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Thailand’s HIV Cases Pass 550,000, Laos Reports Rising Infections Among Young People

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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This photo is used for representational purpose only.

Thailand has recorded 557,993 cumulative HIV cases, health authorities say, even as new infections have fallen by 12,000 over the past three years. Across the border in Laos, officials are tracking a similar pattern among young people, though on a smaller scale.

Thirteen of Thailand’s 77 provinces now record more than 10,000 cases each.

The Central region carries the heaviest burden, with Bangkok topping the list at 88,535 infections. Chonburi follows in second place with 31,072 cases, while Chiang Mai ranks third. Chiang Mai’s Neighboring Chiang Rai trails in fourth with 17,524 cases.

Youths aged 15 to 24 face the greatest risk, accounting for more than 25,000 cumulative cases. 

Health officials attribute the trend largely to carelessness and inconsistent condom use.

Despite the high case count, treatment outcomes remain strong: authorities have diagnosed and registered virtually all known cases, and doctors have enrolled about 83 percent of patients in antiretroviral therapy, with 76 percent achieving viral suppression. 

The World Health Organization confirmed that HIV still has no cure, but daily medication keeps patients healthy and makes the virus much harder to pass on. Left untreated, the disease moves through three stages: an early phase when it spreads easily, a longer phase that quietly weakens the immune system, and a final, most dangerous stage, AIDS.

Mekong Comparison

Across the Mekong region, the picture varies. 

Laos has yet to publish full 2026 figures, though authorities in the northern province of Oudomxay found 12 HIV-positive cases among 264 sex workers tested in July, an early signal of the trends likely to shape this year’s data.

Locals who shared their comments on social media believe that the real number of infections in Laos could be significantly higher than official figures suggest. Testing remains limited in many areas, and dozens or even hundreds of cases may be going undetected among people who have never been tested.

Laos recorded 1,617 new infections in the first nine months of 2025, with people aged 15 to 29 making up 29 percent of cases, down from 2,463 cases in 2024; the country now counts an estimated 21,000 people living with HIV, the Lao Ministry of Health reports.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Health estimates 76,000 people living with HIV in a 2025 report, while UNAIDS estimates Vietnam’s caseload at roughly 270,000.

OWNDAYS Malaysia Launches OWN “your” DAYS Campaign with Mira Filzah

By
Advertorial Desk
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The Japanese eyewear brand celebrates confidence, individuality and personal expression through its signature collections and convenient 20-minute service.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OWNDAYS Malaysia proudly welcomes acclaimed Malaysian actress and style icon Mira Filzah as its official Campaign  Ambassador, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the Japanese eyewear brand in Malaysia.


Her appointment launches OWN “your” DAYS, a campaign that celebrates self-expression, individual style and the freedom to see eyewear beyond its traditional function. In today’s world, eyewear allows individuals the freedom to define how they want to look, feel and show up each day.

With Mira’s effortless elegance, versatility and unmistakable sense of style, she brings the spirit of OWN “your” DAYS to life. From her accomplished career in entertainment to her roles beyond the spotlight, she represents the modern OWNDAYS customer: someone who embraces every side of herself while remaining confidently and authentically her own.

“I have always believed that style should feel personal,” said Mira Filzah. “What I love about OWNDAYS is that there are styles for different moments, from work to family time to everyday outings. When I find a pair that suits me, I feel comfortable, confident and more like myself. This campaign also speaks to me because it celebrates individuality and reminds us to own each day in our own way.”

As the new face of OWNDAYS Malaysia, Mira will take centre stage across the brand’s upcoming campaigns, sharing how the right pair of eyewear can transform an everyday essential into a confident expression of personal style.

“We are delighted to welcome Mira Filzah into the OWNDAYS family,” said Chenxi Zhou, Southeast Asia Business Head. “Her authenticity, elegance and ability to connect with Malaysians from all walks of life make her the perfect embodiment of OWN “your” DAYS. Together, we hope to inspire more individuals to embrace who they are, express themselves freely and approach every day with confidence.”

THE OWNDAYS Story

Established in Japan in March 1989 and introduced to Malaysia in January 2015, OWNDAYS is rooted with Japanese commitment to quality craftsmanship, precision and thoughtful design and a vision to make quality eyewear more accessible, convenient and enjoyable.


Beyond its functional purpose, OWNDAYS views eyewear as an integral part of an individual’s identity, personal style and everyday lifestyle. Its extensive range of frames is designed to meet a variety of preferences, comfort requirements and occasions, enabling customers to select eyewear that reflects their individuality.

By integrating key processes across its eyewear business, including frame design and manufacturing, OWNDAYS is able to maintain consistent standards across design, functionality, durability and quality.

The brand is also recognised for its transparent and straightforward pricing model, which simplifies the eyewear purchasing experience. Customers pay the price displayed on the frame, inclusive of standard Ultra Thin Multi-Coated lenses, without additional charges based on lens power.

Since entering the Malaysian market, OWNDAYS has continued to strengthen its presence by delivering its established standards of design, convenience, quality and customer service to customers nationwide.

Eyewear for Every Side of Your Day

As part of the OWN “your” DAYS campaign, OWNDAYS highlights three signature collections designed for different lifestyles, personalities and moments.

OWNDAYS | AIR: Light as Air, Built to Endure

Created for individuals who value all-day comfort, the OWNDAYS AIR collection is engineered using lightweight and highly durable materials. Designed to provide a secure yet gentle fit, the collection offers comfortable eyewear that can be worn for long hours. Its clean, versatile designs make AIR suitable for busy workdays, daily commutes, travel and everything in between.

OWNDAYS | SUN: Style Meets Everyday Protection

The OWNDAYS | SUN collection brings together contemporary frame designs, functionality and essential protection for life under the sun. Available in a variety of silhouettes, colours and lens options, the collection offers 100% UV protection while allowing customers to complement their personal style.

Graph Belle: Everyday Elegance

Designed with refined femininity in mind, Graph Belle features sleek silhouettes, delicate accents and elegant detailing. The collection is created for women seeking eyewear that transitions naturally from professional settings to social occasions, adding a subtle finishing touch to the wearer’s everyday look.

Together, the three collections demonstrate how eyewear can adapt to the different moments within a person’s day, whether the priority is comfort, sun protection, elegance or personal expression.

From Eye Test to New Glasses in Approximately 20 Minutes

Beyond its extensive selection of frames, OWNDAYS is also recognised for its convenient 20-minute quick processing service, which aims to have a customer’s spectacles ready within approximately 20 minutes upon payment. Supported by trained in-store teams and integrated optical processing capabilities, the service allows customers to select their preferred frames, complete the necessary eye examination and receive their new spectacles with minimal waiting time.

This commitment to convenience extends beyond the point of purchase through OWNDAYS’ complimentary lifetime maintenance services, available at OWNDAYS stores worldwide. Customers may visit any OWNDAYS store for services including screw tightening, personal fitting, frame adjustment, nose pad replacement and lens cleaning, subject to the availability of parts.

Together, these services reflect the brand’s commitment to delivering a straightforward, reliable and customer-focused eyewear experience. Processing times may vary depending on the selected lenses, prescription requirements and product availability.

Own Your Look. Own Your Moments. Own Your Days.

With Mira Filzah as its Campaign Ambassador, OWNDAYS Malaysia continues its mission to make eyewear an empowering and expressive part of everyday life.

OWNDAYS invites Malaysians to discover eyewear that supports the way they work, move, connect and express themselves, because every day presents a new opportunity to see clearly, show up confidently and make each moment their own.

The OWNDAYS AIR, OWNDAYS SUN and Graph Belle collections are available at selected OWNDAYS stores across Malaysia, subject to product availability.

FULL PRESS KIT : https://bit.ly/OWNDAYSxMiraFilzahLaunch

About OWNDAYS

OWNDAYS Inc. designs, manufactures and markets eyewear under its namesake brand OWNDAYS. The company operates an extensive global retail network that comprises over 600 stores in 13 international locations including Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan region. Beyond simply providing eyewear and the ability to see with crystal-clear vision, the company strives to enrich the lives of its customers by always remaining accessible, constantly innovating and bringing new and improved products and services from Japan to the world.

OWNDAYS Malaysia was established in January 2015 and continues to provide Malaysians with accessible eyewear, professional optical services and convenient spectacle processing.

THE ADECCO GROUP Q2 2026 RESULTS

By
Advertorial Desk
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Disciplined execution driving strong profitable growth, operational efficiency and deleveraging

AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange

ZURICH, Switzerland, Aug. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HIGHLIGHTS

  • Strong organic revenue growth of +5.6% TDA yoy
  • Continued market share gains: Group +160 bps, Adecco +60bps vs key competitors
  • Adecco GBU +6.6% yoy: Americas +12%, APAC +10%, and EMEA excl. France +8%
  • Akkodis GBU +1% yoy, back to growth; LHH flat yoy, Professional Recruitment Solutions back to growth at +1%
  • Gross margin 18.6%, with yoy comparison improving sequentially by 20 bps
  • EBITA €165 million excl. one-offs, +21% yoy, consistent profitable growth
  • EBITA margin 2.8% excl. one-offs, +30 bps yoy, reflecting strong operating leverage, with productivity +6% yoy and organic drop-down ratio of 64%
  • Basic EPS €0.28; Adjusted EPS €0.61 +31%
  • LTM cash conversion at 83%, good performance in a period of growth
  • Continued deleveraging momentum, with net debt/EBITDA 0.5x lower yoy

Denis Machuel, Adecco Group CEO, commented:

“Our strategy, rigorous execution and client & candidate focus continue to deliver strong performance. Momentum carried through the first half, with a fifth consecutive quarter of growth, at 5.6% year-on-year, and a further 160 basis points of market share gain. Healthy gross margin combined with cost discipline is supporting stronger EBITA. We also continue to deleverage, with net debt to EBITDA ratio 0.5x lower than a year ago.

“Adecco had another excellent quarter, growing at 6.6%, with strong performance across our regions. LHH saw positive signs in permanent placement, with Recruitment Solutions returning to growth. Akkodis is also back to growth, with improving profitability.

“Within Adecco, our accelerated focus on technology-enabled productivity has already delivered our full-year target of 50% revenues being agent-enabled. We are now raising our ambition to 70% coverage by the end of the year.”

Full Press Release

Webcast Details | Investors & Analysts

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

investor.relations@adeccogroup.com

+41 (0)44 878 88 88

Press Office

media@adeccogroup.com

+41 (0) 79 876 09 21

Share, Care, and Connect Over a Meal With Pay It Forward Malaysia

By
Advertorial Desk
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2026 – A lot of people wish to do something kind for the world around them. However, most struggle finding an appropriate platform. Pay It Forward (PIF), a community meal-sharing app built on the simple idea that small acts of kindness can be passed forward, is officially expanding nationwide in Malaysia in June 2026. The platform revolutionises how people spread kindness through technology.

One Meal, One Ripple, One Community

Pay It Forward allows any participant to buy a prepaid meal at a participating local restaurant, café, or food outlet for someone else in their community. More than a one-way gesture, how Pay It Forward works is designed to create a ripple effect where kindness spreads, anyone can be both a Giver and a Receiver, and one small act sets off a wider movement of community connection.

How a Ripple Starts:

  1. Share a Meal. Through the Pay It Forward app, a Giver purchases a prepaid meal from a participating Merchant and can include a Ripple Card with a positive message to pass on.
  2. Experience the Gesture. A community member redeems the meal in-store and can share the moment back by sending a Ripple Card of appreciation to the Giver.
  3. Pay It Forward. Receivers may later choose to share a meal through the platform for someone else, setting a ripple in motion.
  4. Grow the Community. Over time, Givers, Receivers, and Merchants form a wider community supporting one another, one shared meal at a time.

“We built Pay It Forward because we believe technology should help people reconnect, not just transact,” said Amelia Tang, Co-Founder and CEO. “A shared meal is one of the simplest ways to show someone in your community that you thought of them.”

From Pilot to Public Growth

Malaysia was chosen as the first launch market for Pay It Forward’s revolution due to the country’s rich food culture and strong sense of community. The nationwide rollout follows an extended period of product development, merchant onboarding, and community testing. A soft launch in November 2025 brought more than 100 participating Merchants and thousands of users onto the platform, providing the feedback needed to fine-tune the experience before scaling.

Beyond merchants and users, a recent memorandum of agreement signed with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) introduced the PIF x UTAR Social Impact Project and Campus Ambassador Programme, giving students real exposure to social entrepreneurship and community work.

Kindness is Much Closer Than You Think

Pay It Forward is that platform, a simple way to take the small kind thought you have and pass it on, one meal at a time. Because kindness only truly begins when someone takes the first step.

To share a meal, redeem a meal, or sign up your business, visit payitforward.io/en-my.

Hashtag: #PayItForward





Tiktok:
Rednote:
Youtube:

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

About Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward was founded by Amelia Tang, Ng Jiunn Jye, and Yvonne Guo on a simple belief: that technology should not only automate our lives, but also help people reconnect with each other. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Italian “Caffè Sospeso”, where one cup of coffee is paid for and left behind for a stranger, the platform brings that same spirit of sharing into the digital age.

Today, Pay It Forward connects Givers, Receivers, and Merchants in one transparent ecosystem, where anyone can purchase a prepaid meal at a participating local restaurant, café, or food outlet and gift it to someone nearby. As the first platform in Malaysia’s social-dining space to combine meal-sharing with community altruism, Pay It Forward is on a mission to build a kinder, more connected society, one shared meal at a time, because sharing is caring.

YF Life Claims “Branding Initiative of the Year – HK” at Insurance Asia Awards 2026

By
Advertorial Desk
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Pioneering “Invesurance” Philosophy for 50th Anniversary Campaign Secures Prestigious Industry Honor


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2026 – YF Life Insurance International Ltd. (YF Life) has been awarded the prestigious “Branding Initiative of the Year – Hong Kong” accolade at the Insurance Asia Awards 2026. This prominent recognition celebrates the resounding success of YF Life’s 50th-anniversary brand campaign, which highlighted its pioneering “Invesurance” (Insurance + Investment) philosophy. This award underscores YF Life’s commitment to comprehensive brand transformation, the establishment of a revolutionary insurance-investment framework, and its industry-leading position in marketing innovation.

Mr. Stephen Zhang, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of YF Life, stated: “We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition. This award is not only the ultimate tribute to YF Life’s 50th anniversary milestone, but also an authoritative endorsement of our ‘Invesurance’ philosophy, which strategically and deeply integrates the rigors of investment with the security of insurance. Navigating a dynamic market landscape and the sophisticated expectations of next-generations, YF Life remains resolute in our commitment to driving sustainable asset growth and financial resilience. The resounding success of this campaign marks a pivotal milestone, propelling us forward into an increasingly digitalized, youth-centric, and globally integrated future.”

Defining “Invesurance”: Setting the Standard for Systematic Insurance Wealth Management

As the core of the 50th-anniversary campaign is the “Invesurance” philosophy, a pioneering approach within the Hong Kong and Macau insurance sectors that proactively bridges the divide between investment and insurance. This framework is anchored by four strategic pillars:

  • The “1+N” Structure: Collaborating with Barings to manage high-quality core bond portfolios “1”, while closely partnering with world-class asset management institutions “N” to strategically deploy private equity and alternative investments, providing flexible access to diversified investment vehicles.
  • Risk Diversification: Implementing cross-asset strategies to effectively mitigate systemic risks stemming from market volatility.
  • Global Allocation: Keeping pace with premier global assets to capture sustainable growth potential across diverse geographical regions.
  • Fluctuation Mitigation: Optimizing asset orchestration to help clients navigate economic cycles and realize long-term capital appreciation.

Through its innovative “Invesurance” framework, YF Life seamlessly integrates traditional insurance protection with institutional-grade global investment strategies, establishing a forward-looking and resilient wealth management foundation for both high-net-worth and mass-affluent clients.

Empowered by Technology: Constructing Smart Brand Assets via Advanced Technology

In terms of brand marketing and communications, YF Life has established itself as an early adopter of advanced Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) technology within the industry. To complement the 50th-anniversary promotions, the campaign debuted two fully AI-generated brand videos that translated the abstract concepts of “Invesurance” into compelling visual narratives. By integrating high level brand storytelling with cutting-edge technology, YF Life not only optimized content production efficiency but also established a rapid iterative, intelligent brand asset, setting a new paradigm for insurance marketing.

An Omnichannel Ecosystem: Generating Scalable Strategic Resonance

The campaign deployed an integrated, omnichannel communications strategy, ensuring seamless synergy between digital touchpoints and offline engagements. Digitally, the brand executed systematic content operations across major social media platforms to drive sustained market buzz and interactive user engagement. For offline, strategic outdoor placements in prime Hong Kong and Macau commercial districts utilized a modern, high recognition visual identity to maximize brand presence and resonance.

Looking Ahead: Fueling “Envision, Invesurance” through Driven Innovation

Moving forward, YF Life will continue to deepen the operational integration and practical application of its “Invesurance” philosophy. By Leveraging its digital transformation strengths and technological ecosystem, the company is committed to tailoring client experiences and strategically positioned to capture HNW and next-generation market segments. Through scalable brand narratives and superior digital experiences, YF Life continues to translate its core brand values—”Envision, Invesurance”—into tangible customer value, steering the insurance industry toward a high-specification, intelligent future.

Hashtag: #YFLife

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

Holistic Way Unveils New Plant-Based Menopause Relief Supplement

By
Advertorial Desk
-

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2026 – JR Life Sciences Pte Ltd, the company behind Singapore’s No. 1 Health-Supplement Brand, Holistic Way, announced the launch of its newest innovation in women’s health: a plant-based Menopause Relief supplement formulated to support women through every stage of menopause. The product is officially released this month, underscoring the company’s deepening commitment to addressing the evolving health needs of women in Singapore and across the region.

As awareness around women’s health continues to grow, menopause remains a life stage that is frequently underserved by mainstream health solutions. JR Life Sciences is responding to this gap with a science-backed, plant-derived formulation that offers a natural alternative to conventional hormone-based therapies, one that is both accessible and aligned with the preferences of today’s health-conscious consumer.

Menopause Relief is a once-daily capsule containing three plant-based phytoestrogens, each selected for their clinically studied benefits in managing menopause symptoms and supporting long-term health. The formulation is free from synthetic hormones and is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets, making it broadly accessible across diverse consumer lifestyles.

Key active ingredients include:

  • Lifenol Hops Extract (8-PN phytoestrogen): Shown to lessen hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, restlessness and irritability while helping to maintain total-body bone-mineral density.
  • Flax Lignan (SDG phytoestrogen): Provides gentle hormonal support that helps balance oestrogen levels during the transition.
  • Soy Isoflavone (genistein and daidzein): Supports bone strength, reduces hot flashes and steadies mild mood swings.

The launch of Menopause Relief reflects a broader strategic priority for JR Life Sciences: to expand its women’s health portfolio in response to growing consumer demand for natural health solutions. In Singapore, where an ageing population is driving increased interest in preventive health and targeted supplementation, the company sees a significant opportunity to better serve women navigating the menopause transition.

Holistic Way currently distributes a comprehensive range of nutraceuticals across key health categories, including:

As JR Life Sciences prepares for 2027, its focus remains on addressing unmet market needs and evolving consumer expectations. Guided by a commitment to science-backed innovation and quality, the company continues to invest in building a future-ready product pipeline that supports long-term well-being and reinforces trust among consumers in Singapore and beyond.

Menopause Relief is now available through Holistic Way’s retail and digital channels. For more information, visit https://holisticway.com.sg/.

Hashtag: #HolisticWay

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

About Holistic Way

Holistic Way is a leading Singapore-based health supplement brand under JR Life Sciences, committed to supporting holistic wellbeing through science-led nutrition. The brand offers a comprehensive range of supplements formulated to support key health areas, including immunity, hormonal balance, joint health, digestive wellness, and healthy ageing. Guided by evidence-based research and stringent quality standards, Holistic Way focuses on delivering effective, reliable solutions that address both everyday wellness needs and specific life-stage concerns. Through its emphasis on scientific integrity and product excellence, Holistic Way empowers individuals to take proactive control of their health and well-being.

Mitrade Earns AI Award While Keeping Australian Traders in the Decision Seat

By
Advertorial Desk
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MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CFD broker Mitrade received Global Business Magazine’s 2026 AI Broker of the Year award as the latest AI model powering MitradeGPT rolls out in selected regions, with Australia to follow. It speaks to a central AI debate: how to accelerate research without displacing trader judgement.

Young Australians are testing AI for financial research, even as regulators urge caution over its limits. ASIC’s “Moneysmart Gen Z Financial Behaviours Report 2026” found 18% of Gen Z Australians use AI for financial information, while 64% trust AI platforms for financial guidance. Against that backdrop, Mitrade’s principle is straightforward: AI should support research, not make trading decisions.

That principle shapes the latest model behind MitradeGPT, an AI research tool already on Mitrade’s platform outside the EU. The new AI model is now live in several regions Mitrade provides services for, with Australia planned for a later phase. Where available, MitradeGPT organises news research in one place: finding related coverage, sorting it into categories, grouping key developments, and extracting main viewpoints.

For traders, that means less repetitive research, less noise to sift through, and clearer market context.

“AI can process information at a remarkable speed, but it cannot replace human judgement,” said Elven Jong, CEO of Mitrade AU. “Its proper role is not to tell traders what to do, but to reduce information overload and make market context easier to understand. At Mitrade, we focus on providing clearer context and education so traders can question the information, weigh competing views and retain control over every decision.”

Mitrade also recently received Global Business Review Magazine’s Most Trusted CFD Broker – Global 2026 and World Business Stars Magazine’s Best New CFD Broker LATAM 2026 and Most Reliable Broker Global 2026.

About Mitrade  
Mitrade is an award-winning CFD trading platform founded in Melbourne, trusted by 7M+ traders worldwide. It operates under top-tier financial regulators—Australia’s ASIC (AFSL398528), Cyprus’ CySEC (CIF438/23), UAE’s CMA (License No. 20200000397), Cayman Islands’ CIMA (SIB1612446), South Africa’s FSCA (54842), and Mauritius’s FSC (GB20025791)—delivering a secure, seamless, and intuitive trading experience.  

The platform provides 1,000+ CFDs on indices, forex, commodities, ETFs, and shares. Mitrade redefines trading with millisecond execution, razor-thin spreads, robust risk management, and multi-device compatibility.  

Trading involves risks. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or a solicitation.  

Visit https://www.mitrade.com for more information.

Manulife announces $3.2 billion long-term care reinsurance transaction with Munich Re

By
Advertorial Desk
-

• Company’s third LTC reinsurance transaction and first on a standalone LTC block, highlighting Manulife’s ability to transact in various structures
• Full risk transfer on the biometric risk with no asset transfer
• Upon closing, Manulife will have cumulatively reduced LTC risk by 24%

TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Manulife Financial Corporation (“Manulife” or the “Company”) announced today that it has agreed to reinsure biometric risk1 on a block of long-term care (“LTC”) policies with $3.2 billion of reserves2 to Munich American Reassurance Company (“Munich Re Life US”), a subsidiary of Munich Re Group, highlighting the Company’s continued efforts to reduce the risk profile of its inforce portfolio. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2026 pending regulatory approvals.

Key highlights of the transaction include:

  • Full risk transfer on biometric risk3 on $3.2 billion of LTC reserves to Munich Re Life US
  • Inclusive of our previous LTC reinsurance transactions4, upon closing Manulife will have cumulatively reduced LTC morbidity sensitivity by 24%5
  • Similar pricing to prior deals, with a modest negative 5% cede6, further validating reserves and assumptions
  • Transaction largely neutral to capital, with immaterial annual impact to both core earnings and net income attributed to shareholders of ~$30 million in the first year and reducing over time7

“Today’s announcement represents our third LTC reinsurance transaction in under three years and first on a standalone LTC block, reflecting our ability to reduce our risk profile and strengthen our business through innovative actions. Looking ahead, we continue to see meaningful opportunities to improve our long-term care portfolio through organic initiatives that will enhance risk-adjusted returns and generate significant shareholder value.”

– Phil Witherington, President & Chief Executive Officer, Manulife

Slides related to this announcement are included as part of the 2Q26 earnings presentation available here: 2Q26 results presentation 

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Anchored in our ambition to be the number one choice for customers, we operate as Manulife across Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice, insurance and health solutions for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment solutions, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 106,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 37 million customers with operations across 25 markets globally. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and Philippine stock exchanges, and under ‘945’ on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

About Munich Re Life US

Munich Re Life US, a subsidiary of Munich Re Group, is a leading US reinsurer with a significant market presence and extensive technical depth in all areas of life and disability reinsurance. Beyond vast reinsurance capacity and unrivaled risk expertise, the company is recognized as an innovator in digital transformation and aims to guide carriers through the changing industry landscape with dynamic solutions insightfully designed to grow and support their business. Munich Re Life US also offers tailored financial reinsurance solutions to help life and disability insurance carriers manage organic growth and capital efficiency as well as M&A support to help achieve transaction success.

Non-GAAP and other financial measures

Manulife prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. We use a number of non-GAAP and other financial measures to evaluate overall performance and to assess each of our businesses. Core earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios in this document please see section E3 “Non-GAAP and other financial measures” of the 2Q26 MD&A which is incorporated by reference and available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.com.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbour” provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the expected timing and closing of the reinsurance transaction described herein and its expected impact and future opportunities to improve our long-term care portfolio.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to the receipt of required regulatory approvals, satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the accuracy of actuarial assumptions and reserve estimates, changes in economic, market or regulatory conditions, the accuracy of information received from counterparties and the ability of counterparties to meet their obligations. Additional information regarding material risk factors may be found in our most recent annual and interim reports and other filings with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

The forward-looking statements in this document are stated as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.

Media Inquiries

Fiona McLean
(437) 441-7491
fiona_mclean@manulife.com

Investor Relations

Derek Theobalds
(416) 254-1774
derek_theobalds@manulife.com

_________________________________________

Note: All figures and estimates are based on June 30, 2026, position, unless otherwise noted, and are expressed in Canadian dollar, based on exchange rate of US$1:00 to C$1.41875. Foregone core earnings and net income attributed to shareholders impacts based on exchange rate of US$1:00 to C$1.38398.

1

IFRS reserve figure of C$3.2B at 80% quota share. 

2

IFRS reserve figure of C$3.2B at 80% quota share, reflecting IFRS 17 current estimate of present value of future cash flows + risk adjustment + contractual service margin.

3

IFRS reserve figure of C$3.2B at 80% quota share.

4

Refers to the $13 billion reinsurance transaction, including $6 billion of LTC, with Global Atlantic that was announced in December 2023 and closed in February 2024 and the $5.4 billion reinsurance transaction with RGA, including $2.4 billion of LTC that was announced in November 2024 and closed in January 2025.

5

Impact of a change in reserves would be reported through the contractual service margin, net income attributed to shareholders, and other comprehensive income attributed to shareholders. In reference to the cumulative reduction in LTC morbidity sensitivity across all three transactions at the time of the respective announcement. Note sensitivity for this transaction based on 2Q26. Transaction is expected to close in 4Q26 pending regulatory approvals.

6

On IFRS basis.

7

Core earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. 
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