HONG KONG, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Master Concept Co-Founder Dennis Wong was invited to join the Citi Commercial Bank Hong Kong Executive Summit 2026 as a panellist for the session, “Asia’s Digital Anchor: Bridging Hong Kong’s AI and Technology Landscape with Global Market Opportunities.”
Master Concept Co-Founder Dennis Wong joined the Citi Commercial Bank Hong Kong Executive Summit 2026 panel discussion on “Asia’s Digital Anchor: Bridging Hong Kong’s AI and Technology Landscape with Global Market Opportunities.”
The panel brought together business and technology leaders to discuss how Hong Kong can connect Asia’s fast-evolving AI and technology landscape with global market opportunities. During the session, Wong shared Master Concept’s experience in supporting enterprises and local companies as they adopt AI, strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, and expand across regional and international markets.
As AI adoption accelerates globally, Master Concept sees growing demand for enterprises in Asia to move beyond experimentation and build a secure foundation for scalable AI deployment. This includes not only AI education and technical enablement, but also stronger governance, identity and access control, and cross-functional alignment between innovation and security teams.
“AI adoption is no longer just a technology discussion. It is becoming a business, security, and organisational readiness discussion,” said Dennis Wong, Co-Founder of Master Concept. “As enterprises explore new AI use cases, security and governance need to be built into the foundation from the beginning.”
Following its recent Secure AI Agent Workshop in Hong Kong, Master Concept will continue helping enterprise teams understand how AI agents can be deployed securely in real-world environments. A second workshop is currently in planning. Interested enterprise teams can register their interest at: https://forms.gle/K5NTU1MNRsdArCDU9
About Master Concept
Master Concept has over 20 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region, providing cloud strategy, implementation, technical support, and customised training to more than 3,000 clients across industries. The company’s solutions span collaboration and AI tools, cybersecurity, analytics and marketing, and geospatial technologies. With consultant teams across Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, China, and an expanded presence in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, Master Concept works closely with leading global technology partners to deliver tailored solutions that support sustainable business growth.
A milestone roughly 7 times rarer than a “Unicorn” — reached by Hong Kong’s first virtual insurer
HONG KONG, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bowtie, Hong Kong’s first virtual insurer[1], today announced it has crossed US$100 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)[2] — reaching the global technology benchmark known as “Centaur” status[3], a milestone roughly 7 times rarer than a “Unicorn”.
From left to right: Fred Ngan, Co-Founder of Bowtie; John Tsang, Senior Advisor of Bowtie; Michael Chan, CEO and Co-Founder of Bowtie
A “Centaur” is widely seen as a more meaningful benchmark than a US$1 billion “Unicorn” valuation, as it reflects real, repeated decisions by real customers to keep paying for services they value.
Achieving this in one of the world’s most traditional, relationship-driven insurance markets — and in just 7 years from founding — places Bowtie among the fastest-growing technology companies in the world.
Bowtie reached this scale by staying true to its core mission: delivering affordable, pure-protection products that are transparent and highly accessible. Every dollar of revenue represents our customers’ trust and affirmation of our products.
Today, Bowtie is trusted by over 150,000 customers — roughly 1 in every 50 Hong Kong residents — with a total protection amount of US$20 billion[2]. Its flagship VHIS products account for nearly 50,000 in-force policies, with VHIS ARR up 40% year on year[2].
Even while growing quickly, Bowtie has maintained a customer retention rate of over 93%[2]. In insurance, persistence is the truest measure of trust: customers only renew, year after year, when a product genuinely serves them. Sustaining persistence this high while scaling fast is rare — and it is the clearest sign that the model is working for customers, not just for the company.
“First, we want to thank our team for believing in the mission. Today, on average, every Bowtie employee supports US$500,000 in ARR, and carries US$100 million in protection coverage for society. We take real pride in that efficiency — because it is what lets us deliver the highest value, and the deepest trust, to our customers,” said Michael Chan, CEO and Co-Founder of Bowtie.
The milestone carries meaning beyond Hong Kong. As the first virtual insurer in one of Asia’s most competitive financial markets, Bowtie’s trajectory signals to regulators, partners and investors across the region that, a purely digital, agent-free insurance model is not only viable at scale — it offers a compelling alternative to traditional models, built on high efficiency and deep customer trust.
“Seven years ago, we set out to prove that insurance could be built differently. It is rare for any startup to reach US$100 million in ARR at this speed and scale — and rarer still to do it while staying true to 100% pure-protection products, with healthy claims, strong retention and sound economics. We are proud of that discipline. But we see this not as a finish line — it is a floor we intend to build on, for Hong Kong and for the rest of Asia,” said Fred Ngan, Co-Founder of Bowtie.
To celebrate this milestone, Bowtie is delighted to roll out an exclusive promotion:
Bowtie’s Insurance Flash Offer (From now until 30 July 2026): Applicants who apply for designated Bowtie insurance products via the online platform using the promo code “CENTAUR” can enjoy a 10-month premium waiver[4][5].
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 billion from Sun Life Financial and Mitsui & Co., providing over HK$150 billion in protection amount to families. Learn more at www.bowtie.com.hk.
[1] Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is Hong Kong’s very first virtual insurer authorized by the Insurance Authority under the fast track pilot scheme. [2] Source: Bowtie’s internal data as of 30 April 2026. [3] Source: Bessemer Venture Partners. According to the global venture capital firm’s industry analysis, achieving “Centaur” status (US$100M ARR) is roughly 7 times rarer than reaching a US$1 billion “Unicorn” valuation: https://techcrunch.com/2022/05/10/the-age-of-the-centaur-100m-arr-is-the-new-cloud-valuation-milestone/ [4] This offer does not include Bowtie Children’s Growth Term CI and Bowtie StillCover.The 10-month premium waiver applies to months 1 through 6 of the first year, and months 1 through 4 of the second year, offering a total waiver of 10 months’ premiums. [5] The policies of the VHIS Products, Term Life, and Critical Illness Products are underwritten by Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited, and the products are intended for sale in Hong Kong only. Subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions. The above information is for reference only. For detailed terms and conditions, product risks, and exclusions, please refer to the policy document.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – On June 30, 2026, New York time, the launch ceremony and New York Forum for OUR WATER Season 3 were successfully held at Bloomberg Headquarters in New York. This event, themed “Rivers of Opportunities“, focused on the shared certainties of Shanghai and NYC, anchoring growth through open cooperation and reshaping the future through innovation and resilience.
Co-hosted by Bloomberg L.P., the Forum was attended by Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies; Tang Zhiwen, Minister, Embassy of the People’s Republic in the United States of America; Ma Xiaoxiao, Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in New York; Chen Yiqun, Director-General of Information Office of Shanghai Municipality, and Hu Minghua, President of Shanghai United Media Group and over 200 guests from the political, business, finance and cultural sectors of China and the United States. The forum is dedicated to exploring the openness and similarities between Shanghai and New York to identify a shared framework of certainties among global hub cities.
Caption：OUR WATER III held in New York. Photo: Shuran HUANG
The two cities share distinct advantages in sectors such as finance and trade, while also facing common challenges in urban renewal, low-carbon development, and digital transformation. Candid and open dialogue is essential for mutual learning, and it will also inject stability into China-U.S. relations.
On the topic of how global capital understands the Chinese market, a panel titled “Investing in China, Winning the Future” featured Chinese and international guests discussing how the appeal of Chinese assets is shifting from traditional growth narratives to AI, high-end manufacturing, financial opening-up, and institutional market development. As a hub for financial opening-up, an asset allocation center, and a cluster for innovative enterprises, Shanghai has become a crucial gateway linking international capital with opportunities in China.
Consumption is one of the most dynamic topics between China and the U.S. At the second panel of “Opportunies in emerging Consumer Markets“, moderated by Bloomberg Television host David Westin, panelists observed that the consumer vitality of Shanghai and New York stems not only from market size but also from their ongoing ability to create experiences, understand people, and activate urban spaces.
Besides the forum, the New York series of events for OUR WATER Season 3 also includes: West Meets East·Shanghai & New York 2026 – A Polaroid 20×24 Special Exhibition; Chinese Opera: A Century of Dreams – An Exhibition of Art Design and Technology; An Exhibition themed Shanghai’s “One River, One Creek” and Jing’an CAZ China-U.S. Business Leaders Dialogue in New York.
These events shape a tangible and immersive waterfront narrative, allowing Shanghai and New York—two super metropolises that have thrived on water—to resonate in harmony through dialogue. As Minister Tang Zhiwen stated in his address, Shanghai and New York, are expected to become benchmarks for subnational cooperation between China and the United States, and to make new contributions to fostering a “constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability.”
Hashtag: #ShanghaiEye
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
A picture of flooded downstream areas of the Liulan Reservoir after it was breached due to heavy rains in Hengzhou, Nanning City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo by Xinhua)
Floods in southern China have killed two people and forced nearly 48,000 residents to evacuate, raising concerns across the region as Laos prepares for another week of heavy rain, rising rivers, and possible flooding.
Chinese authorities raised their highest flood emergency level on 6 July after days of torrential rain inundated Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where the Liulan Reservoir breached and rivers overflowed. Officials said about 55,000 people were affected.
The flooding followed the passage of Tropical Storm Maysak, which crossed northern Vietnam before weakening over southern China. Although the storm has dissipated, its remnants and a strong southwest monsoon continue to fuel widespread rainfall across mainland Southeast Asia.
The 66-year-old dam failed at two points after water levels rose above the limit, creating breaches of more than 50 meters.
Increased Flood Risk in Laos
In Laos, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology said moderate to heavy rain is expected from 6 to 12 July, increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding.
Officials identified Phongsaly, Houaphanh, Vientiane Province, Bolikhamxay, Champasak, Salavan, Sekong, and Attapeu as the provinces most vulnerable to flooding as rivers continue to rise after several days of persistent rainfall.
Floodwaters swept away a wooden bridge near Vang Vieng, flooded villages in Khammouane Province, and disrupted traffic in Savannakhet after heavy rain damaged roads and temporary crossings.
At the same time, authorities in Bolikhamxay Province released a notice on 6 July warning residents living along the Kading River to prepare for rapidly rising water levels. Beginning at 8 a.m. on 7 July, Nam Theun 1 Dam will release water through its spillway for flood management.
The notice said discharge will gradually increase to between 2,000 and 3,000 cubic metres per second, which could raise water levels along the Kading River by three to four metres. Backwater from the Mekong River is also expected to contribute to higher river levels.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology urged residents in flood-prone areas to closely monitor official weather updates, move belongings to higher ground where necessary, and remain prepared for possible flooding as heavy rainfall is forecast to continue throughout the week.
New Kyano® product innovations: Agentic AI for data migrations and unstructured data solutions
Kyano Lorna supports customers with AI-powered project intelligence
SNP and Palantir accelerate secure SAP transformations through strategic partnership
High-profile keynotes from SAP’s Thomas Pfiester and Stefan Steinle, football legend and former Germany national team goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, and bestselling author Sebastian Wernicke
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – SNP welcomes a record 2,000 industry experts from around the world to their flagship event, Transformation World, on July 8-9 at Heidelberg’s SNP dome. Under the motto “Shaping Tomorrow,” the leading provider of software for AI-enabled digital transformation, automated data migration and data management in the SAP environment, will present an exceptionally diverse program. Attendees can look forward to three innovation focus areas led by SNP’s new agentic AI layer Kyano Lorna to refine data transformation on top of the proven Kyano platform. In addition, SNP will demonstrate how they will expand their capabilities with a newly built AI-powered solution through a new strategic partnership with Palantir. Existing partner CDQ will showcase how their solution, seamlessly integrated into Kyano, delivers automated data quality and governance for SAP master data. A third innovation focus area expands Kyano with capabilities to process unstructured data through the new solution, Kyano Oros.
Across more than 100 customer presentations, international organizations will demonstrate how they successfully manage transformation projects such as SAP Cloud ERP moves, data archiving, system decommissioning, and carve-outs and integrations.
“We are looking forward to the biggest and most innovative Transformation World. With new AI-powered solutions, intelligent agents and strong partnerships, we are bringing our vision for the next generation of SAP transformations to life. Together with our customers and partners, we are redefining how these projects will be delivered in the future. Our ambition is to equip organizations with the most intelligent tools to unlock their best data for the AI era,” said Jens Amail, CEO of SNP.
The Best Data for Business and Agentic AI
One of the highlights at the conference is a series of innovations for SNP’s Kyano software platform.
Under the theme “The Best Data for Business AI,” SNP will introduce the new solution Kyano Oros that further automates complex data migrations and extends the platform with the ability to process unstructured data. This type of data accounts for approximately 80% of enterprise data volumes and has largely remained inaccessible to traditional transformation tools. This provides a critical foundation for preparing enterprise data landscapes for modern AI applications. With Kyano Lorna, SNP introduces an agentic AI layer for their proven Kyano platform that amplifies and scales decades of transformation expertise. Available 24/7, able to communicate in multiple languages and continuously applying best practices, Lorna supports organizations throughout the entire transformation lifecycle. It helps reduce manual effort, accelerate decision-making and deliver real-time insights across every phase of a transformation project. By bringing decades of transformation knowledge and best practices directly into every project, the agentic AI layer also enables customers and partners to deliver SAP transformation projects with Kyano faster, more efficiently and with greater predictability.
New partnership accelerates secure AI-powered SAP transformations
Another highlight is the announcement of a strategic partnership with Palantir, a global leader in AI and data platforms. This partnership will deliver new AI-powered solutions to SNP’s customers. Further details will be announced during Transformation World.
High-profile customer presentations and keynote speakers
Renowned companies from a wide range of industries and regions will share their experiences with complex transformation projects. For the German-speaking market, presentations will include projects from BMW, Coop Pronto, Deutsche Bahn, E.ON, Festo, Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen, Nestlé,
Lufthansa, and Volkswagen. International companies taking the stage include Ferrero, TotalEnergies, Brazilian financial cooperative Sicredi, Chilean industrial group Sigdo Koppers, U.S.-based chemicals and medical technology company PerkinElmer, and Australian infrastructure services provider Ventia.
The event is supported by a total of 20 sponsoring partners. This year’s premium sponsors are Accenture, Deloitte, and IBM.
Keynote speakers Thomas Pfiester, Head of Customer Engagement & Adoption and member of the Extended Executive Board of SAP, and Stefan Steinle, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Customer Support at SAP, will provide insights into the latest developments in SAP transformations and innovation. Additional keynote speakers include bestselling author Sebastian Wernicke (“Data Inspired”), who will explain how data can be turned into successful business ideas, and Oliver Kahn, goalkeeper legend, entrepreneur and sports investor, who will discuss the relationship between peak performance, decision-making under pressure, and resilience.
“The combination of hands-on customer presentations, product innovations and high-caliber networking is driving record attendance at Transformation World this year,” said Jörg Petzhold, Vice President Global Marketing & Communication (CMO) at SNP. “With around 2,000 attendees, we expect an exceptional international customer presence and look forward to welcoming SAP user groups from Germany, the UK, the U.S., and China to the SNP dome for the first time.”
The Transformation World 2026 agenda, registration details, and further information are available here.
Hashtag: #SNP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SNP
SNP (ticker: SHF.DE) is the global technology platform leader and trusted partner for companies seeking unparalleled data-enabled transformation capabilities and business agility. SNP’s Kyano® platform integrates all necessary capabilities and partner offerings to provide a comprehensive software-based experience in data migration and management. Combined with the Bluefield® approach, Kyano sets a comprehensive industry standard for restructuring and modernizing enterprise data faster and more securely while harnessing AI-driven innovations based on over 30 years of experience.
The company works with more than 3,000 customers of all sizes and in all industries in over 80 countries, including numerous DAX 40 and Fortune 500 companies. The SNP Group has more than 1,600 employees worldwide at over 34 locations in 22 countries. The company is headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, and generated revenues of around EUR 297 million in the 2025 fiscal year.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – Electric vehicles (EVs) have reached a defining milestone in Singapore. Allianz Insurance Singapore says the national EV conversation is evolving beyond adoption towards a fundamental shift in how drivers think about vehicle ownership, as EVs now account for the majority of new car registrations.
This shift coincides with enhanced national EV charging safety standards that took effect in April 2026, reflecting growing attention on the operational, safety and ownership implications of electric mobility as EV usage scales across the island – from where and how vehicles are charged, to how they are repaired, supported and protected over time.
“As electric vehicles become more popular, the conversation is moving beyond adoption to ownership,” said Hicham Raissi, Chief Executive Officer, Allianz Insurance Singapore.
“Drivers are no longer just choosing EVs for their technology, but are increasingly focused on what it takes to protect, maintain and support them over time.”
Electric vehicles differ fundamentally from conventional petrol cars. They rely on high-voltage battery systems, electric drivetrains, electronic control units and increasingly software‑enabled driving features, all of which represent a significant proportion of vehicle value. These differences introduce ownership considerations that are distinct from internal combustion vehicles, particularly as EVs become the default choice for many drivers.
In response to these evolving ownership realities, Allianz Insurance Singapore became one of the first general insurers in the market to introduce an insurance solution specifically designed for electric vehicles, with the launch of Allianz Electric Motor Protect in 2021. The coverage is built around how EVs are used and supported in practice, including considerations for electric and electronic components such as high-voltage systems and batteries, protection linked to private home charging setups, and risks associated with increasingly connected vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems. It also reflects real-world usage scenarios such as charging-related incidents and portable charging equipment, alongside the need for consistent repair quality over time.
“As EV adoption transitions into everyday ownership, insurance plays a foundational role in supporting this shift in mindset,” added Raissi.
“Our focus is on ensuring protection frameworks evolve alongside mobility, so drivers can navigate electric vehicle ownership with clarity and confidence.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Allianz Insurance Singapore
At Allianz Insurance Singapore, we aim to secure the future and create a positive impact on society and the environment by leveraging our expertise in risk management. As we work toward strengthening our position as one of Singapore’s leading risk solutions providers, we deliver innovative and customer‑focused protection solutions for individuals, SMEs, and mid‑corporate clients – spanning Motor, Home Content, Travel, Personal Accident, Cancer, Hospital Income, and a comprehensive suite of commercial insurance offerings.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, has expanded its business banking financing facilities with the introduction of Term Financing-i and Working Capital Financing-i, anchored by its Business Banking vertical, AEON Bank Biz.
Introducing the Term Financing-i and Working Capital Financing-i by AEON Bank Biz
Designed to provide timely and flexible capital, these two business financing facilities were developed to enable Shariah-compliant businesses in navigating shifting market demands. Both products are aligned with the Shariah finance principle of Murabahah via Tawarruq concept, delivering transparent, ethical banking solutions to the Malaysian market.
Term Financing-i: Business Growth and Strategic Expansion
Engineered to fund medium to long term growth projects, asset purchases and infrastructure expansion while maintaining a healthy cash flow. AEON Bank Biz’s Term Financing-i offers this flexibility:
Zero collateral required
No hidden charges on financing application or utilisation
Flexible repayment tenure of up to 60 months
Approved fund disbursed directly into customer’s AEON Bank Biz Business Current Account-i
*Terms and conditions apply
Working Capital Financing-i: Empowering Business with Liquidity Agility
This financing facility provides a flexible credit line for short term cash flow needs, designed to bridge operational budget gaps and manage financial cycles. With AEON Bank Biz’s Working Capital Financing-i, customers can gain access to the following:
High value liquidity and multiple disbursement options, within approved financing facility limit up to 3-year tenure
Flexibility to pay your principal and refresh approved limit, without the hassle of repeated financing applications
Up to 12-months disbursement period
Disbursement managed fully online, deposited straight into customer’s AEON Bank Biz Business Current Account-i
*Terms and conditions apply
A Dynamic Business Banking Experience
Beyond credit line disbursement, AEON Bank Biz serves as a holistic 360-degree, Shariah compliant banking partner for business owners across Malaysia. It enables businesses to manage assets, liabilities, operational financial needs and merchant operations, through a simplified banking process.
At the core of it all is the Business Current Account-i with a dynamic business banking functionality to support businesses to thrive :
Integrated cash management capabilities for payments and collections: Seamless processing for DuitNow and RENTAS, as well as instant settlement and notification for DuitNow QR
Smart cash management: Maximize idle capital yield via Biz Term Deposit-i, offering competitive profit optimization rates up to 3.20% p.a. on customizable tenures as short as 1 day, with an entry baseline of just RM500
Governance controls: Multi-user level access authorizations and structured approval workflows engineered to mirror corporate governance standards safely
*Terms and conditions apply
Empowering Businesses to Scale Sustainably
This latest rollout by a digital bank in Malaysia aligns directly with the national goal to supercharge SME contributions to the domestic Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to 50% by 2030. In order to achieve that, access to financing, including digital banking solutions remains a key enabler for business growth. In fact, this is where banking institutions and fintech catalysts such as AEON Bank play an important role in achieving that target.
Click on the links to find out more about AEON Bank Biz and discover a #BetterBusinessBanking experience to scale your growth. Hashtag: #AEONBank #digitalbank #islamicbank #digitalislamicbank #AEONBankBiz #BusinessBanking #TermFinancing #WorkingCapitalFinancing
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT AEON BANK (M) BERHAD
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services for the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz) customers.
Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible online via the AEON Bank app, where customers can activate and access the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pot, DuitNow QR, Zakat, Takaful, JomPay, utility bill payments, as well as a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants. Moreover, AEON Bank has developed the Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme and ‘Neko Sensei’, the AI-powered personal financial coach.
On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially introduced AEON Bank Biz with the integrated cash management capabilities anchored by the Business Current Account-i, alongside Biz Term Deposit-i, Biz QR, Term Financing-i and Working Capital Financing-i. AEON Bank Biz focuses on streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for businesses in Malaysia.
For eligible deposit-based products under AEON Bank and AEON Bank Biz, such as the Savings Account-i, Savings Pot, Term Deposit-i, Business Current Account-i and Biz Term Deposit-i, the deposits are protected up to RM250,000 per depositor. AEON Bank is a member of Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) and the deposit protection is automatic and free.
Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.
AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognisable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.
Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah finance DNA, Malaysian tenacity and Japanese roots are our distinguishing factors, while the integration across the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards for their online shopping and in-store purchases.
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to empowering the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, while cultivating a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards positioning Malaysia as the Islamic banking hub in the region and fostering the growth of the nation’s digital economy.
Children do not outgrow sleep problems; they grow into sleep habits.
Woven Woven advocates for a comprehensive approach to children’s sleep, emphasizing the crucial role of the sleep environment.
SYDNEY, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As sleep wellness discussions predominantly target adults, Australian children’s sensory wellness brand Woven Woven asserts that critical sleep habits are established during childhood. The brand advocates reevaluating children’s sleep as a fundamental pillar of lifelong health and development, encouraging families to prioritize the sleep environment—specifically, the materials children sleep under.
To explore the innovative bead-free weighted blankets, visit Woven Woven.
Woven Woven Kids Bamboo Weighted Blanket in Glacier Blue 1.5kg
“Sleep is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children,” stated Joey Chang, founder of Woven Woven. “As parents ourselves, we weren’t simply looking to create another weighted blanket. We wanted to understand why some children struggle to settle, and how thoughtful design, natural materials, and sensory comfort could help support healthier sleep habits from an early age.”
Sleep: A Crucial Developmental Pillar
Sleep is vital for processing learning, consolidating memories, and supporting physical development, with deep sleep driving growth hormone release and immune recovery. Yet, clinical studies reveal sleep difficulties affect 25% to 55% of youths, rising to 86% for those with neurodevelopmental profiles such as ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder[1]. Furthermore, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that one-third of children consistently lack sufficient sleep.
As children’s nervous systems mature and their sleep cycles remain shorter, they exhibit heightened sensitivity to temperature and sensory fluctuations. Consequently, exhaustion often manifests as bedtime resistance, frequent night waking, emotional outbursts, hyperactivity, or shortened naps.
“Children don’t always have the words to explain why they feel uncomfortable,” Chang noted. “Sometimes what appears to be challenging behavior is simply an overtired child whose sleep environment isn’t supporting them as well as it could.”
The Critical Role of the Sleep Environment
Children regulate temperature differently than adults; they possess thinner skin, overheat faster, and have eyes that are highly sensitive to light. A landmark study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that minor dim light exposure (5 to 40 lux) suppresses a child’s melatonin by 77.5%. Additionally, unbreathable synthetic bedding traps heat and elevates cortisol, exacerbating eczema and sensory sensitivities.
“We encourage parents to think about bedding the same way they think about nutrition or movement,” Chang explained. “It’s something children experience every single day, for ten to twelve hours at a time. The materials touching their skin every night deserve thoughtful consideration.”
Advancing Sensory Wellness: Bead-Free Innovation
Weighted blankets offer Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS)—a comforting, evenly distributed pressure that helps children feel secure and relaxed. While not a universal solution, they serve as a valuable non-pharmaceutical tool for emotional regulation.
“Weighted blankets shouldn’t be viewed as a quick fix,” Chang advised. “They’re one part of creating a calm, consistent and supportive sleep environment and should be introduced to the child gently.”
Unlike traditional blankets that rely on glass or plastic beads, Woven Woven’s innovative bead-free design utilizes premium natural fibers. This construction ensures even weight distribution, eliminates shifting, and provides a naturally breathable, machine-washable solution.
“We’ve designed our weighted blankets specifically for children from day one,” Chang emphasized. “Every decision, from the weight and size to the materials and construction was made entirely with child’s comfort, safety and sensory needs in mind.”
A World-First Solution for Hot Sleepers
Additionally, Woven Woven has introduced what it considers the world’s first filling-free bamboo weighted blanket tailored for hot sleepers. Naturally moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic, it strictly conforms to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, ensuring rigorous safety testing while preserving the calming benefits of gentle weight.
Fostering a New Conversation Around Rest
Through conversations with occupational therapists and parents, the brand has documented that sensory-supportive routines lead to calmer bedtimes and reduced overnight disruptions.
“Our hope isn’t simply to make better blankets,” Chang concluded. “It’s to help raise a generation of children who understand that rest isn’t something to earn after a busy day. Rest is one of the foundations that allows children to grow, learn, regulate their emotions and thrive. If we can help even one family experience calmer bedtimes and more restful nights, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”
Sources: 1. The effectiveness of weighted blankets on sleep and everyday activities – A retrospective follow-up study of children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or autism spectrum disorder. Vedrana Bolic Baric, Sofie Skuthälla, Malin Pettersson and Per A. Gustafsson. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34184958/
About Woven Woven
Woven Woven is an Australian children’s sleep and sensory wellness brand creating thoughtfully designed weighted blankets and bedding made from premium natural fibres. Combining sensory-informed design with elevated aesthetics, Woven Woven is pioneering a new category of bead-free children’s weighted blankets that help families create calmer bedtime routines and more supportive sleep environments.
Join Woven Woven’s Community
Woven Woven continues to grow its community and partnership with therapeutic and professional organisations to make its product accessible to more families. For more information please visit their website or social accounts—Instagram and TikTok. For samples, professional pricing, or collaboration inquiries, please contact the brand directly.
www.snpgroup.com
https://www.allianz.sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/allianzinsuressg/
https://www.facebook.com/allianzsg
https://www.instagram.com/allianz.sg/
https://www.aeonbank.com.my/business
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeonbankmy/?viewAsMember=true
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EqAqfTFLp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/aeonbankmy?igsh=dnNwYnNjb2Z4N3ky
