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AIA Launches AIA One Billion to Engage a Billion People to Live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives By 2030

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 22 February 2022 – AIA Group Limited (“AIA” or the “Company”; stock code: 1299) today announced the launch of AIA One Billion, a bold ambition to engage a billion people to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives by 2030. As the largest pan-Asian life and health insurer, AIA is starting a movement to improve the health and wellness of individuals and help create a more sustainable future in Asia.

Stuart A. Spencer, AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer, said, “For more than a century, AIA has strived to make a significant, positive impact for our customers and communities. Launching AIA One Billion extends our Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives far beyond our immediate customer base. AIA One Billion underscores AIA’s commitment to engage, educate and inspire communities across Asia to improve physical, mental and environmental wellness while championing financial inclusion.

The pandemic has increased people’s awareness of the importance of health and wellness. Yet populations in Asia are seeing an increase in lifestyle-related diseases, accounting for more than 70 per cent of all deaths1. The World Health Organisation has warned that climate change will increase morbidity and mortality, especially in Asia2. It is critically important for AIA to play a positive role and be at the forefront of helping our communities address these issues.”

Melita Teo, AIA Singapore Chief Customer and Digital Officer, said, “As we double down on our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts as an organisation, the AIA One Billion ambition will build on our increased momentum to develop actionable plans across our ESG strategic pillars. We hope to invigorate the drive to keep minds, bodies and environments healthy nationwide, so we can shape a healthier future for Singapore with longer term and more sustainable outcomes.”

 

Through partnerships, events, community programmes and campaigns, AIA One Billion will encompass all our interactions across our communities to engage and encourage everyone from all walks of life to lead healthier lifestyles and help secure a healthier planet. As a first step to kick-start AIA One Billion, a regional social media campaign has been launched to invite people to ‘Join the Journey’. AIA ambassadors across the region will also support the initiative and rally communities to take action and drive broad positive behavioural change.

 

AIA has the ambition to become a global leader in ESG. AIA One Billion builds on our long-term strategy to make a difference to the sustainable development of our communities, and setting clear goals in line with our ambition to be a global leader in ESG. As part of its ESG reporting, AIA will track, measure, and report on progress towards the goal to engage one billion people by 2030 to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

 

Find out more about AIA One Billion corporate website: AIA Group and AIA Singapore.

 

Visit AIA Singapore’s social media channels to find out more and ‘Join the Journey’:

Facebook: @Singapore.AIA

Instagram: @AIASingapore

LinkedIn: @AIA Singapore

About AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR(1), Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR(2), and a 49 per cent joint venture in India.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$330 billion as of 30 June 2021.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 39 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

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

Notes:

1. Hong Kong SAR refers to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

2. Macau SAR refers to Macau Special Administrative Region.

#AIA

Thais Take to Social Media for Road Safety Revolution

Road Safety at Zebra Crossings in Thailand
Pedestrians cross at a zebra crossing in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: Sanook).

Following several high-profile traffic deaths, including the death of a doctor struck by a motorcyclist in a protected pedestrian crossing, a surge of Thai citizens are using the hashtag #ThaiRoadSafety on social media to call attention to unsafe driving practices and to express concerns over preventable accidents.

Laos Knocks Out Malaysia in Second Victory at AFF U23 Championship

Laos knocks Malaysia out of AFF U23 Championship
The faces of victory as Laos finishes off Malaysia at the AFF U23 Championship.

Laos is to proceed to the semi-finals at the AFF U23 Championship after dominating the field in their second victory against Malaysia yesterday evening.

Facilitator of Tanoto Foundation’s PINTAR Programme Urges the Use of Digital Big Book to Enhance Early Grade Students’ Reading Ability

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach – 21 February 2022 – Hendra Budiono, S.Pd., M.Pd, a lecturer at the Elementary School Teacher Study Programme (PGSD) at the University of Jambi (Universitas Jambi), and Facilitator of the Tanoto Foundation’s PINTAR Programme for the Early Grades has called for the utilisation of the Digital Big Book in Indonesia to improve early grade students’ reading ability. Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organisation founded by Mr. and Mrs. Sukanto Tanoto.

Hendra Budiono explains that reinforcing reading together as a teaching method to enhance the students’ reading proficiency has been quite a challenge for early grade teachers during the pandemic. Teachers and students are not possible to read a big book together in class as they usually do.

 

A solution for this problem that will enable the teachers to teach reading to early grade students in the current pandemic situation is the use of the digital big book. Digital Big Book, apart from presenting captivating pictures, also deliver stories through the teacher’s voice, replacing face-to-face communication. Of course, this will motivate the students to listen to the story as it will treat their longing for classroom interactions with their teachers.

 

A training programme is held for early grade elementary school teachers (group learning) to achieve this goal. The prerequisite to joining this programme is that the participants must be able to operate the Powerpoint (PPT) application.

 

The training includes activities as follows:

1.    Analysing basic competence

The first step in creating a digital big book is analysing the basic competence embodied in the big book. The purpose of this analysis is to make sure that the story’s content is in accordance with the demands of competence set in the national curriculum so that learning objectives can be achieved.

2.    Select an Interesting theme for the story

After deciding the basic competence included in the big book, the next step is to select an exciting theme for the story. In doing so, participants should also consider the grade level being taught.

3.    Writing story outline

After selecting a solid topic, the participants will be asked to write a story outline and prepare a drawing plan for each big book page. At this stage, participants can write and draw the concepts on paper before applying them in the PowerPoint application.

4.    Using computer/laptop as a medium for writing a big digital book.

At this stage, participants are required to use a personal computer or laptop connected to the internet. Participants can do simple research online before writing the big book, searching relevant images that enrich the story. They can also search images online during the big bookmaking process. The next step is using PowerPoint (PPT) as a design template to insert images and story text.

5.    Writing the text and inserting images using PowerPoint (PPT)

Participants can start inserting the downloaded images and then save them and paste them into the template design that we have prepared. The next step is to write the story’s text at the bottom or side of each image. Do these steps until the digital Big Book is completed according to the outline.

6.    Adding audio into PPT

The participant’s/teacher’s voice is added into PPT according to the text of the story made. Before recording the voice, make sure that the condition is silent enough so that the voice can be heard clearly.

In the PPT application, select insert, Audio, Record audio. Then start recording by clicking the red button. When it is done, click OK. Do these steps for all slides that have been made. You can check and listen to the recording first by clicking the dialogue box.

7.    Exporting PPT presentation slides to Video

The next step is to export the presentation slides to video format. Click file, select export, select create a video, select computer and HD player, and select don’t use recorded timings and narration. Lastly, select create a video by naming the file and choosing storage location. Wait until the video export process is complete.

8.    Uploading the video to a YouTube account

To make it easier for students to access the videos and start learning from them, it is advisable to upload the videos to the YouTube page. The YouTube links can be shared with students through their respective WhatsApp Group so that they can access the videos anytime and anywhere.

 

The digital Big Book is convenient to use. For example, to improve vocabulary mastery, teachers can mention the words on the digital big book repeatedly or ask the students to mention the words written on the digital big book. And to make it more casual, it should be done as if the teacher is talking to the students directly in the classroom.

 

In the voice recording process, teachers must be able to express themselves in accordance with the storyline of the digital big book, pay attention to punctuation and deliver clear intonation so that students can listen to the stories and follow the instructions.

 

In order to improve the reading skills, teachers can ask their students to retell the story in the big book with the same punctuation, intonation and expression. Teachers can ask their students to make a video while reading the book and send it to the WhatsApp Groups for evaluation.

 

To help the students understand the book’s contents, at the end of the story, the teacher can give some questions. And, of course, they can only be answered after the students completely read the digital Big Book story from start to end.

 

Making the powerpoint-based digital big book is quite interesting as it is proven to be a solution made by teachers in overcoming students’ low interest and motivation in reading. The digital Big Book makes it easier for students to learn reading. And, of course, it is more fun because they can also feel the presence of their teacher through the narrator’s voice. 

About Tanoto Foundation

Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto based on the belief that every person should have the opportunity to realize his or her full potential. Tanoto Foundation programs stem from the belief that quality education accelerates equal opportunity. We harness the transformative strength of education to realize people’s full potential and improve lives. Tanoto Foundation focuses on making an impact in three areas: improving learning environments, future leaders development, as well as medical research and sciences.

https://www.tanotofoundation.org/en/

#TanotoFoundation

Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited announces annual results for the financial year ended December 31, 2021

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 21 February 2022 –

 

2021 Annual Results – Financial Highlights

 

(Figures for the corresponding period in 2020 are shown in brackets)

  • Consolidated revenue: HK$ 467 million (HK$ 1,843 million)
  • Consolidated operating loss: HK$ 358 million (HK$ 462 million)
  • Consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company: HK$ 825 million (HK$ 749 million)
  • Basic loss per share: 42.46 HK cents (47.19 HK cents)
  • No final dividend (No final dividend)

Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD”, SEHK: 00432) has announced its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

The consolidated revenue of PCPD and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) amounted to approximately HK$ 467 million, representing a decrease of approximately 75% compared to the revenue of approximately HK$ 1,843 million in 2020.

 

The Group’s consolidated operating loss amounted to approximately HK$ 358 million, representing a decrease of approximately 23% compared to the operating loss of approximately HK$ 462 million in 2020.

 

The consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company for the year of 2021 was approximately HK$ 825 million, compared to the net loss of approximately HK$ 749 million in 2020.

 

Basic loss per share for 2021 was approximately 42.46 Hong Kong cents compared to the loss per share of approximately 47.19 Hong Kong cents for the previous year.

 

The Board of Directors has not recommended the payment of a final dividend for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

2021 continued to be a challenging year for our hospitality businesses in Hokkaido, Japan. As a result of the various travel restrictions and social distancing measures imposed and the declaration of state of emergency by the Japan government during the year, the occupancy of the Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono remained low.  

 

In South East Asia, Pacific Century Place, Jakarta, our premium commercial property located in Indonesia, maintained a stable performance with an occupancy rate of approximately 80 per cent as at December 31, 2021. In Phang Nga, Thailand, the 18-hole golf course together with the golf and country club commenced operations in the third quarter of 2021. The handover of the first batch of villas began in December 2021.

 

In respect of our property development project at 3-6 Glenealy, Central, Hong Kong, the demolition work was completed and the foundation work is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2022.

 

Mr. Benjamin Lam, PCPD’s Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director, said: “In view of the lingering pandemic and the expected tightening of monetary policies across the US and other developed countries to combat rising inflation, the economic recovery in 2022 remains uncertain. Notwithstanding these challenges, we remain optimistic as to the outlook and prospect of the real estate industry in Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand. The Group will continue to closely monitor the situation and adopt a prudent approach for its business development.” 

About PCPD

Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD” or the “Group”, SEHK: 00432) is principally engaged in the development and management of premium-grade property and infrastructure projects as well as premium-grade property investments. PCCW Limited (“PCCW”, SEHK: 00008) is the single largest shareholder of the Group.

#PacificCenturyPremiumDevelopmentsLimited #PCPD

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

Businesses, Government, and Development Partners Support Responsible Business Conduct in Laos

Last Thursday, the Office of the Embassy of Canada, AustCham, The European Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the European Union, and the British Business Group in Laos co-hosted the 3rd Responsible Business Conduct Forum to share their commitment to and best practices in corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Hang Lung Properties Donates HKD 10 Million for Pandemic Countermeasures in Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 21 February 2022 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (Stock Code: 00101) (“the Company” or “Hang Lung”), has announced a donation of HKD 10 million as the “Hang Lung COVID-19 Relief Fund 2.0” in full support of pandemic countermeasures in Hong Kong. As part of the Relief Fund measures, the Company is also actively exploring opportunities to turn its mall premises into COVID-19 vaccination venues to serve the public. In the first stage, the Relief Fund is providing health protection kits and daily necessities to frontline workers in pandemic relief-related community services, as well as to low-income families and underprivileged students, in order to provide support for their immediate needs.

 

Mr. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Properties, said, “Currently the community is in the grip of a grave outbreak of the virus, and Hang Lung continues to be engaged in work to support measures to contain its spread with aid being given to vulnerable individuals and families through the ‘Hang Lung COVID-19 Relief Fund’. We are grateful for the support of our mall tenants, NGOs and community partners who have joined us in a concerted effort to overcome the challenges posed by the new wave of infections.”

 

The Company is consulting the government on the possibility of converting its portfolio of properties to COVID-19 vaccination venues. With the additional convenience of Hang Lung’s city-wide locations, it is hoped that community participation in the vaccination drive will continue to rise to levels that provide society-wide protection. Under necessary conditions, the “Hang Lung COVID-19 Relief Fund 2.0” will also set aside funds in support of the construction and operation of government “mobile cabin hospitals”, in order to offer all-round support of efforts to counter the spread of the virus.

 

The first dispersal of resources from the “Hang Lung COVID-19 Relief Fund 2.0” will see “Caring Anti-pandemic Gift Packs” distributed to targeted groups including highly devoted, hardworking frontline hygiene workers and drivers of designated “patient-transportation” taxis, as a token of appreciation for their dedication, and low-income families with children to alleviate the financial burdens of those families, the anxiety and fear of children. On top of health protection kits, these gift packs contain supermarket, and health supplies, soup pack vouchers, a data SIM card to support student online learning, and play packs for children. The gift packs will be distributed to beneficiaries in phases, in conjunction with NGOs including the Society for Community Organization, St. James’ Settlement, and Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association. Apart from giving out gift packs, the Company is also in consultation with fleet operators to swiftly provide students of underprivileged families with free transport services for vaccination.

 

To align with the government’s “StayHomeSafe” Scheme, Hang Lung has initiated work-from-home arrangements for all office staff and provided its dutiful frontline staff with health protection so as to safeguard their health and that of their families. Meanwhile, based on individual situations, the Company is offering rental adjustments for mall tenants who are experiencing pressures in their daily operations, to weather the current challenging business environment with them.

 

Hang Lung would like to express its deep respect for those fighting against the pandemic. The Company hopes that the outbreak will soon come to an end with the concerted effort of different sectors, allowing all citizens to return to their normal way of life.

 

“Hang Lung COVID-19 Relief Fund” was first set up in February 2020 with a donation of RMB 10 million supporting pandemic countermeasures in both Hong Kong and on the Mainland through targeted programs to aid community groups adversely affected by the pandemic, in which RMB 6 million was contributed to finance the establishment of Leishenshan Hospital in Wuhan.

 

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City”. Hang Lung Properties is recognized for leading the way in enhanced sustainability initiatives in real estate as it pursues sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.

At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit www.hanglung.com.

#HangLungProperties

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

Flights Resume Between Laos and Vietnam

Laos and Vietnam resume flights
A Vietnam Airlines jet departs from Wattay Airport.

Vietnam has resumed flights between Laos and 18 other countries as it reopens to tourism.