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7-Eleven and Andes by Astons bring you more exciting new Ready-to-Eat meal ideas!

There are always good food ideas at 7-Eleven! New additions to its delicious ready-to-eat menu include its first-ever microwavable steak, a tasty Honey Garlic sauce exclusive to 7-Eleven and more! All available anytime, anywhere at your nearest 7-Eleven.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 October 2022 – 7-Eleven is always a great place to grab a meal! Together with Andes by Astons, 7-Eleven now brings you a whole host of new meal ideas! Customers can enjoy an even wider selection of all-new and exclusive western delights. So whether you’re in the mood for hearty and wholesome dishes from popular local chain Andes by Astons, or looking to satisfy a craving. 7-Eleven has got you covered!

Western delights from Andes by Astons available around the clock

After the successful launch of their ready-to-eat range last year, we’re exclusively adding more delectable dishes from Andes by Astons to our menu. An even wider range of restaurant-style dishes from Andes by Astons is now available closer to home and ready in a matter of minutes! Each dish is halal certified. The new and exclusive line-up includes:

Andes By Astons Steak Cut with Garlic Herb Butter and Black Pepper Sauce (U.P. $13.50): Now, here’s a first…an all-new and exclusive striploin steak dish at 7-Eleven! This unique offering features a 120g sous vide grass-fed beef striploin steak with melted garlic herb butter on bed of roasted potatoes topped with Andes by Astons’ signature black pepper sauce. Who knew steak could be so juicy and yummy after microwaving?!!

Andes By Astons Honey Garlic Chicken with Aglio Olio (U.P. $6.50): Chicken and pasta are always a fan-favourite combination! Featuring Andes by Astons’ signature juicy baked chicken thigh with exclusive to 7-Eleven honey garlic sauce with perfectly tossed aglio olio in garlic oil.

Andes by Astons BBQ Chicken with Butter Raisin Rice (U.P. $6.50): Savoury and buttery raisin rice is paired with the succulent and smoky BBQ baked chicken thigh, along with Andes by Astons’ signature sweetcorn kernels and garden vegetables.

Andes By Astons Salmon & Spinach with Cream Fusilli (U.P. $7.50): Andes by Astons might be famous for its selection of steak and meat dishes, but now you can try something a little different with this seafood pasta option. This satisfying pasta dish boasts al dente fusilli, salmon chunks, spinach in a moreishly creamy sauce served with Andes by Astons’ signature corn kernels and garden vegetables.

Finish off your meal with a sweet treat and enjoy $0.30 off 7-SELECT Itohkyuemon Uji Matcha (Cream puff/Red bean dorayaki) with any purchase of an Andes by Astons meal!

Cheese-filled treats that hit the spot

To complete the menu, our exclusive own brand 7-SELECT has some new western delights to satisfy any craving.

7-SELECT Chicken Ham and Corn Lasagne (U.P. $3.90) contains chicken ham and corn layered with three types of cheese – parmesan, mozzarella and cheddar ¬– and is sure to be a comfort food classic suitable for any time of the day!

7-SELECT Croque Monsieur (Ham & Cheddar Cheese) Sandwich (U.P. $4.50) is our version of the classic French hot sandwich made with ham and cheese, which originated in French cafés and bars as a quick bite. Topped with bechamel sauce, melted cheddar cheese and chicken ham, this cheesy treat is best eaten warm to let the savoury flavours shine through.

For more detail on launch dates and promotions, please refer to this summary table:

Product RSP Promotion Promotion Period
Andes By Astons Steak Cut with Garlic Butter Herb and Black Pepper Sauce $13.50 Enjoy $0.30 off 7-SELECT Itohkyuemon Uji Matcha (Cream puff/Red bean dorayaki) with any purchase of an Andes by Astons meal 12 Oct – 8 Nov 2022

Andes By Astons Honey Garlic Chicken with Aglio Olio $6.50
Andes by Astons BBQ Chicken with Butter Raisin Rice $6.50
Andes By Astons Salmon & Spinach with Cream Fusilli $7.50
7-SELECT Chicken Ham and Corn Lasagne $3.90
7-SELECT Croque Monsieur (Ham & Cheddar Cheese) Sandwich $4.50

All are halal certified.

More promotions and updates can always be found on the 7-Eleven Singapore Facebook page so stay tuned!

Hashtag: #7-Eleven

About 7-Eleven

Established in Singapore in 1983, 7-Eleven has since expanded to more than 400 stores island-wide to become the leading 24-hour convenience chain store. We take pride in serving the Singapore community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 7-Eleven emphasises convenience and value by offering a wide array of quality products, food and services to satisfy the needs of its customers. Think 7-Eleven and what comes to mind are the refreshing Slurpee, 7CAFÉ as well as a wide range of quality ready meals and sandwiches under 7-SELECT. 7-Eleven is also a 24/7 one-stop destination for customers who need to access bill payment services in their own time. Our services cover payment of utilities, courier services, and even cash withdrawal.

For more information, visit

India International Insurance To Launch New Travel Policy, i-Journey

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 October 2022 – India International Insurance will be launching i-Journey, their latest travel insurance policy, this coming October.

With the launch of i-Journey, Singaporeans or Singapore residents can look forward to their upcoming travel with peace of mind. I-Journey not only provides an extensive range of coverage, such as terrorism, travel delays, child protection, loss of baggage or passport, personal money, home contents and many others, but also offers higher claim benefits at affordable premiums. In addition, i-Journey includes Covid-19 extended coverage. The extended coverage will consist of Covid-19-related benefits, such as incurred medical expenses, repatriation of mortal remains to Singapore and Country of origin for non-Singaporeans, travel cancellation, postponement, curtailment, overseas hospital expenses, overseas quarantine allowance, as well as any follow-up treatment once back in Singapore.

As travel borders all over the world are gradually opening, Singapore residents, who have not been able to travel for the past two years, will be excited to travel as the end-of-year holidays are getting closer. More than ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, many international borders require travelers to provide proof of sufficient travel insurance to be granted a holiday visa or entry. The global pandemic has increased traveler’s need for adequate protection and health coverage. More individuals and families are looking for insurance policies, especially travelling packages, that provide comprehensive solutions for all their concerns. However, the main challenge is purchasing a travel insurance policy with maximum coverage at an affordable price.

India International Insurance (III) has provided insurance solutions in Singapore and surrounding nations since 1987. Specializing in non-life insurance solutions, III has been providing individuals, family, and corporate clients an extensive range of insurance solutions, such as travel insurance, comprehensive coverage motor insurance, motor fleet insurance, personal accident insurance, home insurance, maid bond package, marine insurance, property insurance, engineering insurance, liability insurance, and surety insurance, among others. India International Insurance ensures that they provide tailored solutions at an affordable premium.

You can expect comprehensive travelling solutions within your means at India International Insurance with their product launch, i-Journey, which will be available from 15th October onwards, including Covid-19 coverage. For more information on India International Insurance and its extensive range of insurance policies and products, visit https://www.iii.com.sg/ or contact them at +65 6347 6100 or insure@iii.com.sg.

Hashtag: #IndiaInternationalInsurance

Discover the Importance of Lifelong Learning and In-Demand Skills for Future Workplaces: National University of Singapore Postgraduate by Coursework Fair (NUS PGCF) 2022

Are you curious about the top in-demand skills for future economies? Revisit topics of focus at last week’s NUS PGCF 2022 on how gaining new knowledge and abilities may help you thrive in the future economies.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 12 October 2022 – As workplace and transformation of our industry accelerate rapidly, it is possible to get swept up in the tide of change. Especially for individuals struggling to deal with uncertainties of the future at work, it is time to consider learning and improving a variety of in-demand knowledge and skills to attract potential hires for businesses. It is crucial to close the knowledge and skills gap in order to maintain employability and avoid being outpaced by change.

In an effort to give postgraduates the confidence they require as they transit to future workplaces, NUS recently organised the NUS Postgraduate by Coursework Fair 2022 (NUS PGCF 2022). The event concluded successfully on October 5after a two-day run, which received close to 5,000 registrations and overall positive feedback from the attendees. Themed “Become a Master of the Future Economies,” the session educated attendees on forthcoming technological developments and strategies for standing out in the workplace. Attendees learned how to prepare themselves and discover how to not only survive but also prosper in future economies such as the digital economy, green economy, care economy, and Industry 4.0 economy. In order to benefit more individuals and accommodate those who were unable to attend the event, NUS is keeping the event portal open until October 31 2022.

Those who were unable to attend the event may still register and enter the event portal to view recorded sessions. One event highlight is Masterclasses given by renowned NUS faculty members who are thought leaders in their fields. These Masterclasses were intended to prepare attendees for future economies and economic transformations brought on by important growth areas. The masterclasses cover a wide range of trending subjects, such as the Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, and Maritime Technology. These Masterclasses are specially designed to help registrants become more knowledgeable about the latest industry trends, navigate through them, and even nurture them to be open to learning new things to Keep pace with the changes.

One prominent speaker is Dr Li Haobin, a Senior Lecturer from the College of Design and Engineering and Academic Director of the Master of Science (Maritime Technology and Management) Programme. He stated that the purpose of the Masterclass Session is to encourage more talent to do useful and significant research in order to shape the future of the industry, as well as to train a higher-quality workforce to face emerging challenges in the marine industry. Another speaker is Dr Prahlad Vadakkepat, Professor with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the College of Design and Engineering. His Industry 4.0 seminar seeks to provide information on how people and organizations may stay competitive in the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) by embracing change and utilising the most recent technological advancements.

In addition, registrants are able to explore the large-scale exhibition with virtual booths showcasing a range of NUS colleges, schools, faculties and institutes as well as its Master’s Degree by Coursework programmes.

There are also playback recordings of information sessions led by faculty members and professionals from a variety of Master’s Degree by Coursework programmes, including Computing, Science, Supply Chain Management, Energy Systems, Business Analytics, and the Arts. The speakers shared insights into specific Master’s Degree by Coursework programmes and answered real-time questions from the audience. By expanding on their areas of expertise and explaining how a growth mindset and a practice of lifelong learning may help them differentiate themselves from the competition, registrants are able to learn how to maintain their adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.

Now is the time to start learning which knowledge and skills will be most useful in the workplace of the future. Until 31 October, you can still experience all of the exclusive offerings from the NUS PGCF 2022, including the virtual booth exhibition and recorded sessions of the masterclasses and information sessions. Register here at https://www.gevme.com/nuspgcf2022/.Hashtag: #NationalUniversityofSingapore

Vetter drives its sustainability campaign forward

Tangible ecological, economic, and social engagement in all areas of the company

  • Repeat participation in Baden Wuerttemberg’s Sustainability Days
  • Greater inclusion of employees due to involvement in various initiatives
  • Awards pay tribute to a comprehensive sustainability strategy

RAVENSBURG, GERMANY – Media OutReach – 12 October 2022 – Vetter, a globally leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has in place a comprehensive sustainability strategy that has made it a pioneer in this energy-intensive industry. The family-owned company is undertaking numerous initiatives aimed at making sustainability manifest in all facets for employees and acts as a motivator in encouraging them to participate. For the second time in a row, Vetter participated in a full week of life activities in the recent Sustainability Days of Baden-Wuerttemberg’s Sustainability Network. “To just speak about the topic of sustainability does not give it the credit it is due,” says Vetter Managing Director Thomas Otto. “That is why we are part of a proactive network of other companies. We need a strong community for sustainable development and we work hard to include all employees in the process.” Within this context, the CDMO has launched numerous sustainability activities that include various participatory events and lectures. This includes an information booth that traveled among company sites. Its aim is to sensitize all employees to the issue of sustainability and offer them easy-to-implement, hands-on suggestions that can enable greater sustainability in their professional and private lives.

Ceremonial presentation of the Sustainable Impact Award 2022 to Vetter with (from left to right):Henryk Badack (Senior Vice President Technical Services/Internal Project Management), Peter Soelkner (Managing Director), Anke Herrig (Director of HR Development), Veronika Winter (Team Leader Occupational Health Management) and Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg, Managing Director at International Institute for Sustainability Management (IISM).

Ceremonial presentation of the Sustainable Impact Award 2022 to Vetter with (from left to right):
Henryk Badack (Senior Vice President Technical Services/Internal Project Management), Peter Soelkner (Managing Director), Anke Herrig (Director of HR Development), Veronika Winter (Team Leader Occupational Health Management) and Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg, Managing Director at International Institute for Sustainability Management (IISM).

By joining the Germany-wide initiative KLIMARETTER – LEBENSRETTER (Climate Saver – Life Saver), Vetter is offering a visible incentive for its staff. The initiative unites companies in the health industry behind climate protection and supports them in helping to make the positive impact of their actions more visible and substantial. For example, an online presence shows participants how much can be saved by eating less meat or using green mobility.

The comprehensive commitment to sustainability has been widely acclaimed and has also been awarded prizes. Recently, the company won the TOP-KLIMA-ENGAGEMENT 2023 (Top Climate Engagement 2023) seal from FOR OUR PLANET, the sustainability program of the Burda publishing house, in cooperation with the German news magazine FOCUS. For Vetter, sustainable measures that benefit employees are particularly important. In this context, the CDMO was awarded first place in the Sustainable Impact Awards for the category Social Impact on Employees. This prize is awarded by the German magazine WirtschaftsWoche and Generali Deutschland to the most attractive employers among medium-sized companies and is focused on employee satisfaction.

“We take a holistic view of sustainability within our company,” says Vetter Managing Director Peter Soelkner, “By doing so, we keep our attention keenly focused on the balance between ecology, economy, and social commitment.” This year for the first time, Vetter revealed the measures being taken thus far and its vision for the future in a comprehensive sustainability report. The report showed how strongly the sustainability strategy was anchored within the framework of its EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) management. Vetter has already successfully implemented approximately 100 efficiency projects over the past ten years. For example, over 31 million kWh of energy was already saved. In addition, all of the company’s sites worldwide have been CO2-neutral since 2021. “As a family-owned company, we handle the finite resources and our society carefully with the aim of being a good example for our industry,” says Vetter Managing Director Peter Soelkner in summarizing the company-wide approach.

Find the Vetter press kit and more background information here.

Hashtag: #Vetter

About Vetter

Headquartered in Ravensburg, Germany, Vetter is a family-owned, global leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with production facilities in Germany, Austria and the United States. Currently employing more than , the company has long-term experience in supporting biotechnology and pharmaceutical customers both large and small. Vetter range from early stage development support including , to and for vials, syringes and cartridges. As a leading solution provider, Vetter appreciates its responsibility to support the needs of its customers by developing devices that contribute to increased patient safety, convenience, and enhanced compliance. Great importance is also given to including environmental protection and sustainability. Learn more about Vetter at .

Spackman Media Group Artist Wi Ha-Jun’s Drama, LITTLE WOMEN, Ranks #1 In Taiwan, Indonesia And Japan And 8th Globally On Netflix

  • Headlined by Spackman Media Group artist Wi Ha-jun, LITTLE WOMEN, took the top spot on Netflix across Taiwan, Indonesia and Japan
  • LITTLE WOMEN, which was filmed in Korea and Singapore, also ranked 8th in the world ranking for Netflix
  • Last year, Wi Ha-jun starred in the original Korean series, SQUID GAME (2021), the #1 Netflix show across over 90 countries, including the US and Korea

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 11 October 2022 – Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group”), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that LITTLE WOMEN, headlined by Wi Ha-jun of of MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (“MSteam”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group”), took the top spot in Taiwan, Indonesia and Japan and ranked 8th globally on Netflix, according to Flixpatrol.com as of October 8, 2022.

Moreover, LITTLE WOMEN, starring Wi Ha-jun of Spackman Media Group, also maintained its top 10 ranking under Netflix’s non-English TV category for the fourth week in a row[1]. In Korea, LITTLE WOMEN ranked #1 for dramas aired in the same time period including cable TV, and broke its own viewership records for its final episode, posting an average rating of 11.1% to 12.8% for households nationwide from Nielson Korea’s data.

Filmed in Korea and Singapore, LITTLE WOMEN is based on the 1868 novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott and tells the story of three poor sisters who encounter an elite-educated financial consultant (played by Wi Ha-jun of Spackman Media Group) and their face-off against one of Korea’s wealthiest and most powerful families. Kim Go-eun of THE KING: ETERNAL MONARCH (2020), THE LONELY SHINING GOD – GOBLIN (2016-2017) and CHEESE IN THE TRAP (2016) plays the other lead in the K- drama.

LITTLE WOMEN features iconic landmarks in Singapore such as Marina Bay Sands and The Fullerton Hotel. The tvN K-drama is directed by Kim Hee-won and produced by Studio Dragon.

In February 2022, Wi Ha-jun of Spackman Media Group was selected as the South Korea ambassador for Swiss luxury watchmaker, TAG Heuer. He was appointed as the ambassador for his hometown, Wando-gun of South Korea in January 2022. Previously, Wi Ha-jun starred in the original Korean series, SQUID GAME (2021), the #1 show across over 90 countries, including the US and Korea on Netflix. Through his role as Hwang Jun-ho, a policeman in SQUID GAME (2021), Wi Ha-jun has emerged as an internationally recognized actor.

Wi Ha-jun also starred in highly popular K-drama BAD AND CRAZY (2021), which reached first place in viewership ratings for the same time period over the past consecutive weekends, since its release on 17 December 2021.

Wi Ha-jun was also selected as the brand ambassador for the American premium casual brand BEENTRILL and released a beauty pictorial with YSL beauty in December 2021. He also headlined in Korean crime thriller film MIDNIGHT (2021), which received the Best Feature Award at the 13th UK Grimmfest Film Festival.

Other than Wi Ha-jun, MSteam also represents iconic Korean actress Son Ye-jin, who starred in hit romance drama CRASH LANDING ON YOU (2020), and top actress Lee Min-jung, who won the Top Excellence Award at the 2020 APAN Star Awards.

Hashtag: #Spackman

About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited

Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company”), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group”), is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea. The Company was founded in 2011 by renowned media and technology investor Charles Spackman who served as the Company’s Executive Chairman until 2017. For the past two decades, Mr. Charles Spackman has been a powerhouse in the Korean entertainment industry starting in the early 2000’s with the pioneering success of Sidus Pictures, the largest movie production company at the time and the first to be listed in Korea. Mr. Spackman is also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the global investment firm, Spackman Group. For more information, please visit and .

Since its founding, SEGL had produced more than 30 major motion pictures including a number of the highest grossing and award-winning films in Korea, namely #ALIVE (2020), CRAZY ROMANCE (2019), DEFAULT (2018), MASTER (2016), THE PRIESTS (2015), SNOWPIERCER (2013), COLD EYES (2013) and ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012).

Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. Generally, we release our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.

The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.

Production Labels

SEGL owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp”), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 79 films (58 Korean and 21 foreign) including ROSE OF BETRAYAL, THE OUTLAWS and SECRETLY, GREATLY, which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS, as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY. In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE, a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand (“VOD”) sales records in Korea. For more information, please visit

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited (“Simplex Films”) which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Take Pictures Pte. Ltd. (“Take Pictures”) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021), and shall release THE GUEST in 2022 tentatively, and A MAN OF REASON, with the previous working title GUARDIAN, in the fourth quarter of 2022 or first quarter of 2023 in Korea.

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited (“Greenlight Content”) which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group’s first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.

The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST’S WAIL, a comedy horror film.

Talent Representation

The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL”). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee), SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-hyun, Lee Cho-hee, Park Keun-rok), UAA&CO Inc. (Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Hye-ri, Kim Ji-young, Wang Ji-won), Play Content Co., Ltd. (Kang Min-ji, Hwang-hwi) and Kook Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Baek Si-won, Shin Ji-woong). Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company. For more information, please visit

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency”). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory”) and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG”), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.

Strategic Businesses

The Company also operates a café-restaurant, Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.

For more details, please visit

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, AUSIM, The Reference Association In the field of Information Systems and Digital in Morocco, Under the theme of “Digital Nation, Unleash the potential ” is holding the 6th edition of “les Assises de l’AUSIM”

RABAT, MOROCCO – African Media Agency – 11 October 2022 Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Association of Users of Information Systems in Morocco will organize from October 26th to 28th in Marrakesh, the 6th edition of its “Assises de l’AUSIM” under the theme “Digital Nation, Unleash the potential”. The focus of this edition will be on the new development model, a topic that is perfectly in line with Morocco’s present development and how digital might benefit it.

Hicham Chiguer, President of AUSIM declares: “The challenge of this 6th edition of the “Assises de l’AUSIM” is to underline the benefits of the Digital in our society to make Morocco’s ambition of becoming a “Digital Nation,” a reality, it is necessary to build, through this convergence of energies, a true digital awareness among all citizens. He also adds “that’s why AUSIM launched its new Vision ”IMPACT” that match perfectly with this acceleration”.

Morocco is no stranger to such technological movements and the country has indeed rich Tech talents. Many highly skilled engineers, trained in the most prestigious universities have chosen to come to Morocco and contribute to its development. Moreover, many Moroccan universities offer outstanding Tech training programs. Moroccan talents are outstanding, hardworking, and eager to succeed. I’m delighted that this conference gathers top experts from around the world.

So being one of the major gatherings of the digital world on a national and African scale, and without forgetting its resonance with the worldwide digital ecosystem, this new edition of “les Assises de l’AUSIM” could not address this subject without interacting with the government instances”.

The report on the New Development Model conducted by the Benmoussa team highlighted the digital aspect of Morocco’s ambition to build its digital sovereignty. However, this strategic vision of governance presupposes the implementation of prerequisites. Among these, an effective “digital nation” transition is an essential prerequisite for and the necessary assets to begin this revolution”.

A few weeks away from the high digital mass, the President of AUSIM launched a real plea for mobilizing the intelligentsia of the ecosystem to create a real “citizen awareness in favor of digital”. “This long-awaited digital nation concerns us all. Its construction requires the involvement of all players close to the digital ecosystem. “This gathering is an opportunity to move beyond abstract ideas and bring out a roadmap for the emergence of a real Moroccan digital nation. Indeed, Morocco’s actions over the past ten years eloquently attest to the ambitions that the Kingdom has, ” adds Hicham Chiguer.

“Les Assises de l’AUSIM” for high number of CIOs and Digital leaders become the international space to address the major topics in the news within the digital world. Taking place over three days, this edition will be particularly innovative in several aspects, with a very rich scientific program as well as a variety of renowned experts. It also promises a new dynamic through several side events.

Hashtag: #AUSIM

About AUSIM:

The Association of Information Systems Users in Morocco (AUSIM) supports its member organizations in their digital transformation projects and provides its community with high-value-added ideas and advice. AUSIM offers a multitude of services and innovative programs and provides its community with several forums for networking, exchanging, sharing, and reflecting together on common problems and solutions to ensure the success of digitization projects. “To join AUSIM is not only to belong to the most influential community in the IS and Digital sector in Morocco, but also to share, but exchange and activities also contribute to the promotion of information systems and Digital in Morocco ”.

For Registration:

Financial Uncertainty A Top Stressor, But Mental, Physical And Financial Resilience Improving, Says New HSBC Life 2022 +Factor Study

HSBC Life unveils its 2022 +FACTOR Study covering the UK, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Singapore to raise public awareness on World Mental Health Day

***Financial stressors now outweigh Covid-19 related concerns***
***People have shifted habits to bring back balance in their life, improving overall resilience***
***Mental, physical and financial resilience combined builds confidence, satisfaction and happiness***

HONG KONG SAR / SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 11 October 2022 – A global study1 by HSBC Life – the HSBC Group’s insurance business – highlights the critical role that resilience played to shape a positive outlook and greater confidence in reaching long-term goals during a challenging year that has seen a rise in stress levels, particularly fueled by financial uncertainty.

Launched in 2021 and conducted again this year, the +Factor Study by HSBC Life had surveyed over 18,000 participants aged 18 to 80 across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK. This year, the study found that people are now more worried about their financial situation (46% vs 41% last year). Saving enough for retirement, the economic impact of the pandemic and paying for medical bills caused by illness rose in importance across markets as health concerns from Covid-19 took a back seat.

Despite higher stress levels, physical, mental and financial resilience improved in 2022 as respondents paid more attention to a healthier, balanced lifestyle, social interactions and financial planning. The study found that respondents with high resilience levels in all three dimensions are likely to improve general well-being.

Greg Hingston, CEO, Global Insurance and Partnerships, HSBC Life, commented: “The interconnection between mental, financial and physical dimensions is clear. When one dimension improves, the others follow. When physical, mental and financial health are all addressed, there is a compounding effect. Together they bring confidence in achieving goals, greater happiness and satisfaction with the overall quality of life. Resilience drives well-being.”

Changing behaviours

People are responding to a post-pandemic world in various ways: using digital tools more often, getting more exercise, managing their mental well-being and planning their financial priorities.

In Mainland China, the biggest behavioural shift was physical with 50% of respondents saying they are paying more attention to hygiene and exercise; while Singapore (42%) and Hong Kong residents (45%) stated they now lead more digital lives and are embracing remote working norms. In the UK, the biggest change was in mental health (35%) with a greater focus on mental health management, more activities on relaxation such as yoga or meditation to keep calm.

With the economic uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, respondents across markets have more robust investment planning and budget control. They also utilise digital financial tools to manage their finance and spending.

People continued to pay attention to a healthier and balanced lifestyle with 61% agreeing that passing on healthy habits is more important than passing on wealth.

Resilience leads to a more confident and happy life

The study defines resilience as the ability to adapt, overcome and recover from mental, physical and financial stress and challenges. Higher resilience levels drive confidence in achieving goals, bring greater happiness (positivity, sense of belonging and purpose) and increased satisfaction in life. For example, 82% of individuals with high physical resilience are more confident to reach their goals versus 20% with low physical resilience. Four-fifths of people with high financial resilience said they are satisfied with their quality of life, the top determinant for happiness, compared with 22% of those with low financial resilience.

Mainland China

Respondents showed the strongest confidence, happiness and resilience levels. However, even as physical and financial health improved, mental health took a hit. Financial situation, family responsibilities, a lack of leisure time and a demanding job were cited as top barriers for those with low mental health levels. Respondents noted that a support network is a key driver for mental resilience.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, confidence (71 score) and happiness (68 score) levels increased over the previous year, despite posting the highest levels of stress (68 score) caused by work/employment uncertainty. People are most concerned about their financial situation (75%) with only around a third of respondents noting that their high financial resilience was a result of better financial habits, confidence in using financial products/services and having a retirement plan, a legacy plan and/or children’s education fund.

Singapore

Singaporeans stated they are more worried about being diagnosed with a critical illness (32%) and the financial burden placed on family members should they need to take care of them. Setting goals for yourself and confidence in using financial products and services are key drivers for mental and financial resilience, respectively.

UK

Being happy and staying positive (66%) were top motivators for mental resilience. When it comes to financial resilience, being able to manage finances for a rainy day or retirement (48%) is cited as the biggest motivator. In view of this and with 91% of respondents saying they would first compare financial products before making purchasing decisions and 90% saying they would first understand the product features, benefits and potential risks, it is not surprising that 80% of them are confident enough to choose the financial products that suit their needs.

Resilient individuals are problem-solvers and planners

Across the markets, there was consensus about the building blocks for resilience. Highly resilient individuals anticipate and plan, are problem solvers, stay active and have better financial habits.

Higher resilience levels are also bolstered by having protection, for example owning an insurance policy (life protection, medical/critical illness and financial planning) compared to those with lower resilience.

Greg added, “This year, the lack of short- and long-term financial security is among the biggest stressors for people. But our +Factor survey shows that good planning with clear actions, goals and shifts in behaviour build a strong foundation for overall resilience and holistic well-being. As a leading global bancassurer, we’re boosting our health, wealth and protection capabilities while promoting financial education to enhance mental, physical and financial fitness and help customers manage life’s uncertainties and achieve sustainable prosperity.”

A report of the of 2022 key global findings is available to download here.

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

HSBC Life

HSBC Life is the insurance business of the HSBC Group. We manufacture life and health insurance products in Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, India*, France, UK, Malta, Mexico and Argentina. HSBC Life offers a range of insurance products to meet the protection, education, retirement, wealth growth and legacy planning needs of our customers. Our services and products are available through HSBC banking channels, selected third-parties, including financial advisers and aggregators.

*Through our joint venture, Canara HSBC Life Insurance

HSBC Holdings plc

HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 63 countries and territories in its geographical regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa. With assets of US$2,985bn at 30 June 2022, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

Village House Led an Exercise on Earthquake Preparedness for The First Time with Its Foreign Residents in Japan

Japan is considerably an earthquake-prone region. Thus, the Village House Vietnamese Customer Service Team in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, led an earthquake preparedness event for its Vietnamese residents—who are not as familiar as the native Japanese population with response protocols—to educate this growing community on how best to manage in the event of an earthquake.

KATO CITY, HYOGO PREFECTURE, JAPAN – Media OutReach – 11 October 2022 – On 11 September 2022, an earthquake preparedness event was held for the predominantly Vietnamese-national residents living in the Yashiro apartments and Yashiro Dai 2 apartments, rental units belonging to the Village House. A first of its kind, this was a collaborative effort by local authorities in Kato City, the Hyogo Bousaishi Society, and the Village House Vietnamese Customer Service Team — to prepare the residents residing in Kato-shi rental properties in the event of an earthquake.

The Importance of Earthquake Preparedness

Geographically, Japan is a region that is exposed to tectonic movements in the earth’s crust, leading the nation to be earthquake-prone. This comes in contrast to Vietnam, which does not experience tremors of a similar magnitude as Japan. Due to this fact, many Vietnamese migrants to Japan may not be aware of the existing disaster protocols in Japan, a country where being taught what to do in the case of a major earthquake is standardized education. These fundamental procedures save lives and often are not available in languages aside from Japanese or English in a nation expanding its migrant workforce.

Preparing a New Generation of Japan’s Residents

Led by the Hyogo Bousaishi Society’s special advisor, Ishizuka Toru, the earthquake preparedness event began with a lecture on the damage caused by major earthquakes like the Great Tōhoku Earthquake. It was a vital topic to kick off the event as it laid out the importance of first responses for disasters of such a scale. Mr. Ishizuka then went on to cover the necessary protocols the Vietnamese residents are to follow when an earthquake occurs.

These protocols included the evacuation routes residents could take to nearby disaster shelters (such as the nearby Fukuda Elementary School), how to live in a shelter, what to prepare in an earthquake kit, and how to collaborate with the local authorities during an earthquake or similar. To ensure that the residents would stay well-informed after disaster strikes, Village House prepared and distributed the lecture contents in Vietnamese.

First-Hand Experiences

To further drive home the importance of being prepared and ready in times of crises, the participants also experienced a simulation of the protocols. After they put on their safety helmets, a key equipment in such disasters, they were taken to Fukuda Elementary School to familiarise themselves with the evacuation route. The group were taught how to create makeshift beds out of cardboard to simulate the experience of living in a disaster shelter.

The event was then concluded with an authentic Vietnamese meal.

A Lasting Impact on the Vietnamese Community

In time to come, this earthquake preparedness event will have not only served to be a keen set of survival procedures in a time of crisis, but it will also help the Vietnamese-national residents of this Village House property — which make up 60% of the apartments’ population — to establish strong roots with the larger Japanese community.

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About Village House

Village House provides high-quality rental properties with easy procedures at affordable prices in Japan. Starting from ¥20,000 per month, explore and discover a new life in one of our low-cost units today!

About the Hyogo Bousaishi Society

Being a country bordering the ring of fire, Japan is prone to frequent earthquakes. The Japanese Disaster Prevention Association is tasked with educating and providing relief for the residents of Japan affected by natural disasters. The Hyogo Bousaishi Society, is the Hyogo Prefecture’s chapter, serving as not only a relief organisation but also an educational one for residents living in the Kansai region.