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AIA Singapore launches first corporate-led internship programme to empower the next generation in today’s evolving economy

The 6-week programme is part of the insurer’s continued talent acquisition strategy and efforts to address Gen Zs’ demand for job flexibility and a meaningful career


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2024 – AIA Singapore today announced the launch of the AIA Internship 2024, the insurer’s first internship programme led by its corporate arm. This exciting 6-week programme will offer students from various institutes of higher learnings an immersive experience and distinctive blend of distribution and corporate exposure, providing them valuable insights and practical skills that are essential in the financial services industry.

Specifically, these interns will gain:

  • Deep industry insights: Learn from experienced professionals and get a comprehensive understanding of the life insurance landscape, and AIA Singapore’s role as a market leader.
  • Dual-track experience: Engage with financial services directors and managers from distribution to gain insights to financial planning through observations learning.
  • Skills and certification: Earn recognised certifications (including CMFAS licenses) and enhance financial literacy and personal development skills.
  • Mentorship and networking: Receive guidance from dedicated industry professionals and build meaningful connections with peers, directors and managers from distribution and AIA executives through fireside chats and events.

Mr Alvin Fu, Chief Distribution Officer of AIA Singapore, said, “Young Singaporeans are seeking meaningful careers with purpose and flexibility. This programme addresses their needs by providing valuable skills, mentorship, and a chance to explore a fulfilling career in financial services. We’re committed to supporting the younger generation and empowering them to thrive in this evolving economy.”

Participants of the AIA Internship 2024 will be introduced to the insurance industry, learn how AIA’s digital assets increase advisors’ productivity, and be mentored by a financial services manager. Interns will also be involved in AIA’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities such as tree planting as well as participate in a fun-filled AIA Vitality telematch. Beyond a monthly internship allowance, top performers will be recognised with rewards and a letter of recommendation from AIA.

Interested participants can sign up via aia.com.sg/internship.
Hashtag: #AIA

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

AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets –wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR3, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR4, and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$276 billion as of 30 June 2023.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 41 million individual policies and 17 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.

Shopee’s 2024 Fashion Show, ‘Raya Stail Kita’ Celebrates Malaysia’s Golden Age of Culture


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2024 – Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, yesterday, unveiled its #ShopeeRaiLokal Raya Stail Kita fashion show on Shopee Live, to inspire Malaysians nationwide to dress well and buy local. Themed ‘Tarakucha Retro’, Shopee collaborated with long-term sellers, celebrities, and influencers to style Malaysians for three 2024 trends this Raya: kek lapis, burnt orange, and nostalgia with a twist.

The 3 Looks presented at #ShopeeRaiLokal Raya Stail Kita. (From left) The Kek Lapis Trend, Burnt Orange Trend, Nostalgia Balik Kampung Trend
The 3 Looks presented at #ShopeeRaiLokal Raya Stail Kita. (From left) The Kek Lapis Trend, Burnt Orange Trend, Nostalgia Balik Kampung Trend

“This fashion show is a love letter to the golden days of P. Ramlee and Saloma,” said Shopee Head of Marketing, Kenneth Soh. “By design, fashion and beauty on Shopee are deliberately wholesome and inclusive for all Malaysians who need to balik kampung, pay respects to their elders, and attend Raya celebrations all over the country with dignity. With Raya Stail Kita, Malaysians can now dress with style and support their local sellers.”

A departure from run-of-the-mill fashion shows, Shopee’s runway slowed down the models’ catwalks to teach audiences nationwide how different garments could be styled from a variety of brands for each look to coordinate with their whole families.

Ten Shopee muslim fashion sellers, namely Asikin Ahmad, Liyana Collection, Adnaa, Indah Pesona, Hernes, Inhanna, Zoe Arissa, Panda Eyes, Bayu Somerset, and Mikaseries by Zoey Rahman. Habib Jewels joined forces in the spirit of gotong-royong to sponsor outfits and accessories to complete the looks.

Sponsoring brands lending their generosity to the event included beauty and skincare names such as Y.O.U, Simply Siti, Silky Girl, Wardah, Papa Feel, Mikaseries, lemooc, Emina, Dazzle Me, Barren Bliss, Alha Alfa, and AISASEA.

Body positive model Hikma Al Hassan headlined Shopee’s inclusive and affordable looks that were curated based on how Malaysians are shopping for their Baju Raya online. With its first look, Kek Lapis, Shopee called for Malaysians to experiment with unconventional layering of colors, prints, and textures. As popularized by Intan Najuwa at her wedding recently, Shopee then presented various ways to dress Burnt Orange this season for both men and women of various skin tones. The final look, Nostalgia Balik Kampung, encapsulated a rich tapestry of traditional and retro styles familiar to every Malaysian.

Kiffy Razak, Managing Editor of NONA, Hijabista, and Mingguan Wanita, gave her styling advice on how Malaysians could tap into popular trends and dress up these looks: “Incorporating a dash of kek lapis color blocking, lively yet chic orange or nostalgia in one’s ensemble while integrating a bit of glam and a classic touch to perfect the look will provide an excellent nod to Raya trends this year. More importantly, it’s about interpreting and styling it in a way that reflects your best and true self as well as respecting values and cherished traditions you hold dear in celebration of Eid.”

Shopee is dedicated to offering a diverse and wholesome range of fashion choices for the whole family. Dato’ Jovian Mandagie, a Fashion Designer who also has Shopee Celebrity Squad store on Shopee, echoes this sentiment with his expert take: “Aidilfitri is a celebration of love and victory over Ramadan, whether you’re at a kampung house or a city ballroom. Dress comfortably with modesty in mind. Avoid overdressing that will lead you looking like a Christmas Tree. When choosing baju Raya, prioritize comfort, and only follow trends if they suit your personality.”

Fellow Shopee Celebrity Squad, Zoey Rahman, Malaysian Actor and Founder of Mikaseries, gave his take on how to do Raya 2024: “I prefer classic Baju Melayu featuring a cekak musang collar and concealed buttons. I will style with instant sampin that can be ready within 2 minutes to complete the look. I like this outfit idea because it is classic suitable for Raya morning.”

Raya Stail Kita study* covering Malaysian shoppers on the platform revealed that over 9 in 10 surveyed are driven to shop by coordinating looks with their whole family this Raya. Five in ten embrace the layer cake Raya trend, four in ten buy retro outfits and the remainder search burnt orange. This fashion show is the third chapter in #ShopeeRaiLokal, an episodic content platform to feature local sellers who build communities**.

This Raya season, shop worry-free with Shopee as our new Change of Mind 15-Days Free Returns feature will make your shopping experience a pleasant and peaceful one. From 19 March 2024 onwards, you can return a product for a full refund, within the 15-Day Shopee Guarantee period.

Visit Raya Stail Kita microsite at https://shopee.com.my/m/raya-stail-kita and the Ramadan Bersama Shopee campaign microsite at https://shopee.com.my/m/ramadan-sale#SLM1
Hashtag: #Shopee #ShopeeMY #ShopeeMalaysia #ShopeeRaiLokal #RayaStailKita #ShopeeRayaStailKita #ShopeeRamadanRaya #RamadanBersamaShopee

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

Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee promotes an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem by enabling businesses to digitalise and grow their online presence, helping more people access and benefit from digital services, and uplifting local communities.

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping homegrown brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is part of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), a leading global consumer internet company. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology through its three core businesses: Shopee, Garena and SeaMoney.

Strengthening Bonds: Saudi Tourism Authority Enhances Commitment to Malaysia

Saudi Tourism Authority reinforcing its presence in Malaysia with its recent inaugural in-person trade roadshow, engaging with key partners across the country


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2024 – Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) unveiled a series of initiatives during its trade roadshow held at the Westin Kuala Lumpur on the 4th of March with 18 Saudi stakeholders including DMCs, hotels, transportation partners and travel agents. This strategic move aims to unlock the leisure segment, reinforce Saudi’s commitment to Malaysian travellers and open Saudi’s doors to the world.

The Saudi Tourism Authority held its 2024 Malaysian Trade Roadshow at The Westin Kuala Lumpur.
The Saudi Tourism Authority held its 2024 Malaysian Trade Roadshow at The Westin Kuala Lumpur.

This marks a significant milestone in Saudi’s commitment to welcoming global visitors, aligning with Saudi’s Vision 2030, which envisions welcoming 150 million annual visits by the end of the decade. Notably, Saudi has established itself as the fastest large growing destination by UNWTO as international arrivals increased by 156% compared to 2019.

It has become easier than ever to visit Saudi Arabia as Malaysia is among the 63 countries eligible for e-Visa program. Malaysian passport holders having UK, Schengen or US visit visas are also eligible for e-visa and visa on arrival. In addition, the recently launched 96-hour Stopover Visa grants visitors travelling with SAUDI and Flynas the opportunity to spend up to 96 hours in Saudi continuing their onward journeys, making Saudi the perfect stopover destination for Malaysian travellers.

Moreover, Saudi’s aviation sector serves as a key player and stands as a gateway to a rich cultural tapestry. In the past year alone, the airline capacity has increased to over 700,000 seats across three main carriers – Air Asia X, Malaysia Airlines, and SAUDIA with plans to further increase frequency to cater to the growing demand.

During the roadshow, Saudi Tourism Authority announced the unveiling of enhanced Umrah+ packages tailored specifically for Malaysian pilgrims. Accessible through the Nusuk platform, these packages simplify e-visa application processes and present curated experiences, inviting Malaysians to explore Saudi’s rich culture, historical treasures, diverse landscape, and exclusive events and festivals.

Saudi offers a diverse tourism experience, catering to every Malaysian traveller’s preference, be it in culture, heritage, or nature including:

  • Cultural exploration and historical wonders: Saudi stands as a treasure trove for exploration, boasting seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 10,000 archaeological sites. Historical places like Historic Jeddah, At Turaif in Diriyah (birthplace of Saudi), and Al Hijr (Madain Salih) at AlUla offer a captivating journey through the country’s rich heritage.
  • Diverse offerings: Saudi emerges as a premier leisure destination globally, offering iconic locations such as VIA Riyadh, Bujairi Terrace. These landmarks contribute to Saudi’s allure, providing travellers with the perfect blend of cultural immersion.
  • Exclusive events and festivals: Travelers can also enjoy events and festivals, including the vibrant Riyadh Season, the enchanting AlUla Skies Festival, and the magical Winter at Tantora. These occasions offer a unique blend of cultural celebrations and entertainment, providing travellers with unforgettable experiences.

Embark on a sensory voyage and discover the true home of Arabia at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (3rd floor, outdoors), taking place from 5th to 10th March. To find out more about Saudi’s tourism offerings, please visit the Visit Saudi website.

Hashtag: #SaudiTourismAuthority

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

About Saudi Tourism Authority

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi’s tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destination’s offering through programs, packages and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country’s unique assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi’s destination brand locally and overseas. STA operates 16 representative offices around the world, serving 38 countries.

To learn more please visit

Taylor Swift Struck a Deal With Singapore Not to Perform in Any Other Southeast Asian Country

In this 10 July 2019 file photograph, singer Taylor Swift performs at Amazon Music’s Prime Day concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. (Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Taylor Swift stole the show at an Asian summit on Tuesday, 5 March, when Singapore’s leader was prompted to defend his tiny country’s exclusive concert deal with the singer, which risks bad blood in the region by preventing her from performing in neighboring nations.

EquitiesFirst Podcast Series II, Episode 4: Mobilizing Social Investments in Asia-Pacific


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2024 – EquitiesFirst, in collaboration with The Economist Impact, presents Episode 4 of our insightful Podcast Series II: “Mobilizing Social Investments in Asia-Pacific.” This episode explores the growing landscape of responsible investments that address social and environmental challenges, while driving positive societal change in the Asia-Pacific region.

EquitiesFirst Investment: Social Investments in Asia-Pacific

Join EquitiesFirst in our latest podcast episode, “Mobilizing Social Investments in Asia-Pacific,” where we delve into the intriguing world of social investment. Defined as capital that not only seeks financial returns but also aims to generate social impact, these investments are gaining traction in Asia Pacific. We explore the evolving landscape of responsible investments, focusing on how they address societal and environmental challenges while driving social innovation.

EquitiesFirst Financing: Catalyzing Change through Social Investment

This episode sheds light on the increasing interest in social investments in the region, highlighted by initiatives like the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network. We discuss the crucial role of family offices and high-net-worth individuals in this sphere and examine the funding gaps in key areas like healthcare, gender, and climate. The session delves into the opportunities for investors to create social value alongside economic returns and the innovative business models that unlock the potential of social investments.

EquitiesFirst Risk Management: Navigating Social Investment Challenges

Addressing the findings of a 2022 Economist Impact research, we discuss the uneven progress towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in Asia-Pacific. The episode navigates the challenges founders and investors face in the region, from demand and supply issues to the need for robust accelerator programs. It also explores the various investment vehicles and strategies to bridge investment gaps.

EquitiesFirst Partnership: Fostering Collaborative Social Ventures

EquitiesFirst Limited remains committed to engaging in conversations about the intersection of financial profitability and social impact. By leveraging the expertise and experience in EquitiesFirst equities-based investment and EquitiesFirst equities-based financing, we aim to contribute to the broader dialogue on mobilizing social investments in Asia-Pacific, a region ripe with opportunities for impactful and responsible investing.Hashtag: #EquitiesFirst


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

About Equities First Holdings

Founded in 2002, EquitiesFirst is a global investor specializing in long-term equities-based financing. EquitiesFirst’s approach overcomes traditional limitations and redefines the financing experience through providing efficient access to capital for listed companies, entrepreneurs and investors against publicly traded securities. The total value of loans transacted is more than US$4.5 billion as of January 2023.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, USA, EquitiesFirst maintains an international footprint of twelve offices in eight countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, China (Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing), South Korea, Thailand, Singapore and Australia (Sydney, Perth and Melbourne). EquitiesFirst is licensed and/or registered in all jurisdictions where required.

EquitiesFirst is the pioneer of Progressive Capital – a partnership approach to investment, rooted in respect, mutual interest and understanding. EquitiesFirst delivers liquidity solutions that are vital, transformative and move partners forward.

For more information, please visit .

Disclaimer

This Document is intended solely for accredited investors, sophisticated investors, professional investors, or otherwise qualified investors, as may be required by law or otherwise, and it is not intended for, and should not be used by, persons who do not meet the relevant requirements. The content provided herein is for informational purposes only and is general in nature and not targeted to any specific objective or financial need. The views and opinions expressed in this Document have been prepared by third parties and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of EquitiesFirst. EquitiesFirst has not independently examined or verified the information provided herein, and no representation is made that it is accurate or complete. Opinions and information herein are subject to change without notice. The content provided does not constitute an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to purchase) any securities, investments, or any financial products (“Offer”). Any such Offer shall only be made through a relevant offering or other documentation which sets forth its material terms and conditions. Nothing contained in this Document shall constitute a recommendation, solicitation, invitation, inducement, promotion, or offer for the purchase or sale of any investment product by First Holdings, LLC or its subsidiaries (collectively, “EquitiesFirst”), nor shall this Document be construed in any way as investment, legal, or tax advice, or as a recommendation, reference, or endorsement by EquitiesFirst. You should seek independent financial advice prior to making an investment decision about a financial product.

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The material contained in this Document is for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell financial products.

The information contained in this Document is intended to be general in nature and is not personal financial product advice. Any advice contained in the Document is general advice only and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and the nature of the relevant financial product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should seek independent financial advice and read the relevant disclosure statements or other offer documents prior to making an investment decision about a financial product.

Hong Kong: Equities First Holdings Hong Kong Limited holds a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission Type 1 License and licensed in Hong Kong under the Money Lenders Ordinance (Money Lender’s Licence No. 1780/2022). This Document has not been reviewed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. It is not intended as an offer to sell securities or a solicitation to buy any product managed or provided by Equities First Holdings Hong Kong Limited and is only intended for Professional Investors. This document is not directed to individuals or organizations for whom such offers or invitations would be unlawful or prohibited.

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United Kingdom: Equities First (London) Limited is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”). In the UK, this Document is only being distributed and made available to persons of the kind described in Article 19(5) (investment professionals) and Article 49(2) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.) of Part IV of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (”FPO”) and any investment activity to which this presentation relates is only available to, and will only be engaged in with, such persons. Persons who do not have professional experience in matters relating to investment or who are not persons to whom Article 49 of the FPO applies should not rely on this document. This Document is only prepared for and available to persons who qualify as Professional Investors under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive.

©2023 Equities First Holdings Hong Kong Limited. All rights reserved

Yuno Secures US$25M, Planning Europe, Asia Expansion


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2024 – Yuno, a leading global payments orchestration platform, announces today it has secured US$25 million from a consortium of prominent investors, including DST Global Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, Tiger Global, Kaszek Ventures and Monashees.

Juan Pablo Ortega and Julián Núñez, Co-Founders at Yuno
Juan Pablo Ortega and Julián Núñez, Co-Founders at Yuno

Founded by experienced tech entrepreneurs Juan Pablo Ortega and Julián Núñez, Yuno offers its clients fast and reliable payments orchestration, helping revolutionise retail, e-commerce, travel, mobility, and other industries. Yuno already serves customers like McDonald’s, Avianca, inDrive, Rappi, and others across 50 countries, offering innovative features such as one-click checkout modifications, smart routing, and the integration of information from all payment processors and anti-fraud tools into a unified interface.

Funds raised in this Series A round will help further strengthen Yuno’s operations in North and South America and enter new markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This should benefit Yuno’s customers, who already value the company’s innovative approach to integrating diverse payment methods, which is fueling their own growth by providing easy-to-use, reliable, and tailored solutions for different geographies.

Juan Pablo Ortega, CEO and Co-founder at Yuno, commented: “This financial backing validates our vision and our ability to take the global payments industry into the future, helping fuel positive change across many different sectors of the economy. We are thrilled to bring our cutting-edge solutions to new markets.”

Julián Núñez, Co-founder at Yuno, added: ”Yuno is already successfully facilitating financial transactions in over 50 countries, highlighting our versatility and adaptability in meeting the diverse demands of the global market. This latest round of funding will play a pivotal role in advancing Yuno’s technological infrastructure, expanding our team of exceptional professionals, and crafting innovative market strategies to strengthen our presence across different geographies.”

“We’re happy to be supporting Yuno in the next phase of its growth,” said Saurabh Gupta, Managing Partner at DST Global. “We’re impressed by the entrepreneurial track record of its founders, the strong team and customer base they’ve built, and the company’s proven ability to keep innovating in online payments.”
Hashtag: #Yuno

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

About Yuno

Yuno has emerged as a dominant force in the realm of global payment orchestration, boasting an influential footprint that spans over 300 payment methods. Expertly engineered to streamline a wide array of payment methods, it integrates unparalleled fraud detection capabilities, ensuring both ease of use and robust security in handling transactions. The system is replete with advanced features such as “one-click” checkout and advanced Smart Routing technology. Additionally, Yuno features an intelligent interface that facilitates seamless data integration and synthesis.

The core mission of Yuno is to empower global commerce by providing innovative and secure payment solutions, incorporating strong fraud prevention and security measures. Yuno enables businesses of all sizes to accept and disburse any form of payment anywhere in the world, fostering financial inclusivity and ensuring seamless and secure transactions.

Discover more about Yuno’s groundbreaking services at .

Lao Woman Rescued from Alleged Captivity in Thailand

Lao Woman Rescued from Alleged Captivity in Thailand
Praewa, after getting rescured from her employer's house (photo: Naewna)

Udon Thani Provincial Police Station in Thailand executed a rescue operation on 3 March, liberating an 18-year-old Lao woman, Praewa, from a house in Udon Thani where she allegedly endured severe abuse at the hands of her employer.

Electricity Exports Propel Laos to Trade Surplus, Marking Record Growth

Lao Electricity Imported to Cambodia

Laos has recorded a significant surge in its annual trade, reaching a total value of over USD 15.5 billion in 2023.