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AB DAO and Bitget Launch Dual Reward Campaign, Distributing $2.6M Worth of $AB Globally

SINGAPORE, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, AB DAO officially announced the launch of a dual reward campaign in collaboration with Bitget (bitget.com), the world’s second-largest digital asset trading platform. In celebration of AB’s Token Generation Event (TGE), the campaign will distribute a total of 213,307,000 $AB, valued at approximately $2.6 million USD, to users worldwide—aiming to ignite participation and accelerate ecosystem activation.

Campaign 1: PoolX Staking – Stake AB & BGB to Earn $AB Airdrops
Staking Period: April 16, 2025, 10:00 – April 30, 2025, 10:00 (UTC+8)
Total Airdrop Pool: 135,173,000 $AB

Campaign 2: CandyBomb – Trade AB or BGB to Win $AB Airdrops
Event Period: April 16, 2025, 10:00 – April 23, 2025, 10:00 (UTC+8)
Total Airdrop Pool: 78,134,000 $AB

Official Bitget Event Announcement:
https://www.bitget.com/zh-CN/support/articles/12560603825693

In addition to this incentive campaign, AB DAO and Bitget will jointly execute a global co-marketing initiative, with a focus on key markets such as Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. This partnership aims to expand AB’s visibility and presence across the global Web3 ecosystem.

The initiative marks a key milestone in AB DAO’s global expansion strategy. Moving forward, AB DAO will continue to onboard new trading platforms and ecosystem partners, accelerating the development of an open and inclusive Web3 infrastructure.

AB DAO’s Mission: Empower 100 Million People Worldwide to Hold $AB

Official Website: https://ab.org

Global Community Portal: https://www.ab.org/zh/community

From Protection to Prosperity: InsureXpo by CIMB 2025 Empowers Singapore Residents to Achieve Financial Independence

  • The second run of the event brings together major insurers and financial experts under one roof to help individuals take charge of their financial wellbeing at every stage of life.
  • CIMB Singapore launches a report on Singapore residents’ perceptions and behaviours towards financial planning.

SINGAPORE, April 16, 2025  /PRNewswire/ — InsureXpo by CIMB successfully concluded its second edition on 12 April 2025 at the Suntec Convention Centre. Quadrupling the number of attendees from last year, the event brought together leading industry experts from insurers such as Singlife, FWD, Income and AIA, as well as community partners like Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board, Singapore Police Force, Mindline (by Ministry of Health) and National Youth Council.

Crowd at InsureXpo by CIMB 2025 (Photo credit: CIMB Singapore)
Crowd at InsureXpo by CIMB 2025 (Photo credit: CIMB Singapore)

Themed “From Protection to Prosperity”, the event served as a platform for individuals to exchange strategic insights and make meaningful connections with experts to explore the role of insurance beyond a protection tool and maximise its use to create a pathway to prosperity.

In his opening address, Victor Lee, CIMB’s CEO of Growth Markets and Singapore said, “We believe that financial literacy should be second nature to everyone. Whether you’re an experienced investor, a young professional just starting your career, or someone planning for retirement, we are committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and build a more secure financial future. This year, we are proud to support SG60’s mission of building financial resilience across Singapore, with a special focus on equipping our youth with the skills to navigate their financial futures with confidence.”

Keeping Insurance Premiums Affordable Amid Rising Living Costs and Aging Population

During the panel discussion featuring insurance partners – Singlife, FWD, Income and AIA – panellists explored the shifting insurance landscape in an era marked by rising living costs and an aging population. As claims and healthcare expenses surge, insurers are innovating to balance between rising costs and comprehensive coverage. One way to do so, is by digitalising and using insurtech to improve cost efficiency and maintain affordability, without compromising the human touch in insurance services. In addition, data analytics is also used to optimise risk assessment and pricing strategies.

Attendees also participated in a series of talks and panel discussions on pertinent financial topics. This includes securing financial freedom through insurance and CPF, achieving F.I.R.E[1], legacy planning for future generation, and other financial tips, featuring speakers like Dawn Cher (aka SG Budget Babe), and He Ruiming and Goh Wei Choon (aka The Woke Salaryman).

This purely educational conference sets the stage for Singaporeans to elevate their financial know-hows and become more confident in navigating their financial future.

Study: Younger Generation Striving For Early Financial Independence and Confident in Achieving Financial Goals 

Prior to the event, CIMB Singapore announced the findings of a study that revealed Singapore residents’ perceptions and behaviours towards financial planning. A growing number of younger Singapore residents are striving for early financial independence and demonstrating strong confidence in achieving their goals. Of the respondents under the age of 30, 60% aim to achieve financial independence before the age of 40, and 54% expressed confidence in their financial management skills. However, only 39% of respondents aged 40 to 50, and 43% of those aged 50 to 60, report feeling confident in managing their finances. Respondents under 30 are also most willing to seek financial planning advice (54%), compared to the 40 to 50 (35%), and 50 to 60 (28%) age groups.

This signals a clear generational divide in financial confidence and preference for financial advice, underscoring the need for a tailored approach to financial planning and requirement for financial service providers to understand the unique challenges faced by customers across different life stages.

The “CIMB Singapore: Attitudes and Beliefs towards Financial Independence Report 2025”, done in collaboration with the Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology[2], captured insights from over 500 Singapore residents aged 26-60 on their perspectives towards financial independence and retirement planning last December.

-END-

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider by assets, with a market capitalisation of approximately RM88.0 billion as at 31 December 2024 and is listed on Bursa Malaysia. The Group is present in seven ASEAN nations (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Philippines). Singapore is one of its most important markets with approximately 1,000 employees serving clients across consumer, commercial, wholesale and transaction banking products and services. 

CIMB is committed to providing customers with an extensive range of sustainable finance solutions as guided by the Group’s Green, Social, Sustainable Impact Products and Services (“GSSIPS”) framework, an internal taxonomy set by the Group to deliver impactful sustainable finance. The Group tripled its sustainable finance target to RM100 billion by 2024, a substantial increase from its RM30 billion target previously announced in 2021. CIMB is on track to achieving its RM100 billion target, recording over RM80 billion in sustainable finance, as of December 2023.

[1] F.I.R.E. stands for Financial Independence and Retire Early. It is a movement focused on achieving financial freedom early, rather than waiting for traditional retirement age.

[2] The Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology is a research centre under the Nanyang Business School.

 

 

 

One Bangkok Wraps Up Its First Songkran Festival with a Splash, Poised to Become Bangkok’s Newest Songkran Landmark

BANGKOK, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — One Bangkok, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), proudly concluded its inaugural Songkran celebration under the theme “One Bangkok, One Lagoon Splashing Songkran Rhythms.” Held from 10–15 April 2025, the six-day extravaganza drew thousands of local and international visitors to experience a vibrant fusion of Thai tradition and contemporary culture in the heart of Bangkok.

One Bangkok Wraps Up Its First Songkran Festival with a Splash, Poised to Become Bangkok’s Newest Songkran Landmark
One Bangkok Wraps Up Its First Songkran Festival with a Splash, Poised to Become Bangkok’s Newest Songkran Landmark

From morning rituals to electrifying nighttime performances, One Bangkok was transformed into a joyful urban oasis, bringing Songkran to life like never before.

The Grand Kickoff
On April 10, Worawat Srisa-an, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of One Bangkok, and Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), officiated the grand opening, leading into a spectacular three-act performance titled “Rhythm of One Lagoon Celebration Show”. The show narrated the mythical origin and joyous evolution of the Lagoon through light, sound, and dance, culminating in a dazzling celebration of life.

From April 11–15, superstar lineups including PP Krit, Billkin, Joey Boy, URBOYTJ, MILLI, and more, delivered nightly mini-concerts, drawing massive crowds and social buzz.

A Celebration That Captured “The Heart of Bangkok
MISTICAL FOREST: An enchanting mist-filled garden along One Bangkok Boulevard, where glowing lotus leaves, fluttering butterflies, and gentle sprays of water created a serene escape. Visitors relaxed with sound bath therapy and RLAX massages, finding calm amidst the festive energy.

FLOW PARADISE: One Bangkok Park transformed into a tropical party zone with fruit-inspired art, lush greenery, and refreshing cocktails. As the sun set, the space lit up with electrifying live shows from Thailand’s biggest artists—turning the park into Bangkok’s most vibrant stage.

FLOATING VIBES: At The Storeys Square, a modern reinterpretation of a floating market came to life with local crafts, contemporary Thai design, and artistic expression. It was a creative hub where tradition met innovation, and visitors discovered something new at every turn.

HARMONY VILLAGE: A peaceful cultural space where families paid respects through water-pouring rituals on Buddha images from Ayutthaya and Chiang Saen. Here, the spirit of Songkran was honored with meaning, mindfulness, and heartfelt connection.

Bangkok’s Next Songkran Destination
This debut Songkran event was more than just a celebration—it marked the emergence of One Bangkok as a new must-visit Songkran destination. With its central location, lush public spaces, and seamless blend of art, culture, and lifestyle, One Bangkok is poised to become an annual Songkran destination of choice for both local and international travellers. 

“One Bangkok was created to be a place where people gather, celebrate, and connect. This Songkran festival is just the beginning of what we hope will become a beloved tradition for Bangkok and its visitors,” said Worawat Srisa-an.

Stay tuned for even grander celebrations in April 2026. For more information and event highlights, visit: www.onebangkok.com

About One Bangkok
One Bangkok is the largest holistically integrated district in The Heart of Bangkok. With an investment value of THB 120 billion on a total land area of 108 rai (42.7 acres), One Bangkok is being developed to hold a place in the hearts of all and support Bangkok in becoming one of the world’s new influential global cities and thus the “Heart of Bangkok“. Located at the corner of Wireless and Rama 4 Roads with direct linkages to the city’s burgeoning mass transit systems, One Bangkok comprises workplaces which elevates work-life quality, a rhythmic retail experience, luxury residences, hotels with the finest hospitality, a world-class LIVE entertainment arena, the presence of art and culture, and a vast, welcoming public realm that covers 50 rai (19.7 acre) of the district.  

As a well-equipped smart city with sustainable infrastructure, One Bangkok is the first project to be awarded with LEED for Neighbourhood Development Platinum certification in Thailand with an aim to achieve WELL Building Standard to support human health and wellness. 

About Frasers Property Limited
Frasers Property Limited (“Frasers Property” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Frasers Property Group” or the “Group”), is a multinational investor-developer-manager of real estate products and services across the property value chain. Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”) and headquartered in Singapore, the Group has total assets of approximately S$39.6 billion as at 30 August 2024.  

Frasers Property’s multinational businesses operate across five asset classes, namely, commercial & business parks, hospitality, industrial & logistics, residential and retail. The Group has businesses in Southeast Asia, Australia, the EU, the UK and China, and its well-established hospitality business owns and/or operates serviced apartments and hotels in over 20 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

Frasers Property is also the sponsor of two real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and one stapled trust listed on the SGX-ST. Frasers Centrepoint Trust and Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust are focused on retail, and industrial & commercial properties, respectively. Frasers Hospitality Trust (comprising Frasers Hospitality Real Estate Investment Trust and Frasers Hospitality Business Trust) is a stapled trust focused on hospitality properties. In addition, the Group has two REITs listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited is the sponsor of Frasers Property Thailand Industrial Freehold & Leasehold REIT, which is focused on industrial & logistics properties in Thailand, and Golden Ventures Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust, which is focused on commercial properties.  

The Group is committed to inspiring experiences and creating places for good for its stakeholders. By acting progressively, producing and consuming responsibly, and focusing on its people, Frasers Property aspires to raise sustainability ideals across its value chain, and build a more resilient business. It is committed to be a net-zero carbon corporation by 2050. Building on its heritage as well as leveraging its knowledge and capabilities, the Group aims to create lasting shared value for its people, the businesses and communities it serves. Frasers Property believes in the diversity of its people and are invested in promoting a progressive, collaborative and respectful culture. 

For more information on Frasers Property, please visit frasersproperty.com or follow us on LinkedIn

About TCC Assets (Thailand) Company Limited
TCC Assets (Thailand) Company Limited (TCC Assets), established in 2013, is a fully integrated property development company, with a registered capital of 30 billion baht. It is part of the TCC Group, one of the most well-known companies in Thailand. TCC Assets’ investment model focuses on creating added value to assets through product and service development. TCC Assets, subsidiary company, and affiliated company focus on the development of residential real estate projects, office building and retail space, along with hotel business and services related to IT. 

For more information on TCC Assets, please visit www.tccassets.com.

One Bangkok Wraps Up Its First Songkran Festival with a Splash, Poised to Become Bangkok’s Newest Songkran Landmark
One Bangkok Wraps Up Its First Songkran Festival with a Splash, Poised to Become Bangkok’s Newest Songkran Landmark

Vantage Markets Partners with The Sapphire Project to Support Ocean Conservation in Australia

SYDNEY, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets is proud to announce its partnership with The Sapphire Project, an esteemed Australian-founded initiative dedicated to ocean conservation and marine ecosystem restoration. This collaboration marks a significant step in Vantages ongoing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts, aligning its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global impact.

Vantage Markets Partners with The Sapphire Project to Support Ocean Conservation in Australia
Vantage Markets Partners with The Sapphire Project to Support Ocean Conservation in Australia

As a global leader in CFD multi-products trading, Vantage is deeply invested in fostering a sustainable future. The ocean is a vital part of the global ecosystem, and protecting marine biodiversity is crucial for climate stability and environmental balance. Through this partnership, Vantage joins The Sapphire Projects mission to drive awareness and support critical conservation initiatives that preserve Australias marine ecosystems and inspire global impact.

Jack Kelly, Head of Sales, Vantage Australia, shared his excitement about the partnership: “At Vantage, we believe that true success goes beyond financial markets—its about making a lasting impact on the world around us. Partnering with The Sapphire Project allows us to support meaningful ocean conservation efforts right here in Australia. Just as we provide traders with the tools to navigate global markets, we are equally committed to safeguarding our oceans for future generations.”

The Sapphire Project unites business leaders, innovators, and sustainability advocates in a shared effort to protect marine life and promote environmental sustainability.

Founded in 2021, it has raised over $4 million for high-impact ocean conservation and continues to expand globally through curated experiences and collaborations. As a key partner, Vantage will contribute to awareness campaigns, community-driven projects, and conservation initiatives that drive real change.

By leveraging its platform and influence, Vantage aims to inspire clients, partners, and the wider financial industry to act toward ocean conservation and sustainable development.

Vantage is recognised as a premium trading brand, providing clients with a trading experience that combines advanced technology, expert market insights, and lightning-fast execution. This partnership reaffirms that luxury and responsibility can coexist, allowing clients to trade while contributing to a greater cause.

With this partnership, Vantage strengthens its ESG initiatives, reinforcing the belief that success in the financial world should go hand in hand with sustainability and social responsibility. Through The Sapphire Project, Vantage hopes to inspire more businesses and individuals to take part in collective environmental preservation efforts.

To learn more about Vantages CSR initiatives and The Sapphire Project, visit Vantage Markets.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Forex and Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products on, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.

trade smarter @vantage

Vantage Global Prime Pty Ltd (ACN 157 768 566), located at 12/15 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000, and is authorised and regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) AFSL no. 428901.

Trading derivatives carries significant risks. It is not suitable for all investors and if you are a professional client, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment. When acquiring our derivative products, you have no entitlement, right or obligation to the underlying financial assets. Past performance is no indication of future performance and tax laws are subject to change. The information on this website is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances, or needs. Accordingly, before acting on the advice, you should consider whether the advice is suitable for you having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary.

You should consider whether you’re part of our target market by reviewing our Target Market Determination (TMD), reading our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), and other legal documents to ensure you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary.

The Sapphire Project does not receive any funds from ticket sales or donations.
The Great Barrier Reef Foundation (ABN 82 090 616 443) is partnered with The Sapphire Project to administer and distribute raised funds including ticket sales, donations and charity proceeds to the recipient ocean organisations as nominated by the Sapphire committee with no administration fee, and independently checked. All supported organisations are registered charities (DGR1) in Australia and are eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. The foundation will provide tax-deductible receipts for all donations for Australian tax purposes. Donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible in Australia.  Thanks to our generous sponsors who are making our work possible, ensuring that 100% of every ticket sold and every dollar raised go directly into impactful ocean conservation.

Sagard Announces Strategic Partnership with BEX Capital to Strengthen Private Equity Secondaries Offering

Following this strategic partnership with a secondaries platform, Sagard now offers a full suite of private equity solutions and expands its global investment footprint

MONTREAL and NICE, France, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sagard, a global alternative asset manager with over US$27B of assets under management, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a strategic stake in BEX Capital, a specialized secondaries investment firm with over US$2B of assets under management. This partnership marks a significant step in Sagard’s expansion into private equity secondaries, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of alternative investment solutions.

BEX Capital will bring its deep expertise in fund-of-funds secondaries to Sagard’s existing offering in primaries, co-investments, and secondaries within the Sagard Private Equity Solutions platform.

“BEX has built a remarkable franchise in the secondaries market, with a loyal and diversified investor base and a strong track record of performance. By joining forces, we will enhance our ability to deliver innovative and high-performing secondaries solutions to institutional and private high-net-worth investors worldwide,” said Paul Desmarais III, Chairman and CEO at Sagard.

The partnership will enable the creation of a scaled, diversified private equity offering. BEX’s expertise in acquiring secondary interests in fund-of-funds, secondary funds, and co-investment vehicles will complement Sagard’s existing private equity strategies, allowing for greater investment opportunities and broader investor reach.

“BEX’s specialized approach and disciplined investment strategy complement Sagard’s broader private equity expertise, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. We look forward to working together to deliver enhanced value to our investors and partners,” said Jonathan Tetrault, Managing Partner at Sagard and CEO of Sagard Private Equity Solutions.

BEX’s current leadership team will continue to manage day-to-day operations, including investment activities, independently, ensuring the continuity of the investment strategy and relationships with clients, fund-of-funds managers, and secondary fund managers, while benefiting from Sagard’s global footprint and resources.

“This exciting partnership will enable us to scale our business while staying true to our core investment philosophy and privileged relationships with our investors and partners. By partnering with Sagard, we gain access to expanded resources, a broader investor network, and enhanced strategic capabilities. This will allow us to develop innovative secondaries solutions, while reinforcing our position as a specialist in the secondaries market,” said Thomas Carbonel, Partner at BEX Capital.

The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. BEX Capital will be co-branded with Sagard to reflect its new strategic partnership.

About BEX Capital

BEX Capital is an independent asset management firm specializing in private equity secondaries, founded in 2010 with offices in Nice and New York. BEX Capital is the first and only secondaries investment firm solely and entirely dedicated to the acquisition of positions in global private equity fund-of-funds, secondary funds and co-investment funds. BEX Capital now has over US$2 billion of capital under management.

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

About Sagard

Sagard is a global multi-strategy alternative asset management firm with over US$27B under management, 150 portfolio companies, and 400 professionals. We invest in venture capital, private equity, private credit, and real estate. We deliver flexible capital, an entrepreneurial culture, and a global network of investors, commercial partners, advisors, and value-creation experts. Our firm has offices in Canada, the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

For more information, visit www.sagard.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Leong Yik Launches New Website & Enhanced Client Experience to Mark 7 Years in SG


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2025 – Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor has launched a newly redesigned website to mark its 7th year of operations in Singapore. The new platform features a clean layout, improved navigation, and a more intuitive user interface, all designed to offer a smoother and more informative experience for both new and returning visitors.

One of the most notable upgrades is the “Our Projects” section, which now presents a more comprehensive look at the company’s past work. From residential projects to large-scale commercial renovation in Singapore, this section offers detailed visuals, project descriptions, and client testimonials. The redesign aims to give potential clients a clearer understanding of Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor’s capabilities and standards. Compared to the previous version, the new site places a stronger emphasis on project transparency and user engagement.

The website also makes it easier for users to learn about specific services, such as roof leakage repair and wall plastering in Singapore. Whether a client is searching for a roof leakage repair contractor to fix ceiling water damage or looking to find a wall hacking contractor, they can now easily find relevant information and assess service suitability. In addition, Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor showcases its expertise in cement screed flooring and concrete screed flooring, both of which are essential for durable and level surfaces in both residential and commercial spaces.

As an HDB-approved tiling contractor and BizSafe Star accredited company, Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor continues to build trust through quality workmanship and safety compliance. The new website reflects the company’s commitment to professional growth and client satisfaction.

The launch follows months of preparation, including efforts to preserve SEO rankings, transfer existing content, and develop new materials, particularly for the project portfolio. This milestone also signals Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor’s direction for the future: expanding service offerings, exploring new technologies, and enhancing community engagement.

Founded in 2017, Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor has steadily established itself as a reliable name in Singapore’s renovation sector, offering practical and long-lasting solutions tailored to the needs of modern clients.

For more information on Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor and its comprehensive range of services, please visit https://www.leongyik.com.sg/.
Hashtag: #LeongYik

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

AI Meets Everyday Living: Haier Small Domestic Appliances Impress at Canton Fair

GUANGZHOU, China, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 134th Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou, bringing together global buyers and exhibitors across a wide range of industries. Amid the buzz, Haier Small Domestic Appliances stood out with its AI-driven theme, “Care for Your Loves with AI”, highlighting how advanced technology can create a more personalized and intuitive home experience. In line with Haier Group’s strategic direction, the brand continues to integrate AI across product lines to better align with evolving consumer needs.

Immersive Experience Zones Highlight AI Innovation

At the heart of Haier’s booth is the AI-powered kitchen experience. Products such as the 301 coffee machine and air fryer set the stage for a “coffee and dining bar” concept, drawing visitors in to explore a smart kitchen lifestyle. AI-enabled features like intelligent coffee grinding and precision cooking promote healthy eating and ease of use.

Haier’s Leader brand, tailored for younger consumers, brought fun and creativity to the spotlight. Modular breakfast machine, outdoor portable coffee machine, and music-themed devices were showcased in immersive scenes—blending tech with lifestyle. These playful yet practical designs speak to Gen Z’s desire for personalization and multi-sensory experiences.

In the air purification zone, Haier presented tailored solutions such as pet-specific and desktop purifiers. A “1m³ Clean Air” demo zone allowed visitors to see real-time purification effects. With AI capabilities for air quality monitoring and intelligent adjustment, the products offer smart protection for various environments.

For personal care, the AI ironing system delivered a live demonstration of seamless wrinkle removal. Emphasizing ease and precision, the product reflects Haier’s commitment to combining luxury with smart living.

In the cleaning section, an AI-enabled dust mite vacuum was featured. Visitors engaged in hands-on trials, experiencing the product’s powerful suction and intelligent detection, reinforcing the message of a clean, healthy home.

AI for a Smarter, More Personal Experience

Haier Small Domestic Appliances believes the future of small appliances lies in understanding users. By embedding AI into product design, Haier SDA ensures appliances adapt to habits and environments—offering greater convenience, comfort, and personalization.

Driven by Demand, Powered by Innovation

Haier Small Appliances’ success at the Canton Fair showcases its user-centric innovation strategy. Looking ahead, the brand will continue deepening AI integration, delivering smarter solutions that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable for users worldwide.

 

2 out of 3 Singapore Residents Aspire to Achieve Financial Independence Between 40 to 60

  • 1 in 2 Singapore residents believe they need over S$1 million to achieve financial independence.
  • Compared to other age groups, Singapore residents under 30 are most confident in achieving their early financial independence goals.

SINGAPORE, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CIMB Singapore released a report that revealed Singapore residents’ perceptions and behaviours towards financial planning, with 63% of them aspiring to achieve financial independence between 40 to 60 years old. On top of that, 52% of the respondents believe that they need more than S$1 million to achieve financial independence – defined as being free from financial worries.

Despite the large sum, 72% of Singapore residents believe that financial independence is a realistic goal and 43% of them are confident of managing their finances to achieve financial independence. However, the top three barriers to financial independence cited are the high cost of living, family responsibilities, followed by low income.

On the other hand, 39% of respondents responded that they are “often” or “always” feeling anxious about their financial future. Specifically, those aged 40-50 have higher financial anxiety, with 47% of them claiming that they feel anxious in high frequency (“often” and “always”). Similar sentiments are echoed in other urban cities with strong economies such as Hong Kong, where 28% of their workers reported that their financial situation is causing them higher levels of stress and anxiety[1].

Out of 71% of respondents with financial plans, only 48% have started planning for their retirement, citing reasons such as prioritising other financial obligations, reliance on CPF, and lack of knowledge as challenges impeding their retirement planning.

The “CIMB Singapore: Attitudes and Beliefs towards Financial Independence Report 2025“, done in collaboration with the Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology[2], captured insights from over 500 Singapore residents aged 26-60 on their perspectives towards financial independence and retirement planning last December.

“We are privileged to collaborate with the Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology on this study, which revealed key insights into Singapore residents’ attitudes and beliefs towards financial independence. Notably, younger Singapore residents show the most confidence in achieving early financial independence compared to other age groups. We recognise that the journey to financial independence is deeply personal and are dedicated to supporting all generations to help them navigate their unique financial journeys,” said Raymond Tan, Head of Wealth Management and Preferred Banking at CIMB Singapore.

“We are delighted to partner with CIMB Singapore on this important research initiative examining financial independence. This collaboration highlights the strength of academia-industry partnerships in translating rigorous academic research into actionable insights for the business world. We believe this initiative will serve as a strong foundation for future collaborations, contributing to the development of a dynamic and mutually beneficial ecosystem,” said Professor Sharon Ng, Deputy Dean at Nanyang Business School and Director at the Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology.

Navigating Generational Shifts in Financial Confidence

A growing number of younger Singapore residents are striving for early financial independence and demonstrating strong confidence in achieving their goals. Of the respondents under the age of 30, 60% aim to achieve financial independence before the age of 40, and 54% expressed confidence in their financial management skills. However, only 39% of respondents aged 40 to 50, and 43% of those aged 50 to 60, report feeling confident in managing their finances. Respondents under 30 are also most willing to seek financial planning advice (54%), compared to the 40 to 50 (35%), and 50 to 60 (28%) age groups.

This signals a clear generational divide in financial confidence and preference for financial advice, underscoring the need for a tailored approach to financial planning and requirement for financial service providers to understand the unique challenges faced by customers across different life stages.

Closing the Gap: Equipping Public to Make Informed Decisions about Their Financial Future

In the pursuit of financial independence, Singapore residents’ top three preferred tools for financial growth are savings and fixed deposits, stocks and insurance. Yet, 39% of respondents shared that they are unsure about insurance’s effectiveness as an investment tool, which suggests that they might not be maximizing the use of insurance for financial growth.

“As a leading foreign bank in Singapore for bancassurance with an ‘open architecture’ proposition, CIMB Singapore partners with multiple insurance providers to provide customers the best value. We are committed to uniting major insurers to educate and empower the public to take control of their path to financial independence. Building on the success of our inaugural event, this year’s InsureXpo by CIMB had an exciting line-up of industry leaders and experts across private and public sectors, as well as personal finance content creators to address pressing topics on insurance, financial planning and well-being. We want to provide a comprehensive and convenient platform for the public to equip themselves with knowledge to make informed decisions about their financial future, all under one roof,” said Merlyn Tsai, Head of Consumer Banking and Digital at CIMB Singapore.

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider by assets, with a market capitalisation of approximately RM88.0 billion as at 31 December 2024 and is listed on Bursa Malaysia. The Group is present in seven ASEAN nations (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Philippines). Singapore is one of its most important markets with approximately 1,000 employees serving clients across consumer, commercial, wholesale and transaction banking products and services.  

CIMB is committed to providing customers with an extensive range of sustainable finance solutions as guided by the Group’s Green, Social, Sustainable Impact Products and Services (“GSSIPS”) framework, an internal taxonomy set by the Group to deliver impactful sustainable finance. The Group tripled its sustainable finance target to RM100 billion by 2024, a substantial increase from its RM30 billion target previously announced in 2021. CIMB is on track to achieving its RM100 billion target, recording over RM80 billion in sustainable finance, as of December 2023. 

[1] Info referenced from the 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey conducted by WTW, a professional services firm.

[2] The Nanyang Centre for Marketing and Technology is a research centre under the Nanyang Business School.