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Spackman Media Group Artist Son Suk-ku’s K-Drama, MY LIBERATION NOTES, Continues to Break Its Own Highest Audience Ratings Record in Korea

  • Starring Spackman Media Group artist Son Suk-ku, MY LIBERATION NOTES, continues to surpass its own highest audience ratings records in Korea, according to Nielson Korea
  • Son Suk-ku also stars alongside Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) in THE ROUNDUP, a sequel film to the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWS, which opened as the highest box office record for a Korean film since the COVID-19 outbreak
  • Represented by Spackman Media Group, Son Suk-ku was ranked as the most popular actor in Korea for three weeks in a row, based on Good Data TV Popularity Research as of May 16

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 23 May 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 the Korean drama series MY LIBERATION NOTES, headlined by Son Suk-ku of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“), continues to surpass its previous highest viewership record in Korea with an audience rating of 6.1% as of May 22, according to Nielson Korea, an audience rating research company.

MY LIBERATION NOTES, which airs every Saturday and Sunday at 22:30 on JTBC, tells the story of a secretive stranger (Son Suk-ku) and three siblings (Kim Ji-won, Lee Min-ki and Lee El), who long to escape from their dead-end lives. Produced by Chorokbaem Media and JTBC Studios, the Korean drama is also available on Netflix.

Previously, Son Suk-ku of Spackman Media Group was ranked as the most popular actor in Korea for three weeks in a row and his co-star Kim Ji-won of DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN (2016) took the second place in Korea’s actor popularity rankings for the same period, based on Good Data TV Popularity Research as of May 16.

Son Suk-ku also stars alongside Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) in THE ROUNDUP, a sequel to the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWS, which opened as the highest box office record for a Korean film since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Previously, the Group’s subsidiary, Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd., co-presented and distributed the 2017 box office hit THE OUTLAWS which broke the all-time highest Video On Demand sales record in Korea in 2018. THE ROUNDUP was pre-sold to 132 countries around the world, including Singapore, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and France, as well as the regions of North America and Eastern Europe.

Son Suk-ku of SBD Entertainment also headlined in the romance comedy film, NOTHING SERIOUS (2021), which reached #1 at the box office in Korea last year, and K-dramas, Netflix’s D.P. (2021), DESIGNATED SURVIVOR: 60 DAYS (2019) and MATRIMONIAL CHAOS (2018). He also starred in the American Netflix drama series SENSE8, which was written and produced by the Wachowski sisters.

Other than Son Suk-ku, SBD Entertainment also represents one of Korea’s rapidly rising young actors, Han Ji-hyun of popular K-drama THE PENTHOUSE 3, who won the Best Rookie Female Actor in the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards in Korea and endorsed luxury brand Gucci in April 2021.

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 the second half of 2022 and A MAN OF REASON, with the previous working title GUARDIAN in 2022 tentatively.

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

#SpackmanEntertainmentGroup

ASEAN Accepts Mutually Recognized Covid-19 Vaccination Certificates

Health Ministers of ASEAN countries at the 15th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting.
Health Ministers of ASEAN countries at the 15th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting.

ASEAN Member States have collectively recognized a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to be applied in Southeast Asia.

Thailand to Legalize Undocumented Workers from Neighboring Countries

Migrant workers waiting in line for vaccination in Thailand(Photo: Apichart Jinakul).

Thailand has said it hopes to legalize undocumented migrants to meet an increased demand for foreign labor.

Vientiane to Promote Little-known Xing Xou Island as New Tourism Site

View of Vientiane Capital from Xing Xou Island.
View of Vientiane Capital from Xing Xou Island (Photo: Cameron Darke).

Xing Xou Island has been announced as a new cultural heritage site in Vientiane Capital. 

Choco Up partners with Shoplazza to transform the financing landscape for DTC e-commerce merchants

The partnership will provide funding to e-commerce merchants and help turn local businesses into global players

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 23 May 2022 – Choco Up, a global technology and financial services platform offering revenue-based financing and growth solutions for digital merchants and startups, today announced its strategic partnership with Shoplazza, a global leading e-commerce Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. Together, their collaboration will provide quick and accessible business growth funding for Shoplazza’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, helping businesses to overcome financing challenges commonly encountered by e-commerce merchants.

The first-ever growth funding partner of Shoplazza, Choco Up’s embedded revenue-based financing solution with a proprietary AI-driven underwriting model will offer funding through the Shoplazza platform in just a few clicks. This will enable more than 360,000 merchants to grow in gross merchandise value (GMV) through inventory purchases, marketing expenditures, and new market expansions across the globe.

E-commerce merchants often face operational and geographical challenges as they expand

A significant pain point faced by many e-commerce merchants is their heavy reliance on third-party marketplaces such as Amazon and Lazada. These platforms pocket commission fees as high as 45% per transaction, putting pressure on sellers’ razor-thin margins. As a result, many e-commerce merchants have adopted the DTC business model, which offers higher margins, more flexibility and a greater Return-On-Investment (ROI). However, this also requires business owners to invest in their website and online store, which can incur substantial costs.

Shoplazza empowers merchants by providing all the tools they need to create their online store, freeing them from third-party marketplace platforms and allowing them to grow their DTC brands globally and independently. Its integrated platform helps businesses manage their online stores, including web infrastructure, product sourcing, enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer operations, etc. On top of software-as-a-service, Shoplazza also provides merchants branding, marketing, and other e-commerce-adjacent support.

Another key challenge facing e-commerce businesses is the substantial funding gap among merchants seeking to pivot to the DTC business model to expand and scale globally. E-commerce merchants are frequently unable to secure loans from banks due to a lack of assets with profiles perceived as higher risk. They cannot turn to private equity or venture capital, which tend to prefer investing in disruptive tech sectors – leaving many digital merchants in the cold. The success rate of securing private equity funding can be as low as 0.7%.

Choco Up provides quick and easy growth funding to e-commerce merchants without requiring collateral, equity, or fixed terms. For Shoplazza’s DTC e-commerce merchants, there is no need to fill out lengthy applications or go through extensive credit checks to access growth capital. With its proprietary AI and machine learning technology, Choco Up can quickly and reliably conduct the risk assessment for merchants and is able to offer funding in as soon as 48 hours.

As opposed to traditional financing methods, Choco Up’s revenue-sharing model – the first of its kind in Asia – allows merchants to easily get growth funding and repay flexibly by sharing a small proportion of their monthly revenue during repayment. Merchants no longer need to worry about overdue payments due to unstable cash flows and are provided with the flexibility and protection against business growth and expansion risks. By extending credit to e-commerce businesses and supporting merchants in their pursuit of global ambitions, Choco Up bridges the gap between e-commerce businesses and growth capital.

“A synergistic convergence of two of Asia’s leading tech companies, this embedded financing product partnership between Choco Up and Shoplazza will revolutionize e-commerce funding at scale. Together, the two platforms will provide merchants access to quick and easy business funding to monetize growth opportunities in the dynamic e-commerce landscape and a comprehensive suite of digital-commerce-related support,” said Brian Tsang, Choco Up’s co-founder and COO. “Teaming up with Shoplazza also enables us to help yet more local businesses expand beyond borders whilst furthering our mission to increase financial inclusion for companies of all sizes and types.”

“Through this strategic partnership, Shoplazza will be able to broaden its range of e-commerce-adjacent support for merchants currently using its software and services. In addition, the funding provided by Choco Up can help many DTC merchants realize their global growth potential,” said Jesse Huang, the VP of Shoplazza.

About Choco Up

Choco Up is a global technology and financial services platform, offering revenue-based financing and business growth solutions for digital merchants and startups. With data analytics and machine learning at its core, Choco Up employs vast integrations to automate fund deployment, providing fast-growing companies with zero-equity funding in a quick and seamless manner. We currently have offices in Singapore and Hong Kong and serve businesses worldwide, providing smart-growth analytics and global payment solutions to fuel their growth.

For more information, visit:

About Shoplazza
Shoplazza is an award-winning shopping cart commerce technology company that provides differentiated value by offering technology that is easy to start, market and manage online stores of any size. The single integrated back-end platform powered by advanced data analytical capability is engineered for reliability, security and adaptivity, ensuring our merchants never miss a turn.

Shoplazza champions merchants to not only build an online store but own their brand. The North America-based Direct-to-customer (“DTC”) branding incubation team provides services covering the entire journey of buyers that helps merchants develop a direct relationship with the buyers and make their brand memorable and distinctive.

For more information, visit:

#ChocoUp #Shoplazza

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

AXA launched “WiseProtect Pro Medical Insurance Plan”

Annual benefit limit up to MOP40million and no lifetime benefit limit

Fully cover1 prescribed medical treatments with no waiting period

“Noble” benefit level provides worldwide2 medical coverage

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach – 23 May 2022 – AXA Hong Kong and Macau (AXA) today announced the launch of WiseProtect Pro Medical Insurance Plan” (“WiseProtect Pro”), which offers customers a comprehensive and quality protection with medical coverage including up to MOP40 million annual benefit limit, no lifetime benefit limit, full coverage1 for qualified medical treatments and no waiting period. In addition, the top-notch “Noble” benefit level provides worldwide medical coverage (excluding the USA)2 to address the needs of those customers who are studying abroad or on business trips.

Three notable features of the WiseProtect Pro are as follows:

1) No lifetime benefit limit; up to MOP40 million annual benefit limit

In view of the continuously rising medical costs, customers at all benefit levels of “WiseProtect Pro” will enjoy the coverages without lifetime benefit limit. The annual benefit limits of the “Regular”, “Enhance” and “Premier” benefit levels are MOP5 million, MOP25 million and MOP30 million respectively. Customers of the “Noble” benefit level will enjoy an annual benefit limit of up to MOP40 million. The coverage allows our customers to focus on addressing their health issues without worrying about exhausting the benefit limit.

2) “Noble” benefit level provides global2 medical coverage

Embracing the concept of global citizenship, the top-notch “Noble” benefit level provides worldwide2 non-emergency treatment coverage, so customers can receive quality medical protection even when they are abroad. Policyholders can also receive private nursing service provided by a qualified nurse for a maximum of 30 days per policy year during their hospitalisation. Insured persons under the age of 18 who are hospitalised for at least 5 consecutive days can receive extra financial support of up to MOP5,0003. Within 180 days of discharging from a hospital and with the recommendation from doctor, the insured customer can also receive additional rehabilitation support of up to MOP80,000 for a maximum of 90 days per policy year, covering the expenses for related treatments according to medical advice, in an accredited hospital or a licensed rehabilitation facility.

In addition, all “WiseProtect Pro” customers can enjoy worldwide emergency treatment coverage. Comprehensive protection will be available to an insured person who is unfortunately involved in an accident when travelling and in need of emergency treatment to prevent death, permanent damage or other severe consequences.

3) Up to 180 days of follow-up outpatient visits after discharged from hospitalisation for major or complex surgical procedures with no claim limit; full coverage1 for prescribed non-surgical cancer treatments

“WiseProtect Pro” provides immediate and all-inclusive protection after the policy is effective with no waiting period. It also offers full coverage1 for prescribed non-surgical cancer treatments and an unlimited number of designated follow-up outpatient claims within 180 days after discharge from hospitalisation for major or complex surgical procedures. With the new benefit covering specified reconstructive surgeries, including oral and maxillofacial procedures after an accident and breast reconstruction surgery, “WiseProtect Pro” can help its customers go through different health challenges.

Furthermore, policyholders of the “Enhance” benefit level can enjoy a daily cash benefit4 of MOP1,000 during their hospitalisation in a lower ward class in Hong Kong and Macau, while those of the “Premier” and “Noble” benefit levels can receive MOP2,000.

A series of additional supporting services to address insured persons’ medical needs at all times

In addition, a cashless service within the AXA Signature Network will be available for the policyholders of “WiseProtect Pro”, in order to save customers’ time when handling medical claims. Moreover, “WiseProtect Pro” offers a free medical consultation service for policyholders to receive a second medical opinion from doctors through face-to-face meetings. Under “WiseProtect Pro”, qualified nurses can be arranged to provide the insured with advices and timely supports throughout the entire recovery journey.

Kevin Chor, Chief Life and Health Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said, “According to statistics, the total health expenditure rose at an average annual rate of 5.6%5 in the past 30 years. In view of this, we are pleased to launch ‘WiseProtect Pro’ which enables our customers to enjoy a comprehensive protection with a higher maximum annual benefit with no lifetime benefit limit. The ‘Noble’ benefit level allows the insured to receive medical treatment globally in most countries and regions to fully address their needs anytime and anywhere. ‘WiseProtect Pro’ underscores our commitment in facing future challenges together with our customers and being their lifetime companion.”

The upgraded “WiseProtect Pro” provides multiple levels of protection. For more information about this product, please visit: https://www.axa.com.mo/en/promotions/

The above information is for reference only. For details on product features, content, terms and exclusions, please refer to the product brochure, policy provision and promotional leaflet.


1 Full coverage shall mean the actual amount of eligible expenses and other expenses charged after deducting the remaining deductible (if any), and is subject to the annual benefit limit and other conditions as stated in the product brochure and policy contract.

2 Worldwide excluding USA shall mean worldwide excluding USA. USA shall mean the United States of America and US Minor Outlying Islands.

3 One claim per policy year.

4 Maximum 10 days per confinement

5 Information from Hong Kong’s Domestic Healthcare Accounts released by the Food and Health Bureau.

About AXA Hong Kong and Macau

AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 50 markets and serving 95 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.

As one of the most diversified insurers offering integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance, our goal is to be the insurance and holistic wellness partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve.

At the core of our service commitment is continuous product innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers and leveraging technology and digital transformation.

We embrace our responsibility to be a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first insurer in Hong Kong and Macau to address the importance of mental health through different products and services such as offering free mindfulness practice resources through Mind Charger which is fully accessible to our customers and the public via our holistic wellness platform AXA BetterMe.

AXA also takes part in a wide range of ESG initiatives and programmes both globally and locally. AXA Group established AXA Climate School and Net-Zero Insurance Alliance in 2021 and set out various global green targets such as reaching €26 billion in green investments by 2023 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2025. In Hong Kong, AXA pledges to reduce paper usage via digitisation and is the first insurer to join the ‘Green Monday ESG Coalition’. As of Feb 2022, AXA Hong Kong’s green investments have exceeded HKD4 billion. We strive to contribute to a sustainable future as an investor, insurer and an exemplary company.

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS AVAILABLE ON AXA’S WEBSITE:

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause AXA’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Part 4 – “Risk factors and risk management” of AXA’s Universal Registration Document for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect AXA’s business, and/or results of operations. AXA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as part of applicable regulatory or legal obligations.

#AXA

Thai AirAsia X Successfully Files for Bankruptcy

Thai AirAsia X Files for Bankruptcy

Thai AirAsia X (TAAX), a low-cost long-haul flight provider that is part of the AirAsia group, has successfully filed for bankruptcy in a Thai court.

As it strengthens its regional focus, VP Bank announces key appointments in Asia with Johnny Heng as Head of Singapore Branch and Kenneth Chan as Head of In-termediaries Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 23 May 2022 – VP Bank Ltd today announces several appointments within its Asia organisation. These appointments further affirm the Bank’s dedication to Strategy 2026, enhancing its competitive edge to seize opportunities in the Asia region.

VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch
New appointments

1. Johnny Heng joins as the Head of Singapore Branch, effective 1 June 2022 (subject to regulatory approval), reporting to CEO Asia, Pamela Hsu Phua. Having worked more than 25 years in the financial services industry, he has extensive international investment and management experience spanning London, New York and Singapore. In line with Strategy 2026, Johnny will be responsible for developing and scaling the Bank’s operations and activities in Singapore. Prior to joining VP Bank, Johnny worked for Equities First Holdings, Nomura Singapore, Coutts & Co. and Credit Suisse Private Bank. Johnny also held senior investment roles in a sovereign wealth fund and a single family office, helming the investment teams through numerous market cycles like the “dot.com” bubble and the last global financial crisis. In recognition for his active community work and contributions to the non-profit sector, he was awarded the Public Service Medal by the President of Singapore in 2019. An economist by training, he also holds a Juris Doctor degree from Singapore University of Social Sciences.

2. Veronica Ong joins as Regional Lead, Marketing and Communications Asia, effective 17 May 2022, reporting to Chief of Staff Asia, Heline Lam. A marcom professional with more than 20 years of experience, Veronica is responsible for driving the Bank’s marketing and communication activities in Asia to support business growth in this region. She was previously Head of Marketing, Southeast Asia for Credit Suisse AG, and worked for organisations such as Coutts & Co Bank Ltd and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. She graduated from National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

VP Wealth Management (Hong Kong) Ltd
New appointments

3. Kenneth Chan joins as the Head of Intermediaries Hong Kong, effective 1 June 2022. With over 30 years of financial services experience, he will report to Reto Marx, Head of Hong Kong, and help in the development and implementation of VP Bank’s growth strategy in the Greater China region. Prior to joining our Hong Kong office, Kenneth worked for EFG Bank AG, UBS AG, Pictet & Cie (Europe), Standard Charted Private Bank and DBS Hong Kong. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce & Economics and is a Financial Risk Manager (FRM).

4. Alice Chan joins as a Relationship Manager, effective 1 June 2022. With extensive experience in relationship management, she will report to Kenneth Chan. Joining from EFG Bank AG, she has previously worked for UBS AG Hong Kong, Standard Chartered Ltd, DBS Bank and ICBC.

5. Karen Ho joins as a Relationship Manager, effective 27 June 2022. With close to 20 years of banking experience, she joins from EFG Bank AG and will report to Kenneth Chan. Prior to joining EFG Bank AG, Karen held various banking positions at UBS AG, HSBC, Citibank, and AIA.

“With the Asia region as one of the main growth engines for VP Bank, we continue to emphasise on expanding and improving our investment platform and infrastructure for our clients,” highlighted Pamela Hsu Phua, CEO Asia of VP Bank.

About VP Bank Group

VP Bank Ltd was established in 1956 and, with around 1,000 employees, is one of the largest banks in Liechtenstein. VP Bank has an international presence, with offices in Vaduz, Zurich, Luxembourg, Singapore, Hong Kong and Road Town (British Virgin Islands). Its core competencies include the development of customised financial solutions for intermediaries and private persons, as well as access to private market investments via a curated ecosystem. In addition, the Group has an international fund competence centre. As of 31 December 2021, client assets under management of VP Bank Group amounted to CHF 51.3 billion. VP Bank is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has an “A” rating from Standard & Poor’s.

About VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch

VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch is a boutique private bank with a client-centric business philosophy. With a presence in Singapore since 2008, it is the Asian branch of the Liechtenstein-based VP Bank Group.

VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch provides specialised wealth management solutions and family office services for high-net-worth clients and professional asset managers and is dedicated to the protection and growth of clients’ wealth. The bank offers a holistic suite of services in wealth management. Apart from private wealth management, VP Bank Ltd Singapore Branch provides comprehensive services for asset managers and other financial intermediaries. The service offering comprises a trading platform, banking services – including e-banking and mobile banking – and operational support. Partnership arrangements with professionals include tailor-made investment advisory, discretionary management solutions, and custodian services.

VP Bank was awarded Best External Asset Manager Service Provider and Best Private Banking Regional Partnership at Greater China WealthBriefingAsia Awards for Excellence 2020 and Best Asia EAM Service Desk at Citywire Asia EAM Desk Awards 2020. In 2021, VP Bank was named Best Private Bank – Intermediary Services by Asian Private Banker.

#VPBank

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