum, economists are uncertain about global economic stability. 54% of respondents forecast a steady outlook and 37% project further deterioration. Future fiscal policies targeting climate adaptation, a shifting demographic landscape, and ramped-up defence spending are set to push inflation upwards. All these look to gold as an inflation hedge​; however, it’s not just private investors: central banks are in on the gold thing, too. They are expected to keep topping up their gold reserves and, in the face of all these other demands, are likely to maintain long-term demand.

So will gold hit the $3,000-per-ounce price in 2025? The scenario seems very possible. However, for the asset’s price to reach a rather ambitious target, favourable market conditions are required. They include both macroeconomic and geopolitical factors. For example, the re-election of Donald Trump introduces additional variables into the equation. Trump’s geopolitical stance, particularly regarding global trade and conflict resolution, could influence investor sentiment and safe-haven demand. If his promises regarding the resolution of numerous conflicts are fulfilled, investors may partially abandon safe-haven assets for the riskier ones.
Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Key risk trends for Directors and Officers in 2025: insolvencies, geopolitical tension and “AI washing”: Allianz

  • Increasing global insolvency levels heighten risks for executives.
  • The febrile geopolitical landscape poses liability challenges for global corporations caught up in world events.
  • “AI washing” is an emerging risk trend, leading to securities class action lawsuits.
  • D&O market remains competitive but a step up in scrutiny of corporate conduct around the globe means loss potential is still high.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2024 – Directors and Officers (D&Os) have been operating in a highly complex environment throughout 2024, and further volatility can be expected during 2025. Executives face multiple exposures in an increasingly interconnected business world, confronted with risks arising from business insolvencies, geopolitical upheaval, climate change, digital transformation, economic uncertainty, shifts in public opinion, and an evolving legal landscape. These are the latest key risk trends in the D&O insurance space, as identified by Allianz Commercial’s annual Directors and Officers Insurance Insights report.

“The D&O insurance market has remained competitive for buyers over the past year, but loss potential is still high,” says Vanessa Maxwell, Chief Underwriting Officer, Allianz Commercial. “The global rise in business insolvencies is a particular focus of concern, with companies and leaders exposed to potential claims from lenders seeking to recover funds, or from shareholders who allege breach of fiduciary duty. At the same time, the litigation landscape and enforcement are increasingly stringent, and we are seeing regulatory bodies across the globe step up scrutiny of corporate conduct, making D&Os more vulnerable to investigations, penalties and lawsuits.”

Insolvencies as an emerging D&O risk
Global business insolvencies for 2024 are expected to rise by +11%, and countries accounting for more than half of global GDP will be hit by double-digit insolvency increases in 2024, according to Allianz Trade. Major insolvencies already increased by +26% year-on-year for the first three quarters of 2024 (344 cases). Western Europe leads the global count with 195 cases, a reflection of the region’s current economic instability, followed by Asia-Pacific (67 cases) and North America (66 cases). Rising bankruptcies typically lead to an increase in D&O claims, so this trend is a reminder to business leaders of the need to respond and adapt to the challenging environment.

“Many companies have faced higher interest expenses, inflationary pressures, and macro- and microeconomic headwinds that have impacted their business and resulted in a struggle to service their debt load,” says Dan Holloway, Head of Global Management Liability Commercial at Allianz Commercial. “Some sectors are particularly exposed, including real estate, construction, hospitality, tourism, and businesses in ‘consumer discretionary’, or non-essential purchases.”

Turbulent geopolitical environment and stringent litigation landscape
With war in Ukraine and the Middle East, the geopolitical landscape presents liability challenges to businesses as they find themselves caught up in world events with potentially significant consequences for their operations. Upheaval can lead to supply chain disruption, business interruption, and legal and regulatory scrutiny. Companies can face scrutiny for non-compliance with international sanctions, or for failing to adequately manage risks related to politically unstable regions. D&Os can be held accountable for misjudging the impact of geopolitical developments on their company’s operations, leading to shareholder lawsuits or regulatory penalties. At the same time, the litigation landscape and enforcement are increasingly stringent, with securities class actions proliferating not only in the US, but also in Europe (+10% year-on-year) and Australia (+43%).

“D&Os need to update their knowledge around geopolitical and regulatory changes more regularly than ever before,” says Jarrod Schlesinger, Global Head of Financial Lines and Cyber at Allianz Commercial. “A once-a-year review is no longer sufficient in the volatile era businesses are now operating in. These trends are driving the need for D&O policies that are responsive to multi-jurisdictional risks and can provide local coverage for legal defense costs, settlements and other liabilities.”

“AI washing” – the new “greenwashing”?
The transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) is huge, but it also means companies must adapt quickly to potential exposures around disclosure, regulation, shareholder scrutiny and litigation. AI-related litigation is increasing and exaggerated claims about firms’ technological capabilities – a trend known as “AI washing” – could lead to securities class action lawsuits and enforcement actions. Class action lawsuits have already been filed in the US, but the risk extends beyond North America, as any company that has its stock listed on a US exchange is subject to US securities law.

Third-party litigation funding a growing exposure
The global litigation funding industry is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years –by almost 10% CAGR up to 2028 – widening access to justice, but also potentially driving up the number of class actions and settlement costs and damages, as also highlighted in Allianz Commercial’s Five Liability Loss Trends To Watch report. And it is not only confined to the US – third-party litigation funding is also established in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, and Australia.

“D&Os will face increasing scrutiny from third parties ready to jump on cases and fund them. Claims are likely to become more complex because of funders’ aggressive litigation strategies and the experts they can afford to hire,” says Schlesinger. “Plaintiffs with little to lose financially could be tempted to make baseless claims. Even if the case doesn’t have legs, directors still have to defend it.”

Challenges persist in Asia D&O market
The price-driven Asia D&O market has experienced a drop in overall premium rates during 2024, due to factors including high competition from an abundance of capacity globally, and challenging economic environments resulting in some clients reducing limits purchased to save costs.

“We foresee the overall market size for D&O in 2025 will continue to retract, driven by rate erosion, smaller limits being purchased by customers, and very limited new opportunities given slow capital market activities. Despite this, D&O insurance remains crucial for companies due to the multiple exposures executives face, and as loss potential increases with higher severity for claims being resolved,” says Danielle An, Regional Practice Leader, Management Liability Commercial, Asia, at Allianz Commercial.

Hashtag: #Allianz


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

About Allianz Commercial

Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world’s largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry as well as family-owned and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions. Powered by the employees, , and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, , we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us to provide a wide range of traditional and risk transfer solutions, outstanding and services, as well as seamless handling. The trade name Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2023, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated more than €18 billion gross premium globally.

Chinese Tycoon Ren Li Honored As Responsible Business Leader At Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2024

Letright Corporation Founder recognized for his commitment to sustainable practices, ethical integrity, and impactful leadership.


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2024 – Ren Li, the visionary founder of Letright Corporation, was awarded the Responsible Business Leader title at the prestigious ACES Awards 2024. His recognition highlights his pioneering efforts in integrating sustainability into business operations and his unwavering commitment to ethical governance and community welfare.

Ren Li, Founder of Letright Corporation (centre), was honoured as the Responsible Business Leader at the prestigious ACES Awards 2024 held recently in Bangkok, Thailand. The award was presented on stage by Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of the ACES Awards (left), and Hemant Batra, Honorary Chairman of the ACES Council (right)
Ren Li, Founder of Letright Corporation (centre), was honoured as the Responsible Business Leader at the prestigious ACES Awards 2024 held recently in Bangkok, Thailand. The award was presented on stage by Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of the ACES Awards (left), and Hemant Batra, Honorary Chairman of the ACES Council (right)

The award ceremony, held on November 14, celebrated leaders who exemplify sustainable practices and ethical integrity. Ren Li’s journey began in 1999 when he founded Letright Corporation, tapping into China’s burgeoning furniture market. His commitment to sustainability was evident as early as 2001 when he ceased the production of wooden patio umbrellas, driven by a sense of responsibility and love for the planet, rather than external pressures. Letright embraced these values even before the Paris Agreement in 2015.

Under Ren Li’s leadership, Letright has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. In 2001, Letright revolutionized the industry by mass-producing solar lights, laying a strong foundation in photovoltaic technology. By 2007, the introduction of Polywood, a wood-effect material, further reduced wood usage, balancing sustainability with business success. In 2016, Letright adopted eco-friendly technology to create wood-effect finishes on non-wood outdoor furniture, satisfying consumer demand while expanding market share.

In his acceptance speech, Ren Li expressed gratitude to his team at Letright Industrial Corp., Ltd., and his family, especially his daughter, for their unwavering support. He also acknowledged the ACES platform for fostering a community of leaders dedicated to sustainable development.

Ren Li highlighted Letright’s innovations, such as the Solaryard Smart Pergola launched in 2023, which is pivotal in enriching outdoor living while contributing substantially to sustainable development. This groundbreaking product addresses outdoor challenges and transforms spaces into vibrant, energy-efficient environments. He noted that the market for smart pergolas is projected to exceed 100 million units over the next decade, potentially generating 200 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and significantly reducing global carbon emissions.

He concluded by reaffirming his belief that businesses have a responsibility to drive economic progress while protecting the planet and communities. He urged entrepreneurs to embrace sustainability as a necessity for creating a future where people and nature thrive together. “Thank you all for your support and belief that business can and should be a force for good. Let us continue to lead with purpose, inspire others, and create brighter, sustainable solutions for the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can reshape the future of global business and the environment,” Ren Li stated.
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About Letright Corporation

Founded in 1999 by Ren Li, Letright is a fully integrated outdoor furniture company offering comprehensive solutions in design, R&D, manufacturing, and sales. The company holds over 1,000 product patents and has received numerous international design awards, including IF and Red Dot. With a presence in over 70 countries, Letright has established strategic partnerships with major retailers worldwide, known for its exceptional product design and market insights.

Committed to becoming a global leader in outdoor living through innovation and sustainability, Letright has embraced eco-friendly materials and technologies, moving away from solid wood to sustainable alternatives. In 2023, Letright launched the Solaryard Smart Pergola, a revolutionary product enabling year-round outdoor enjoyment with negative carbon emissions. This dedication to excellence and environmental stewardship is encapsulated in its mission: “Better outdoor living, happier human beings.”