New Funding Fuels Growth in Medical Insurance and Innovation in Preventive Healthcare

HONG KONG, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bowtie, Hong Kong’s first virtual insurer^[1], is proud to announce securing up to US$70 million in its Series C funding round. Led by Sun Life Hong Kong Limited (“Sun Life”), this marks the largest funding round for digital health insurers in Asia with a direct-to-consumer model.

Bowtie continues to lead in Hong Kong’s digital insurance market, ranking first in the direct channel^[2], and securing the 9^th position across all distribution channels in terms of new individual non-single premium policies sold^[3]. With over US$80 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (“ARR”)^[4]  and more than 100% year-over-year growth,  Bowtie is on track to exceed US$100 million ARR by 2025; In just six years, Bowtie has provided over US$16 billion in total protection amount for families in Hong Kong. Recognized as a top high-growth company in Asia by the Financial Times^[5] and ranked number one in Hong Kong, Bowtie is positioned among the fastest-growing tech companies globally.

The investment aligns with Sun Life’s broader strategy to collaborate with innovative digital companies and enhance insurance accessibility. With Sun Life’s continued support and backing, Bowtie will continue to operate under its current leadership as an associated company of Sun Life, with its own brand identity, distinctive culture and dedicated employee base.

“Bowtie is simultaneously achieving larger scale and faster growth which validates our unique business model and reflects the public’s strong trust in our commitment to treating customers fairly,” said Michael Chan, CEO and Co-Founder of Bowtie. “Sun Life’s continued partnership reinforces Bowtie’s position as a mission-driven insurer, leveraging technology to better serve customers through simple and transparent products in a friendly digital setting. Going forward, Bowtie will continue to benefit from Sun Life’s strong capital base and shared purpose of helping clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. We are grateful for Sun Life’s continued trust and support.”

Bowtie takes pride in its operational efficiency and policy economics, generating over US$100 million in protection amount per employee, US$500,000 ARR per employee, and maintaining the same level of strong unit economics despite the continued growth and scaling, reflecting strong pricing and marketing discipline together with exceptional customer retention.

“These results demonstrate the ability of our digital model to deliver exceptional efficiency and impact to customers, especially as we scale. We’re doubling down on our core strengths, focusing on agentic artificial intelligence, health innovation, and talent development. Our investments in these areas will further enhance the customer experience and keep us ahead of the curve.” said Fred Ngan, Co-Founder of Bowtie.

“Sun Life has been a long-term, committed partner to Bowtie for almost seven years. We’re very pleased to strengthen this partnership to support the next phase of growth,” said Clement Lam, CEO of Sun Life Hong Kong Limited. “At Sun Life, we believe in creating possibilities through innovation and creativity. Through our collaboration with Bowtie, we are combining cutting edge technology with deep insurance expertise, to set standards in delivering meaningful and innovative transformation within the Hong Kong health insurance industry.”

This strategic investment will enable Bowtie to achieve ambitious goals, including securing a top 5 position in medical insurance in Hong Kong, measured by the number of new medical insurance customers, scaling preventive healthcare initiatives, and expanding into international markets. The funding will further solidify Bowtie’s role as a rising insurer and digital health leader.

About Bowtie

Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorized life insurance company and Hong Kong’s very first virtual insurer authorized by the Insurance Authority under the fast track pilot scheme. Its vision is to bridge the health protection gap and transform the way people access healthcare in Asia. Through digital technology, Bowtie makes health insurance more affordable and accessible for individuals and small-medium enterprises.

To date, Bowtie has raised over HK$1.0 billion from Sun Life Financial and Mitsui & Co., providing more than HK$100 billion in protection amount to families. Learn more at www.bowtie.com.hk.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.55 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. Sun Life Financial Inc. is the holding company of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. Sun Life Hong Kong Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada.

JARKATA, Indonesia, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Comfee, as Germany’s No.1 air conditioner brand, specially targeting young generations for local markets, is making its official debut in Indonesia this July with the launch of the Gusto series. A dynamic summer campaign will accompany the launch, inviting young users to explore smart cooling through interactive experiences and social events.

Comfee is a lifestyle-driven air conditioning brand created especially for the young generation. Built around the concept of “cooling smart with style,” Comfee combines intelligent features with sleek design to deliver air-conditioning solutions that reflect youth values—comfort, modern convenience, emotional enjoyment, and personal freedom. Its brand slogan, “Comfee, is how I Cool Smart,” embodies its mission to provide cooling that’s not just functional, but expressive and enriching.

The Indonesia launch marks an important milestone in Comfee’s expansion into Southeast Asia. To celebrate, with the theme “Live Joyfully with Comfee”, Comfee will roll out a series of locally tailored brand activities on social media that encourage young consumers to find their colorful moments in life and showcasing their lifestyle with Comfee. Meanwhile, Comfee will connect local consumers through KOL collaboration by focusing on the scenes of personal moments of joy, freedom, and comfort. This initiative not only hopes to deepen emotional ties with young users but also aims to spark vibrant engagement across social platforms.

For the debut, Comfee bring Gusto for Indonesia market, which stands out by combining energy efficiency, durability, and healthy living features:

• Powered by ECO+, equipped with AI Algorithm, Comfee Gusto inverter AC achieves over 30% energy savings, it helps users reduce electricity costs while maintaining comfort in the whole summer.
• The built-in Active Clean+ self-cleaning system performs a 42-minute deep frost-cleaning cycle to maintain a fresh and healthy environment.
• Engineered for durability, Gusto features a reliable PCB with UV conformal coating that improves anti-corrosion capability and a wide voltage range of 80V–265V to ensure stable performance under power fluctuations.
• With golden coating on both the aircon and compressor, it makes Gusto more resistant in oxidation & corrosion and furnish a steadier and long-lasting working environment, efficiently preventing bacteria from breeding and spreading.

This summer, with its campaign on July 27th, Comfee is rolling out summer deals across Shopee, Tokopedia, and TikTok Shop. All fans can grab up to 100k in exclusive vouchers just by following Comfee’s official stores, plus a quick extra 50k off with the code “COMFEEJOY”. Fastest buyers get even luckier—the first 50 who complete payment win a Senka Facial Cleanser worth 150k, while ranks 51–100 will receive a comfy Dofia travel pillow. Combined with no-limit shipping discounts and livestream vouchers, these offers make it the perfect time to upgrade to a smarter, cooler lifestyle with Comfee.

Comfee Official Shops:

• TikTok & Tokopedia
• Shopee

BANGKOK, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Appier (TSE: 4180), an AI-native SaaS company specializing in advanced AdTech and MarTech solutions, officially launches AdCreative.ai solution in Thailand. Powered by Generative AI, the platform helps Thai brands speed up creative production, boost campaign performance, and scale personalize marketing efforts. The launch marks a meaningful step in supporting Thai brands as they navigate the fast-changing marketing landscape. The event drew hundreds of marketers and advertisers from top brands and agencies eager to explore how AI is reshaping creative workflows and driving real business results.

Generative AI Momentum Builds in Thailand’s Marketing Scene

Following successful rollouts in Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, and Ho Chi Minh City, the Bangkok launch signals Thailand’s growing role in the region’s digital economy — and its rapid embrace of AI. A recent white paper by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) forecasts the local AI market will grow from 48 billion baht in 2024 to 130 billion baht by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18%. Meanwhile, PwC Thailand notes that GenAI is already being used across sectors, from content creation and personalized marketing to customer support, entertainment, and education.

“Marketers in Thailand are under more pressure than ever to deliver more content, faster — and across more platforms,” said Magic Tu, SVP of Global Ad Cloud Sales, Appier. “AdCreative.ai is designed to meet that need. It’s not just an ad generator — it’s a creative engine that helps brands tell better visual stories through AI.”

“Generative AI is unlocking a new chapter in marketing,” said Serene Lam, Head of Enterprise Solutions Sales for Southeast Asia, Appier. “With AdCreative.ai working alongside our predictive and engagement solutions, Thai brands can create more adaptive, data-driven marketing workflows that move faster and perform better in today’s dynamic landscape.”

Brands Embrace AI to Accelerate Creative Performance

During the event, Appier highlighted how leading Thai brands are leveraging its AI-powered solutions to transform creative production and marketing execution. These early applications from Food Passion Group and Rev Edition signal strong momentum for AI-driven marketing innovation in Thailand’s digital economy.

Food Passion Group, the F&B leader behind Bar B Q Plaza and other well-known brands, operating over 150 outlets, adopted AdCreative.ai to streamline content creation and enhance creative agility. By integrating AI-generated visuals into its marketing workflow, the team accelerated campaign turnaround and improved responsiveness across platforms.

“At Food Passion, we didn’t just experiment with AI — we embraced it to move faster, empower our teams, and raise the bar of impact. The results came early and we’re just the beginning,” said Narongwit Pantharaksakul, Head of Marketing Communication & CRM, Food Passion.

Rev Edition, a lifestyle and sportswear retailer, utilized AdCreative.ai alongside AIQUA to drive promotion for its flagship running shoe. Through a combination of stock images, AI-powered retouching, and custom templates, the brand scaled creative output and launched targeted Meta Ads and on-site campaigns with greater speed and efficiency.

Powering the Future of Marketing with End-to-End AI Technology

AdCreative.ai is fully integrated into Appier’s AI product suite — including Ad Cloud, Personalization Cloud, and Data Cloud — empowering brands to connect the entire marketing journey. From predictive audience targeting and generative creative production to campaign optimization and personalized engagements, this end-to-end solution enables marketers to execute faster, personalize at scale, and drive measurable performance.

About Appier

Appier (TSE: 4180) is an AI-native SaaS company that empowers business decision-making with cutting-edge AdTech and MarTech solutions. Founded in 2022 with the vision of “Making AI Easy by making software intelligent,” Appier endeavors to help businesses turn AI into ROI with its Ad Cloud, Personalization Cloud, and Data Cloud solutions. Now Appier has 17 offices across APAC, the US and EMEA, and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Visit www.appier.com for more company information.

SINGAPORE, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — First Page Digital, Singapore’s leading digital marketing and SEO agency, has unveiled NexSEO – a cutting-edge solution designed to help brands optimise for the next generation of AI-powered answer engines.

With the rapid rise of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Gemini, the way we search for and consume information is undergoing a drastic transformation. Recent reports indicate that over a billion users interact with ChatGPT on a monthly basis, underscoring the profound shift in search habits. No longer do users want to browse through a collection of potential answers – instead, they want direct, immediate, and reliable answers. The adoption rate of AI-driven search tools too is growing exponentially, with industry experts predicting that LLM traffic will surpass that of organic search by 2028. In other words, traditional search engines are no longer the sole gateway to information and the landscape of search is evolving.

Source: https://www.semrush.com/blog/ai-search-seo-traffic-study/

First Page Digital stands at the forefront of this industry shift. Known for its forward-thinking approach and innovative, results-driven strategies, the agency was recently awarded back-to-back MARKies wins for “Most Effective Use – Artificial Intelligence“. First Page Digital combines proven SEO practices – across both on-domain and off-domain channels – with advanced AI optimisation, to ensure brands stay ahead in an increasingly saturated digital space.

The Shift from Traditional Search to AI-Driven Results

In response to this shift in search behaviour, Google previously launched Google AI Overviews, a feature designed to give users instant AI-generated summaries and answers at the top of search results. As one of the first platforms to integrate AI into traditional search, Google is also accelerating the global rollout of AI Mode, which marks a fundamental departure from the traditional blue link layout.

Source: Google

Perplexity and OpenAI are quickly following Google’s lead, launching AI-powered browsers to rival Google Chrome. These key players recognise that LLMs and answer engines are the future of search, and they are racing to become the go-to AI search platform for users.

The Same Game, Just Different Rules

For years, the goal for digital marketers has always been clear: secure a “Rank One” position on Google. But in today’s AI-driven world, that goal is no longer enough.

The massive pivot in search behaviour, supported by AI and LLMs, are disrupting traditional search engines and reshaping the dynamics of online visibility. Brands that rely solely on securing high Google ranks may soon find themselves overshadowed by AI answers.

This risk is further compounded by recent announcements that Google will begin indexing content from Instagram – a move that not only reflects changing user behaviour, but also aligns Google with the change in user intent and behaviour, but also signals the growing importance of AI and user-generated content within the dynamic search ecosystem. Ultimately, it’s clear that brands must optimise not only for traditional SEO but for the ever-changing rules of modern search.

Getting An Edge Over AI with NexSEO

So, the question remains: how can your brand stay visible?

The launch of NexSEO addresses the growing need for brands to secure visibility in the AI SEO space – not just within traditional search results, but within answer engines too. NexSEO integrates proven SEO practices with advanced content strategies, ensuring visibility not just in traditional search results but in high-traffic AI platforms like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity.

“People don’t just Google things anymore – they chat, ask, scroll, and swipe across platforms. If your brand isn’t showing up in those AI-powered touchpoints, you’re invisible to the most valuable searchers out there”, said Eugen Kim, Chief Strategy Officer at First Page Digital.

“Ten years ago, the question was: ‘Should I optimise for Google?’ Today, the question to ask is ‘Are you optimising for Answer Engines?’ With NexSEO, we’re staying ahead of the curve and helping brands remain top-of-mind with their audience – while boosting their digital presence above traditional search results.”

Discover how NexSEO is redefining search strategy at https://www.firstpagedigital.sg/ai-seo/

First Page Digital is a performance marketing agency built for a new era of search and growth. We help brands scale with precision through SEO, paid media, content, social, and web, all engineered for measurable business impact.

We lead the charge in AI-powered SEO: using artificial intelligence to streamline content production, sharpen insights, and drive faster outcomes. But we don’t stop there. As search evolves with SGE and generative AI, we help brands adapt their strategies to stay discoverable, credible, and competitive.

With a global presence and deep expertise across platforms and markets, First Page Digital turns complexity into clarity – and marketing into a true engine for growth.

CONTACT: Judy Tay, judy@firstpagedigital.sg

Showcasing AI-Powered Lending, Payments, and Digital Services for a Rapidly Transforming Southeast Asia

SINGAPORE, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —  At the 20th edition of the IDC Asian Financial Services Congress and Awards, held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore, Nucleus Software showcased its AI-driven digital banking solutions, reinforcing its commitment to enabling transformation across Southeast Asia’s financial ecosystem. The event brought together over 120 CIOs and senior technology leaders from across the region—including Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. The Congress explored high-impact themes across AI transformation, regional payment modernization, and CBDC readiness—paving the way for a resilient and interoperable financial ecosystem in the region.

Team Nucleus Software at IDC’s 20th Asian Financial Services Congress 2025 in Singapore

“What makes IDC’s Asian Financial Services Congress & Awards unique is that it is built as a community,” said Dr. Ashish Kakar, Research Director, Asia/Pacific, IDC. “Our attendees become members of an exclusive, thriving network of decision-makers and change agents who will design the future of banking in ASEAN. Through roundtables and analyst-led discussions, we actively facilitate interaction across borders, industries, and ideas.” 

Transformation in Motion: A Pragmatic Path for Heritage BFSIs

One of the most compelling conversations at the Congress was the fireside chat titled:

“Changing the Engine While the Bus Is Running: A Pragmatic Path to Transformation for Heritage BFSIs”. The session featured Chandima Cooray, Chief Information Officer, Hatton National Bank, and Aabhinna Suresh Khare, Chief Marketing Officer, Nucleus Software, who discussed the realities of transforming legacy financial institutions in dynamic, real-time environments.

“The ASEAN region is unique-diverse in infrastructure, yet united in ambition. Our partnership with Nucleus allows us to remain adaptive and innovative, while continuing to build trust through secure, scalable systems,” shared Chandima Cooray, speaking on Hatton National Bank’s digital transformation journey.

The dialogue emphasized that for heritage BFSIs, transformation must strike a balance between regulatory trust, operational continuity, and digital agility-making the shift both strategic and sustainable.

Nucleus Software’s presence at the Congress reflected its broader mission to enable AI-enabled, purpose-driven transformation for financial institutions across Southeast Asia. Through its integrated suite-FinnOne Neo® for lending, FinnAxia® for transaction banking, and Nucleus Digital Services for cloud-ready innovation-the company continues to enable banks accelerate digitization across both retail and corporate segments.

Whether it’s supporting credit inclusion for MSMEs in rural Indonesia, enhancing cash visibility for regional corporates in Malaysia, or enabling faster digital onboarding in Vietnam, Nucleus Software’s platforms are driving measurable impact.

AI as a Strategic Enabler: Future-Forward Vision from Nucleus Software

Closing the session, Aabhinna Suresh Khare offered a bold outlook on the evolving role of AI in banking:

“AI is a mindset shift-reshaping how banks think, decide, and deliver. For Southeast Asia, with its young digital population and progressive regulatory landscape, AI is a game-changer in delivering speed, personalization, and proactive risk management. At Nucleus Software, we view AI as a strategic enabler-empowering institutions to move from reactive to predictive, from rule-based processes to intelligent, adaptive systems. Whether it’s smarter underwriting, dynamic collections, or hyper-personalised engagement, AI is opening doors to possibilities that were unimaginable just a few years ago.” 

As Southeast Asia accelerates toward a digital-first financial future, Nucleus Software remains committed to enabling banks to lead with intelligence, operate with agility, and grow with purpose. The company’s presence at the 20th IDC Asian Financial Services Congress reaffirms its role not just as a technology provider, but as a trusted transformation partner-empowering financial institutions across the region to rewire legacy systems, embrace AI responsibly, and deliver banking that is inclusive, interoperable, and future-ready.

This National Day, two global icons come together in a one-of-a-kind collaboration.

SINGAPORE, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of Singapore’s 60^th National Day, Jollibee Singapore is launching a limited-edition Jollibee x Coca-Cola keychain charm on 21^st July.                 

Celebrating SG60: Jollibee x Coca-Cola™ Collectible Keychain Charms.

This year marks a significant milestone for Singapore and Jollibee Singapore is honoured to be part of this momentous occasion. This exclusive partnership with Coca-Cola®, a brand equally known for spreading joy and happiness across generations, adds extra sparkle to this year’s celebration. These Jollibee x Coca-Cola™ keychain charmsfeature beloved elements from both brands, making them a perfect keepsake for fans and collectors alike.

How to Redeem – While Stocks Last

Customers will receive ONE (1) Limited Edition SG60 Exclusive Jollibee x Coca-Cola™ Keychain Charms with a purchase of Jollibee’s SG60 Exclusive Meal at $24.50.

Each SG60 Exclusive Meal includes:

• Two Sets of 3 pieces Chickenjoy (Spicy / Original) with 2 Sides
• Two Large Coca-Cola® Beverages

Redemption is limited to ONE (1) Jollibee x Coca-Cola™Keychain Charms per receipt, while stocks last. Available only for dine-in and takeaway at across all Jollibee Singapore stores, including:

• Jollibee Lucky Plaza #B1-19
• Jollibee Novena Square 2 #01-07
• Jollibee Jurong Point #01-32
• Jollibee Paya Lebar Square #01-05/06/07
• Jollibee Woodlands MRT #01-19/20/21
• Jollibee Suntec City #B1-123/124
• Jollibee Vivo City #02-50
• Jollibee Punggol Digital District #01-118
• Jollibee City Square Mall #B1-07
• Jollibee NUS #01-06
• Jollibee Bugis Village #165/166
• Jollibee Anchorvale Village #01-04
• Jollibee Waterway Point #B2-06
• Jollibee NEX Mall #B1-28/29
• Jollibee Woodlands North Coast #01-08
• Jollibee Pasir Ris Mall #B2-27
• Jollibee Bedok Mall #B2-06/33
• Jollibee Century Square #01-09/10
• Jollibee Caltex Jurong
• Jollibee Caltex Yishun
• Jollibee AMK Hub #B1-51

Share Your #SG60Joy Moments

Join us in celebrating this joyful occasion! Jollibee Singapore invites customers to share their SG60 dining experience with the hashtag #SG60Joy. Whether you are enjoying Chickenjoy with loved ones or showing off your new Jollibee x Coca-Cola™ keychain charm, snap a pic and tag us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok using #SG60Joy and @jollibeesingapore.

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Worldwide Stablecoin Payment Network (WSPN), a leading stablecoin infrastructure provider, announced that its USD-backed stablecoin WUSD has officially listed on Coins.ph, the Philippines’ leading crypto exchange platform. The new WUSD/PHP trading pair enables Filipino users to seamlessly convert Philippine Pesos directly into WUSD, providing a trusted fiat gateway to the global stablecoin ecosystem.

The listing on Coins.ph represents a significant milestone in WUSD’s expansion across Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, where digital asset adoption continues to accelerate. As the country’s most trusted cryptocurrency platform serving millions of Filipino users, Coins.ph provides an ideal entry point for WUSD into this strategic market.

Given the Philippines’ position as a major remittance destination, the integration provides users with direct WUSD/PHP conversion capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple currency conversions and offering 24/7 availability for cross-border transactions and stable value storage.

As WSPN continues to deepen its collaboration with leading regional exchanges, it remains dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and accessible financial ecosystem for users across Southeast Asia and beyond.

About WSPN
WSPN is a leading provider of next-generation stablecoin infrastructure, committed to building a more secure, efficient, and transparent payment solution for the global economy. Their flagship product, WUSD stablecoin, is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. Dollar and aims to optimize secure digital payments for Web3 users. WSPN’s Stablecoin 2.0 approach prioritizes user-centricity, community governance, and accessibility, paving the way for widespread stablecoin adoption.
Learn more: www.wspn.io | X | LinkedIn

About Coins.ph
Coins.ph is on a mission to power the new internet with easy access to digital assets and web3 products. Launched in 2014, Coins.ph is the most established crypto brand in the Philippines and has gained the trust of more than 18 million users. Through the easy-to-use mobile app, users can buy and sell a variety of different cryptocurrencies and access a wide range of financial services. Coins.ph is fully regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and is the first ever crypto-based company in Asia to hold both Virtual Currency and Electronic Money Issuer licenses from a central bank.