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Laos Confirms 153 New Cases of Covid-19

Attapeu Covid-19 Update

Laos has recorded 153 cases of Covid-19 across the country today.

AXA launches “SmartProtect Plus” Market-first accident insurance covering 3 generations with shared coverage in a single policy

One-stop solution with extensive protection at a daily premium as low as HKD2.4

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 May 2022 – AXA Hong Kong and Macau (AXA) today announced the launch of “SmartProtect Plus” as the first in Hong Kong[1] accident insurance plan providing collective protection for a family across generations with a single policy. Insured persons can enjoy extensive and customised protection under the pioneering shared coverage that caters to the distinct needs of all family members, with a premium as low as HKD2.4 per day. Moreover, to ease the burden of customers who have a big family, once the premium for one child is paid, all the children within the same household will be entitled to equal care under shared coverage for free.

George, Marco and Phoebus from P1X3L (from left to right), a young local boy band, are the embassadors for SmartProtect Plus and become the first customers of the innovative personal accidental insurance product. They got the protection from Kenneth Lai, Chief General Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau to enjoy collective protection for their families with a single policy.

George, Marco and Phoebus from P1X3L (from left to right), a young local boy band, are the embassadors for SmartProtect Plus and become the first customers of the innovative personal accidental insurance product. They got the protection from Kenneth Lai, Chief General Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau to enjoy collective protection for their families with a single policy.

The 3 notable features of “SmartProtect Plus” are as follows:

1) Market-first1 shared coverage for family members to receive tailored protection with flexible financing

“SmartProtect Plus” offers an innovative shared coverage option which allows a family of up to 10 members across 3 generations to share one limit by all insured persons, with claims paid as they arise until the limit is reached. The maximum coverage for accidental death and permanent disablement (“ADPD”) is up to HKD2 million[2].

Customers opted for shared coverage can enjoy a premium reduction compared with that of traditional individual coverage. For instance, customers with a family of four can enjoy a premium reduction as much as 32%. On the other hand, individual coverage is available to those who prefer personalised protection with standalone limit to each person insured. Customers apply online now can enjoy up to 25% premium discount[3]!

2) Covering all children by paying the premium for 1 child with extra care for the juniors and the seniors

AXA understands that big families with children face large financial burdens in their daily lives. Therefore, “SmartProtect Plus” provides an exclusive offer for families with more than one child. Under the unique shared coverage plan, once the policyholder pays the premium for one child, all children of the family under the same single policy will be covered for free. Children’s age is extended to 23 years old for unmarried full-time students.

A double allowance for daily hospital cash and home nursing3 is also provided for both children as well as the elderly. A maximum of HKD40,000 reimbursement is available for the elderly who suffers a broken bone.

3) Lifetime protection from infant to elderly with 24/7 coverage worldwide

“SmartProtect Plus” allows first enrolment age as young as 6 months old and up to 80 years old. To guarantee a lifetime protection[4] for the insured, there is no age limit for policy renewal.

With the rise of global citizenship, “SmartProtect Plus” provides 24-hour global emergency assistance services and a global hospital admission deposit guarantee of up to HKD40,000 for the expenses incurred from accidents outside Hong Kong, as immediate relief to the financial constraints or tensions.

To alleviate the impact on the livelihood of the whole family if the breadwinner suffers from serious injury, “SmartProtect Plus” offers “Income or Payment Protection” as an extra yet vital coverage option for the policyholders to receive timely financial assistance if their main source of income is affected.

We also take a further step to enhance protection for sports and outdoor activities lovers. With an optional cover of “Sports Protection”, customers can enhance the coverage for themselves, their sports equipment or sportswear.

Kenneth Lai, Chief General Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said, “We understand the importance for our customers to provide extensive care for their children and their aging parents as well as the financial burden that comes along. The market-first shared coverage feature in “SmartProtect Plus” can help ease the burden and mental stress in an unfortunate and unexpected event. As Hong Kong’s largest general insurer, we hope to help our customers and their loved ones overcome challenges in life with essential and comprehensive protection for their safety and good health.”

“SmartProtect Plus” also provides various benefits such as recovery aids, job-changing subsidy, abuse support, etc. For more information, please visit: https://www.axa.com.hk/en/smart-protect-plus

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


[1] Reference based on AXA’s internal investigation and comparison against similar personal accident insurance products in the existing General Insurance market, and is valid until up to March, 2022.

[2] The maximum coverage for elderly under accidental death and permanent disablement is up to HKD1 million.

[3] Not applicable to Lite Plan

[4] Lifetime renewal is subject to AXA’s underwriting decision and other conditions set forth in General Conditions Clause 11(d) and (e) of the Policy Wording. The renewal premium and terms and conditions may not be the same as the expiring policy.

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:

#AXA

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.

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

Hong Kong Baptist University joint research reveals that gut microbial enzymes reactivate triclosan which induces colitis

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 May 2022 – A Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) collaborative research study has revealed that certain gut microbial enzymes mediate the reactivation of triclosan (TCS) from its inactive glucuronide metabolite. TCS is an antimicrobial agent commonly used in a wide range of consumer products, and it is associated with the development of colitis.

Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU, points out that according to the research results specific gut microbial enzymes drive the conversion of TCS metabolites to TCS which increases the chance of developing colitis.
Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU, points out that according to the research results specific gut microbial enzymes drive the conversion of TCS metabolites to TCS which increases the chance of developing colitis.

The research results have been published in Nature Communications, an international scientific journal.

Mechanism of TCS exposure leading to colitis previously unclear

TCS is widely used as an antimicrobial agent in consumer products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitisers, cosmetics and toys. It is a major environmental contaminant, and it has been shown that TCS exposure increases the risk of colitis.

Once TCS enters the human body, it is rapidly metabolised to form the biologically inactive metabolite TCS-glucuronide (TCS-G), which is easily eliminated from the body. Due to this characteristic, the mechanism of how environmental exposure to TCS leads to gut toxicity in the human body has previously remained unclear.

To answer this question, a research team co-led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU; Professor Matthew R Redinbo from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Professor Zhang Guodong from the University of Massachusetts Amherst conducted a research study based on the hypothesis that certain gut microbial enzymes act on TCS-G in the gut, leading to the reactivation of TCS and the subsequent development of colitis.

TCS concentration uniquely high in the gut

To begin with, the research team sought to determine whether the gut has a different TCS metabolic profile compared to other body tissues. A group of mice were fed food that contained TCS. After four weeks, it was found that the biologically inactive TCS-G was dominant in their liver, bile, heart and small intestine, while the colitis-inducing TCS was dominant in the gut (cecum and colon). The results showed that the gut has a uniquely high concentration of TCS compared to other body tissues.

The research team then analysed the relationship between TCS-containing products and the concentration of TCS in the human body. In a group of human subjects who used TCS-containing personal care products for four months, both TCS and TCS-G were detected in their stool and urine samples, with TCS being dominant in stool and TCS-G being dominant in urine. However, TCS and TCS-G were not detected in the control group who used TCS-free personal care products. The results showed that the use of TCS-containing products leads to a high level of TCS, specifically in the human gut.

Gut microbiota significant in TCS-G conversion

The question remains why the human gut has a uniquely high TCS concentration. To answer this, the research team put forth the hypothesis that gut microbiota participate in the conversion of TCS-G to TCS, leading to the accumulation of TCS in the gut.

To test this hypothesis, the researchers observed that in an in vitro setting, cultured gut bacteria from both mice and humans were able to catalyse the conversion of TCS-G to TCS. To investigate whether the same phenomenon appears in an in vivo setting, the research team found that the inhibition of gut bacteria from mice by applying an antibiotic treatment almost reduced the concentration of TCS in their guts by half, and it increased the concentration of TCS-G by six-fold. The results affirmed that gut microbiota play a significant role in the conversion of TCS-G to TCS in the gut.

Specific enzymes catalyse TCS-G conversion

To investigate the mechanism by which gut microbiota catalyse TCS-G conversion, the research team focused on the intestinal β-glucuronidase (GUS) enzymes produced by gut bacteria in both mice and humans, because they have been shown to catalyse a wide range of metabolite conversions. Using a series of screening techniques, two types of GUS, namely “Loop 1” and “flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-binding” GUSs, were found to be most effective at converting TCS-G to TCS in vitro.

The research team then applied a GUS inhibitor, a drug that inhibits the function of Loop 1 and FMN-binding GUSs, to TCS-exposed and TCS-free mice. It was found that the GUS inhibitor could curb the conversion of TCS-G to TCS by the GUS enzymes. Colitis in TCS-exposed mice was also relieved after the application of the GUS inhibitor. The results support the notion that specific microbial GUS enzymes drive the conversion of TCS-G to TCS, and as a result, the chance of developing colitis is increased.

More stringent TCS controls needed

Professor Cai said: “Our research results clearly defined the mechanism by which gut microbiota are involved in the metabolism and toxicology of TCS, and the study offers a way to prevent the development of colitis following environmental exposure to chemicals.

“Regulatory bodies should consider imposing more stringent controls on the use of TCS. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the marketing of TCS in over-the-counter antiseptic products in 2016, the chemical remains approved for use in a wide range of products. Transparency on TCS ingredients in product labelling and illustrations should also be improved so that consumers can be aware of the potential risks and make informed choices.”

#HongKongBaptistUniversity #HKBU

Top US Diplomat for Asia Postpones Visit to Laos Due to Covid

Daniel J Kritenbrink was US Ambassador to Vietnam from 2017 to 2021.
Daniel J Kritenbrink served as US Ambassador to Vietnam from 2017 to 2021.

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J Kritenbrink will postpone his visit to Laos after testing positive for Covid-19.

China and Laos Inaugurate Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone

China and Laos Inaugurate Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone
China and Laos Inaugurate Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone (Photo: CGTN)

The Vientiane Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone was officially inaugurated on Friday by video conference.

DiscoverLaos Partners with LUMA Insurance for ASEAN Travel Pass

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 altered many aspects of travel. The need for travel insurance has become more apparent in recent years as destinations reopen and travelers regain their confidence. To best help travelers prepare for their next trip, DiscoverLaos and the Luma ASEAN Pass will help you find the right coverage for your personal travel plans.

Two French-Lao Athletes to Compete for Homeland at SEA Games

Two French-Lao athletes and Lao ambassador to France.

A French tennis player and a kickboxer have been conferred with Lao passports in order to compete at the upcoming SEA Games 2021 in Hanoi, Vietnam. 

Prudential Singapore and NTUC Income in partnership to ensure better preparedness for long-term care amongst Singaporeans

The partnership is significant as Singapore has one of the highest life expectancies in the world

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 3 May 2022 – To ensure that more Singaporeans are better financially prepared for their later years and long-term care needs, major insurers Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) and NTUC Income (“Income”) have joined hands to advocate early financial planning for life’s uncertainties.

Prudential and Income are working together to close protection gaps, particularly in the area of long-term care, which is critical as its cost continues to rise and Singaporeans are living longer.

Through the partnership, Care Secure, a CareShield Life supplement plan by Income, is now available through Prudential’s extensive network of financial consultants. This is in addition to Income’s own multi-channel distribution network comprising financial advisors, service branches islandwide, and its online purchase platform.

CareShield Life is a long-term care insurance scheme introduced by the government in October 2020 to provide basic financial support to help Singaporeans cover their personal and medical care expenses should they become severely disabled, especially during old age.1

Income is currently one of only three private insurers providing plans to supplement CareShield Life. Income’s Care Secure is designed to enhance CareShield Life coverage by offering policyholders additional coverage and financial support to cope with any living disabilities in their lifetime, a risk that increases as we age.

Commenting on the Prudential x Income – Care Secure partnership, Prudential’s Chief Distribution Officer, Ben Tan, said: “We are pleased that our partnership with Income allows us to protect even more Singaporeans against rising medical costs, and raise awareness about the importance of early planning for long-term care, through our 5,000-strong agency force. As Singaporeans are living longer, the risk of disability associated with their health is real. It is crucial that they also have the necessary financial protection when unexpected events occur and there is a need for long-term care services.”

Fabian Ng, Income’s General Manager for Consumer Business, said, “We are very glad to be working with Prudential, a fellow industry service and advisory provider, who is equally passionate about improving access to insurance and giving customers more solutions to meet their individual needs. Working with like-minded partners amplifies Income’s endeavours to promote better financial planning and preparedness amongst Singaporeans, particularly in the area of long-term care. Together, we look forward to closing protection gaps and empowering more Singaporeans with better financial security well into their later years, even in difficult times.”

Increasing health risks with rising life expectancy

Singaporeans have one of the highest life expectancies2 in the world at 83.93 years. As Singaporeans live longer, they need to ensure that they are sufficiently protected against health risks and increased medical costs associated with ageing.

Studies show that 1 in 2 healthy Singaporeans aged 65 could become severely disabled in their lifetime, and may need long-term care1. The median duration that Singaporeans could remain in severe disability is four years, and about 3 in 10 could remain in severe disability for 10 years or more4. By 2030, it is estimated 47 per cent of Singapore’s ageing population will have 1 or 2 Activities of Daily Living (“ADLs”) limitation(s), while 53 per cent will have 3 or more5.

With Care Secure, customers will be able to receive their lifetime monthly disability payout if they are unable to perform two or more ADLs such as walking or moving around, and feeding (please refer to page 3 of the brochure linked here for a full list of ADLs). This is compared to the basic CareShield Life plan, which requires customers to be unable to perform at least three ADLs.

It also includes a ‘Dependant Benefit’, a feature which provides additional cash payout for up to 36 months to support any dependants that the insured may have.

Early planning for long-term care is crucial

Healthcare and nursing home costs have also been increasing over the years. In 2021, the general cost of nursing homes was around S$1,200 to S$3,500 monthly, before government subsidies6. With inflation increasing and healthcare costs rising, caregivers and loved ones might face even greater financial stress.

It is thus crucial for individuals to be sufficiently prepared to cope with future care needs by planning early. Purchasing long-term care plans at a younger age means paying lower premiums, having a lower risk of being excluded from coverage, and being protected for longer against disability. There is also a longer runway to reach one’s financial goals.

Care Secure: key benefits

  • Lifetime monthly disability benefit7: Care Secure provides a lifetime monthly payout of up to $5,000 if customers are moderately or severely disabled8. This benefit payout9 depends on the customer’s disability status8 and the monthly disability benefit level10 the customer chooses. This disability benefit will be activated if customers are unable to perform at least two of the ADLs. In addition, future premium payments for this policy will be waived10 in the event of disability8. (please refer to the image below for a full list of ADLs)
  • Support benefit: receive a support benefit11 of up to 600 per cent of the disability benefit.
  • Dependant benefit: if customers become disabled8 and have at least one dependant12, customers will receive 25 per cent of the disability benefit as dependant benefit13 every month for up to 36 months in the customer’s lifetime. This ensures their dependants12 will be taken care of and provided for.
  • Death benefit: Care Secure will pay 300 per cent of the disability benefit in the event of a customer’s death and on the condition that the customer was already receiving the disability benefit. The policy terminates thereafter.
  • Pay premiums using MediSave: customers enjoy the flexibility to use up to S$600 from their MediSave account (per insured per calendar year) to pay for Care Secure premiums.


Notes to the editor:

For more information on Care Secure and the full set of terms and conditions, please visit the Prudential website here and the product brochure here, or the Income website here and the product brochure here.


3 Life expectancy at birth (period: 2020). Source: DOS | SingStat Website – Death and Life Expectancy – Latest Data

7 Customers can purchase Care Secure at monthly benefit levels from $1,200 to $5,000 in multiples of $100.

8 Moderate disability or moderately disabled means your inability to perform two ADLs, which means requiring significant assistance from another person throughout the entire activity. Severe disability or severely disabled means your inability to perform at least three ADLs, which means requiring significant assistance from another person throughout the entire activity.

9 During the waiting period, we do not pay any claim except claims resulting from an accident. If you become disabled during the waiting period (other than due to an accident), your policy will end and you will receive a full refund of your premium. For the full set of terms and conditions, please refer to: https://www.prudential.com.sg/products/health-insurance/medical/care-secure.

10 If, on the date when the premium is due, you are disabled and eligible to receive benefit payments under your policy, you do not have to pay the premium. You will have to start paying premiums again after you are no longer disabled and benefit payments have ended.

11 If you become and continue to be disabled, we will pay the support benefit. If you become moderately disabled, we will pay 300% of the disability benefit. If you become severely disabled, we will pay 600% of the disability benefit. For the full set of terms and conditions, please refer to: https://www.prudential.com.sg/products/health-insurance/medical/care-secure.

12 Dependants are: your child (or children); your husband or wife; your parents (biological parents, step-parents, or parents who legally adopted you); and your parents-in-law. Child means your biological child or stepchild, or legally adopted child, who has not reached the age of 21 years on the claim date.

13 Dependant benefit depends on the following conditions: If you recover from the disability and you have not fully used the amount under this benefit, you may make another claim for the remaining amount if you become disabled again as long as we have not paid for more than 36 months in your lifetime; if the child is no longer considered a child (because of their age or otherwise) at any time after we have begun paying this benefit, we will continue to pay this benefit until your death or you recover from the disability. The payment will then end. For the full set of terms and conditions, please refer to: https://www.prudential.com.sg/products/health-insurance/medical/care-secure.

About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 91 years. The company has an AA- Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, with S$53.3 billion funds under management as at 31 December 2021. It delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of more than 5,000 financial consultants.

About NTUC Income
NTUC Income is Singapore’s leading composite insurer, offering life, health and general insurance that serve the protection, savings and investment needs of different life stages and for all segments of society. Income’s innovative, data-driven and omni-channel approach puts us at the forefront of customer-centric solutions that meet rapidly evolving needs and empower better financial well-being.

Income was established in 1970 and remains the only insurance co-operative in Singapore. We remain committed to creating a positive social impact through our products, services and people. Our financial strength and diversified investment portfolio are reflected by our strong credit ratings which underpin the delivery of our commitment to customers.

For more information, please visit .

#Prudential #NTUCIncome

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