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ONESIAM Experience Unites for “World Water Festival: The Songkran Phenomena” – Reaffirming Global Destination Status with Unparalleled Celebratory Experience


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2024 – Siam Piwat solidifies its position as Thailand’s leader in crafting world-class destinations by uniting efforts to showcase the unmatched ONESIAM Experience. This initiative brings together the allure of global hotspots situated in the heart of Bangkok – Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery – with the iconic ICONSIAM along the Chao Phraya River, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, the only world-class luxury outlet in Thailand. The collaboration also includes the integration of the ONESIAM SuperApp. Joining forces, they collaborate to bring forth a miraculous spectacle, crafting the iconic “World Water Festival: The Songkran Phenomena.” This grand and spectacular event is set to unfold throughout April 2024.

ONESIAM Experience Unites for

This year’s event is set to surpass all previous years in scale and uniqueness, especially since ‘Songkran in Thailand’ was honored as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO at the end of last year.

Throughout April, the ONESIAM Experience is advancing via collaboration of 5 top destinations to craft an iconic event. The World Water Festival: The Songkran Phenomena is set to deliver extraordinary experience to both Thai and international visitors. It establishes itself as the ultimate Songkran Festival destination, a must-visit for everyone. In anticipation of the Songkran Festival and the vibrant hues of summer, preparations are underway, with each shopping center, including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, gearing up to showcase its unique highlights and special features. Engaging activities and exclusive shopping opportunities tailored to reflect the distinct character of each venue.

Siam Paragon is set to host the “Siam Paragon Ultrasonic Water Festival 2024,” from April 9-16, 2024. This grand celebration aims to captivate a global audience by showcasing an exceptional blend of global artists, music and entertainment, alongside the marvels of Thai culture. Siam Paragon embarks on its ‘Co-create & Collaborate’ initiative with globally renowned British artist Philip Colbert. Colbert, celebrated for pioneering a novel Pop Art style characterized by distinct lines and vibrant colors, brings his original creation, “Lobster Man,” into this collaboration for the first time in Thailand. His work will be transformed into a vast ‘Giant Inflatable Playground,’ embracing a “splash” theme.

Siam Paragon is also setting the stage for entertainment with the ‘World Stage – Music Festival,’ a platform that gathers famous artists to add vibrancy to the festivities by JOOX Music.

Concurrently, Siam Paragon is bringing revered ancient Buddha statues, to be enshrined for public veneration. This auspicious opportunity is offered to all for garnering good fortune during the Thai New Year Festival and will be accessible for worship from April 12-16, 2024, at the Fashion Hall on the 1st floor of Siam Paragon.

Siam Center is set to embrace the summer festival season with the “Siam Center Splashtastic Fun Fest,” spotlighting the newest trends in ‘Fashion & Innovation’ such as Water Interactive Screen’ and ‘3D Aquatic Installation’ which is scheduled from April 1-30, 2024.

A special highlight of the event is the showcase of fashion and design through an exclusive collection curated by Thai and emerging new-generation designers. This collection places a spotlight on Thai batik, a wisdom of Thai craftsmanship, reimagined in a contemporary style.

Siam Discovery is preparing to embrace the summer festival with the event themed “Siam Discovery: The Summer Exploratorium,” scheduled from April 3-16, 2024. This event extends an invitation to all under the motto ‘Come Play with Us,’ focusing on sports and street art. The shopping center is setting the venue for a ‘3×3 Basketball Tournament’, attracting over 100 teams, including superstars, celebrities, artists, and national team athletes, to compete. Alongside this, a ‘Splash Party’ will enhance the atmosphere with light and sound displays from screens surrounding the competition area, complemented by a variety of other activities.

Other highlights of the event feature renowned Korean street artist JAYFLOW, who will bring his creativity to craft street art basketball characters infused with the lively spirit of the Songkran Festival for all to enjoy. Additionally, visitors can browse new fashion collections from Thai designers, specially crafted to celebrate the Songkran Festival.

ICONSIAM, in collaboration with government and private sector partners, is organizing Thailand’s grand Songkran event, “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2024 ICONSIAM Miraculous Chao Phraya Maha Songkran 2024.” This year’s festival is themed “THE ICONIC SPLASH FESTIVAL Miraculous Songkran World Heritage,” and is set to take place from April 10-21, 2024. The festival will showcase the rich tapestry of customs and traditions, aiming to welcome tourists from across the globe with a blend of hospitality and contemporary Thai entertainment.

By transforming the River Park area into a venue for a grand Songkran celebration, the event is designed not only to create a momentous occasion but also to elevate Songkran in Thailand to the status of a world-class festival by celebrating Thai cultural heritage and blending it with contemporary elements. Participants will be treated to the elegant and stunning Miss Songkran parade, showcasing traditional Thai beauty. To foster good fortune, attendees will have the chance to pour water over the city’s sacred Buddha image. Additionally, the festivities include enjoying the vibrant Songkran water splashes along the Chao Phraya River and being entertained by performances from top music artists.

Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok is launching a campaign to commemorate the Songkran Festival, featuring special promotions from top brands exclusively for tourists.

Everyone is invited to partake in the “World Water Festival: The Songkran Phenomena.” Come join the ONESIAM Experience in embracing the enchantment of the Songkran Festival and welcoming the vibrant hues of summer all through April.

Hashtag: #ONESIAM

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EdgeProp partners GuocoLand to launch AI reDESIGN for Lentor Mansion preview

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2024 In an industry first, EdgeProp and premier real estate group GuocoLand are proud to announce their collaboration in using AI Redesign technology for the preview of Lentor Mansion, GuocoLand’s latest high-end residential development in the Lentor Hills estate. This innovative partnership allows potential buyers to digitally envision and customize their future living spaces with up to 14 different design themes.

EdgeProp partners GuocoLand to launch AI Redesign for Lentor Mansion preview.
EdgeProp partners GuocoLand to launch AI Redesign for Lentor Mansion preview.

The design of the 533-unit Lentor Mansion draws inspiration from the colonial-era black-and-white bungalows. Conveniently located, it is just a five-minute walk from the Lentor MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and the Lentor Modern mall with a host of amenities including a 12,000 sq ft supermarket.

The AI Redesign technology introduces a revolutionary way for buyers to explore various design possibilities for their future homes. Moving beyond the limitations of traditional show units, which typically showcase two or three design themes, this technology provides a platform to experiment multiple styles. From Modern, Minimalist, and Scandinavian to the more exotic Retro, Rustic, and Eclectic themes, potential homeowners can now tailor their spaces to match their personal taste and lifestyle preferences.

The design of the 533-unit Lentor Mansion is inspired by black-and-white bungalows.
The design of the 533-unit Lentor Mansion is inspired by black-and-white bungalows.

Get the latest details on available units and prices for Lentor Mansion

“We are very happy to work with GuocoLand for their preview of Lentor Mansion, using our AI Redesign technology. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to innovation in real estate, offering prospective buyers a unique and immersive experience that reimagines the concept of home previews,” said Bernard Tong, CEO of EdgeProp. “Lentor Mansion, with its strategic location and exceptional features, provides the perfect canvas for this technology, allowing individuals to visualize and personalize their future homes in ways never before possible.”

Ms Dora Chng, GuocoLand’s Residential Director, said, “GuocoLand is constantly exploring innovative ways to improve the experience of our homebuyers. Today’s homeowners have vastly different design aesthetics, and each strives to create a unique home for their family. With this partnership with EdgeProp that uses the latest AI Redesign technology, each homeowner will be able to envision their dream living spaces that best represents their own character and style.”

In celebration of this pioneering venture, EdgeProp and GuocoLand are excited to announce a contest that invites prospective buyers to engage with the AI Redesign tool. Participants are encouraged to design their dream home using the platform and share their creations on social media. This contest not only highlights the versatility and creativity enabled by AI Redesign but also fosters a community of future Lentor Mansion residents.

For more information on Lentor Mansion and to take part in the AI Redesign experience, please visit https://edgepr.link/Participate. Details about the contest, including how to enter and the prizes up for grabs, are also available on the site.

Hashtag: #edgeprop #guocoland #mylentormansion #lentormansion





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EdgeProp Singapore

is a property portal which helps users make better decisions on all things property.

We live by our tagline, “Property Personalised” and aim to deliver a truly customised property-seeking experience that is tailor-made for all your needs. So whether you are looking for property news, a property near MRT stations, amenities like schools and childcare centres, or a good-value condo with a sea view, we make sure you find exactly what you are looking for.

AS Watson Supports Gender Equity with Commitment to Women’s Empowerment Principles by UN Women


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2024 – As International Women’s Day approaches, AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, proudly announces that it’s the first health and beauty retailer to be a signatory of the Women’s Empowerment Principles, a global movement under UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment) dedicated to advancing gender equity and women’s empowerment. In support of this movement, AS Watson strengthens its commitment to fostering a workplace, marketplace, and community that promotes inclusivity and opportunities for women.

AS Watson

Malina Ngai, CEO of AS Watson (Asia & Europe) says, “At AS Watson, we are dedicated to empowering women to be more beautiful and confident. With over 80% of our 160 million members and over 70% of our 130,000 colleagues being women, our top priority is to inspire and support every woman to become the best version of themselves.

We are also proud to create an inclusive work culture where women are valued and offered equal opportunities for career growth. AS Watson aspires to leverage our scale for good and inspire every woman to radiate beauty from the inside out. We believe in The New Beautiful – a new kind of beauty that exists within everyone.”

Nurturing Women in Medicine and Healthcare

AS Watson’s commitment to women’s empowerment is demonstrated through its partnership with Operation Smile in the Women in Medicine programme, which empowers women in the medical and healthcare fields by providing them with educational opportunities and specialty training for them to become global leaders in medicine, healthcare, and surgery.

This programme has successfully trained 30 female plastic surgeons through all-women surgical and educational programmes and thousands of smiles will be reconstructed every year. AS Watson is committed to sponsoring a total of 10,000 surgeries by 2030.

Driving Positive Change Worldwide

In echo with the “Inspire Inclusion” theme of International Women’s Day, AS Watson and its 12 retail brands across 28 markets will launch a series of women empowerment activities for both their people and customers.

Watsons will kick off with “Our Time is Now” campaign on International Women’s Day, furthering the commitment to empowering women to be their true selves. Throughout the month, Watsons will actively engage the community through a range of activities.

In Asia, Watsons will sponsor YWCA’s “ChariTea” programme in Hong Kong, supporting self-financed women empowerment services for women in marital adversity, young mothers, and strengthening elderly services while Watsons Thailand is organising “Green Ribbon” campaign, encouraging women to unleash their full potential and donating all proceeds to the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Woman, helping women and children with mental and physical issues. Moreover, Watsons Philippines will partner with Women’s Run Ph for promoting women’s health through active lifestyle, inviting 5,000 women to celebrate through running.

In Europe, Superdrug will feature the health and beauty brands founded by women across its stores and organise a series of programmes to empower its female colleagues including photo competition and podcasts. Drogas will host the Ladies’ School event, sharing skincare and makeup tips with female customers to inspire them to lead confident and beautiful lives. Meanwhile, The Perfume Shop has curated inspirational videos for its female colleagues, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves.

Leading the Charge in Women’s Empowerment

As the leading health and beauty retailer, AS Watson is dedicated to contributing to create impact, and promoting gender equality, empowering women, and building a more inclusive world for all. Ngai emphasises, “We believe that empowering women is not only our responsibility, but also our passion for creating a world with equality and inclusion, where every one’s uniqueness is recognised and valued. We cannot achieve it alone, so we will continue to advocate women empowerment and encourage more customers, colleagues and business partners to join us in contributing to a better world.”

Hashtag: #aswatson

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Sahm Capital Showcases latest Fintech and AI Solutions at LEAP 2024


RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2024 – Sahm Capital Financial Company, a leading brokerage firm licensed by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (No: 22251-25), showcased its all-in-one comprehensive trading solutions at booth H1A.C100 in LEAP 2024, a global technology event taking place in Riyadh. Throughout the four-day event, Sahm Capital also unveiled its latest AI-generated solutions, featuring an AI presenter named ‘Aliyah’, designed to help investors capitalize on investment opportunities.

With a focus on Fintech innovation, the company provides comprehensive trading solutions, including the Sahm App, the first of its kind in KSA to combine real-time market quotes, 24/7 news, investor education, and analysis tools, distinguishing itself from other trading platforms by removing the necessity for users to juggle multiple Apps for cross-market investment decisions.

The App also offers a sleek and user-friendly UI design, complete with bundled functions such as a Shariah Compliant Stocks indicator, catering to the unique needs of the local market. Furthermore, Sahm App provides comprehensive market information, including detailed listed company profiles, a financial event calendar, dynamic analysis charts, and key market statistics.

During the event, Hadeel Bedeeri, General Manager of Sahm Capital, unveiled ‘Aliyah’, an AI-generated presenter developed within the Sahm App. Aliyah provides real-time information and support, aiding investors in understanding product features and making informed choices. Proficient in both Arabic and English, Aliyah constantly improves by learning from the content she presents, progressively becoming more lifelike and engaging.

Since its debut in December 2023, Sahm App has remained a top-five grossing finance App in both App Store and Google Play in KSA. Leveraging cutting-edge AI and Fintech innovations, Sahm Capital strives to simplify investing, offering Saudi investors easy-to-use trading tools and up-to-the-minute market insights.

For more information about Sahm Capital and its financial solutions, visit their official website at https://www.alsahm.com/.

Hashtag: #Brokerage

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About Sahm Capital

Registered in Riyadh, Sahm Capital (previously known as VCFC) is a joint venture company of Valuable Capital Group Ltd and eWTP Arabia Capital. Sahm Capital is also a registered member of the Saudi Stock Exchange, Tadawul, as well as its affiliates, the Securities Depository Center Company (Edaa) and the Securities Clearing Center Company (Muqassa). The company is also a member of Mena Fintech Association and Middle East Africa and Asia Crypto and Blockchain Association (MEAACBA).

Arlo Surpasses 3 Million Paid Subscription Accounts

Continued Subscription Growth Illustrates Success of Ongoing Innovation and Arlo’s Robust Hardware and Software Solutions


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2024 – Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ARLO), a leading smart home security brand, today announced its AI-powered subscription service has surpassed a milestone of 3 million paid accounts. Arlo’s continued subscription growth illustrates the success of its ongoing innovations and a robust ecosystem of security solutions for home, business, and personal safety.

“Arlo launched the first consumer AI subscription in June of 2018, revolutionising the security market and foretelling the incredible value the technology can create for users across many industries. Since then, we have continued to invest in our AI and SaaS platform which is at the core of Arlo’s incredible user experience and low churn rates,” said Matthew McRae, Chief Executive Officer of Arlo. “The 3 million subscriber milestone, which came earlier than expectations, is a testament to the true user benefits of our plans and the overall power of our service business. Arlo’s innovation will continue as we roll out numerous exciting new features and AI capabilities over the course of this year that will drive further subscriptions and continue our position as the true leader in the market.”

Arlo Secure subscription plans currently start at $4.99 per month to support home security devices with up to 4K video recordings.

Features of Arlo Secure, Secure Plus and Safe & Secure Pro subscriptions include[1]:

  • 4K Cloud-based Video Recording (All plans) – View 30 days of recordings securely stored on Arlo’s SmartCloud platform for ultimate peace of mind and protection even if the device is damaged or stolen in a break-in, storm, or other physical incident.
  • Smart Interactive Notifications (All plans) – Users can take quicker action by responding to rich notifications or viewing an animated preview of a video through the lock screen on their smartphone or other smart device.
  • Advanced Object Detection with AI (All plans) – Arlo processes and filters 50 million events each day through advanced object detection backed by visual artificial intelligence, allowing for better recognition of people, packages, vehicles, and animals to add key context to notifications and reduce unwanted alerts.
  • Smart Activity Zones (All plans) – Users can reduce unwanted notifications by highlighting specific areas on their property where they want motion to be detected, eliminating notifications from irrelevant movement such as tree branches or vehicle traffic on the street.
  • Priority Care & Support (All plans) – Subscribers get priority technical support through the in-app Help Center with omnichannel access to phone, chat, community, or self-help articles.

Throughout the rest of the year, Arlo will continue to focus on releasing leading-edge features and services to enhance the security and protection of current and new subscribers.

For more information on the full range of Arlo smart home security products and services, visit www.arlo.com/asia/.


[1] Some features are subject to device capabilities and not available in all regions. Visit https://www.arlo.com/en-us/arlosecure.html to learn more.

Hashtag: #Arlo

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

About Arlo Technologies, Inc.

Arlo is an award-winning, industry leader that is transforming the ways in which people can protect everything that matters to them with advanced home, business, and personal security solutions. Arlo’s deep expertise in AI- and CV-powered analytics, cloud services, user experience and product design, and innovative wireless and RF connectivity enables the delivery of a seamless, smart security experience for Arlo users that is easy to set up and interact with every day. Arlo’s cloud-based platform provides users with visibility, insight, and a powerful means to help protect and connect in real-time with the people and things that matter most, from any location with a Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. To date, Arlo has launched several categories of award-winning connected devices, software, and services. These include wire-free, smart Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled security cameras, video doorbells, floodlights, security system, and Arlo’s subscription services: Arlo Secure and Arlo Safe.

With a mission to bring users peace of mind, Arlo is as passionate about protecting user privacy as it is about safeguarding homes and families. Arlo is committed to implementing industry standards for data protection designed to keep users’ personal information private and in their control. Arlo does not monetise personal data, provides enhanced controls for user data, supports privacy legislation, keeps user data safely secure, and puts security at the forefront of company culture.

Arla Foods Ingredients to cut carbon emissions with heat pump technology


COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2024 – Arla Foods Ingredients is taking a major step towards its carbon reduction goals with the construction of an electric heat pump facility at its primary processing plant in Denmark. The EUR 32 million project is Arla’s largest single investment in net-zero initiatives to date.

Arla Foods Ingredients to cut carbon emissions with heat pump technology

Scheduled to go live in 2025, the facility at the Danmark Protein site will be able to convert 2.8MW of electricity into 8MW of heat. The shift to heat production by electricity instead of gas will cut the site’s greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 14,500 tonnes CO2 equivalent a year – a 17% reduction compared to 2015.

As such, it will contribute significantly to Arla’s overall goal to reduce CO2 emissions from production by 63% by 2030. Along with measures to reach a target of 100% renewable electricity across its European sites by the end of 2025, it is one of the biggest steps the company has taken towards net zero.

The investment is the culmination of many years’ work at Arla Foods Ingredients, which has a long history of applying electrification technology. Lessons learned from smaller heat pump investments have informed the design of the fully integrated system, which will capture energy from chilled water. The resulting heat will be fed into the plant’s 90°C heat distribution network, which supplies hot water for processes such as spray-drying to create powdered whey ingredients.

Paul van Rooij, Vice President, Supply Chain at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “There’s growing demand for our products around the world but it’s essential that we grow sustainably. Efficient electrification and a shift to renewables are central to Arla’s commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This innovative heat pump technology will allow us to split our energy system, so that we can supply more sustainably generated heat to lower temperature users while channelling efforts into developing better solutions for our few high-temperature needs. It’s another important milestone on our carbon reduction journey.”

The heat pump facility at Danmark Protein will provide a blueprint for similar projects at other Arla Foods Ingredients sites.

Arla Foods Ingredients, a subsidiary of Arla Foods, is a global nutrition leader committed to sustainability and innovation, serving major brands worldwide.

Visit https://www.arlafoodsingredients.com/ for more.

Hashtag: #ArlaFoodsIngredients

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Generali and UNDP are building SME resilience in Asia

  • Launch of joint research on MSME resilience in Southeast Asia, and a focus on Malaysia and Thailand, detailing key risks and alternative approaches to insurance
  • Presentation of the SME Loss Prevention Framework, a digital tool for Malaysian SMEs to better understand and manage growing climate and weather-related risks
  • Showcasing Insurance Innovation Challenge Fund Malaysia solutions for protecting SMEs in the country
  • Generali also expands its flagship SME EnterPRIZE project to Asia

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2024 – Generali and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) brought together representatives from the Malaysian Ministry of Finance, Bank Negara Malaysia, the SME Association of Malaysia and the insurance and financial communities to present concrete solutions on how to boost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) resilience against climate change and other risks.

The event built on the partnership between Generali and UNDP’s Insurance and Risk Finance Facility, designed to reduce the protection gap for vulnerable communities worldwide through access to insurance solutions. This work aligns to a broader commitment to raise awareness, as well as to set the path for insurance to unlock security, sustainability, and greater resilience for SMEs in developing countries.

Generali is also expanding its flagship SME EnterPRIZE project in Asia, building on the engagement carried out over the past three years with thousands of SMEs from across Europe to celebrate and nurture a culture of sustainability.

A joint research report titled “Building MSME Resilience in Southeast Asia” was launched, focusing on selected value chains in Thailand and Malaysia. The report proposes an alternative approach to identifying the risks and needs of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), developing risk management and insurance services, and delivering these solutions to the MSME community. MSMEs make up the majority of enterprises in Southeast Asia according to the new research, with figures as high as 99.6% in Thailand and 97.4% in Malaysia. They act as both a pillar and a driver of socio-economic development.

The report finds that SME growth and survival are threatened by a range of risks, including climate change, business interruptions, and limited access to capital markets. These risks are intensified by the lack of risk management, coping mechanisms, and insurance coverage. Fewer than 5% of MSMEs in Southeast Asia have any form of insurance.

The alternative approach outlined in the research starts by segmenting MSMEs to understand their risk profiles and address their specific needs, exploring priority value chains including natural rubber, food and accommodation, wholesale and retail, and electrical and electronics.

From this MSMEs can build resilience through holistic solutions that consider both risk transfer and risk mitigation tools, and which include bundling insurance solutions with new technologies or digital platforms and leveraging alternative distribution partners to reach MSMEs more effectively. The research complements the SME EnterPRIZE White Paper developed in the framework of Generali’s flagship initiative to boost a culture of sustainability among SMEs.

Generali and UNDP have also presented their SME Loss Prevention Framework, a digital tool leveraging the power of data to raise the readiness and awareness of SMEs to the risks facing vulnerable communities, starting in Malaysia with the flood risk. Technical expertise and experience in the field from one of the biggest insurers of the world are at the disposal of local entrepreneurs as a contribution to the transition towards a more sustainable economy.

Hosted on a user-friendly online platform, this framework will also be developed as a mobile app and can be spread to other countries in Asia and in the world. SMEs can find advice on how to protect their activities in the face of climate challenges and other risks, while ensuring the resilience of such an important segment for developing countries also against unpredictable events like natural catastrophes.

Following the launch of the “Insurance Innovation Challenge Fund” in September last year, which aims to incentivise the development of innovative insurance products and services in Malaysia, the event also showcased four innovative solutions for insurance to enhance SME resilience against climate and other risks. In the upcoming months, finalists will be announced, of which two winners will be awarded up to US $40,000 each, along with technical assistance to support the development of their ideas and the opportunity to leverage Generali and UNDP’s global presence.

Jaime Anchústegui Melgarejo, CEO International of Generali, said: “The MSME community in Malaysia, Thailand and the broader Asia region are an indispensable part of the growth and development stories of these markets. However, they face very real and intensifying risks from climate change and other factors that are affecting business continuity and their ability to capture emerging opportunities. Insurance is at the heart of the solution for making SMEs and MSMEs more resilient and is the driving force behind Generali’s partnership with UNDP. Bringing SME EnterPRIZE to Asia, launching our SME Loss Prevention Framework and progressing our Insurance Innovation Challenge Fund are key milestones in our effort to support vulnerable businesses in Asia. I’m eager to continue our collaboration with UNDP and find new ways to make a lasting impact.

Rob Leonardi, Regional Officer International – Asia, Generali, said: “MSMEs have long been a key driver of growth and innovation in Asia. Their contributions to the development of this region are indisputable, yet they are increasingly vulnerable to risks flowing from climate change, geopolitical tensions and market disruptions. Our partnership with UNDP recognises these challenges and is aimed at utilising insurance and risk finance solutions to increase coverage among MSMEs and boost their resilience. The various initiatives are all designed to meet businesses where they are in their journeys and ensure they have access to the solutions they need to thrive. I’m grateful for the hard work that has gone into this partnership so far, and I look forward to what more we can achieve together in the future.

Lucia Silva, Generali Group Chief Sustainability Officer, said: “Promoting a culture of sustainability among SMEs and ensuring their financial resilience means supporting sustainable development and reducing the protection gap for vulnerable communities. This is why we have developed SME EnterPRIZE, our flagship initiative which supports SMEs in their transition to socially and environmentally sustainable business models. And today, it is with great pride that we see this project growing also in Asia, building on the engagement carried out with thousands of SMEs from across Europe over the past years. We firmly believe public-private partnerships and the direct involvement of SMEs themselves will be critical to achieve the goals that we share with UNDP: that is how we will remain on the right track to build a more inclusive and greener future, for people and the planet.”

Niloy Banerjee, Resident Representative, UNDP Malaysia said: With SMEs making up 48.2% of national employment and 38.4% of GDP, the crucial role they play in the economic ecosystem is beyond doubt. Yet they remain most vulnerable to shocks, whether from natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, pandemics or other disruptions to the manufacturing or logistics continuum. We must rapidly support the building of resilience and staying power of SMEs against all foreseeable risks through holistic and innovative instruments and solutions. Insurance would be one of the most significant safety nets for SMEs.

Jan Kellett, Global and Corporate Lead on Insurance and Risk Finance, Head of the Insurance and Risk Finance Facility, UNDP, said: “In the ASEAN, where MSMEs make up 45% of regional GDP, their vulnerability to rapidly rising climate and other risks is not only a development challenge but an immense opportunity for public and private sectors to come to together and help businesses develop their capacity to understand and manage these risks.

The broader Generali-UNDP partnership

Generali and the United Nations Development Programme have partnered to support developing countries with access to insurance and risk finance solutions that enhance the resilience of communities and local businesses.

Under this multi-year partnership, Generali has committed technical and financial resources to UNDP’s Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF) in order to increase the socioeconomic wellbeing of some of the world’s most vulnerable people and places. The partnership blends Generali’s insurance expertise with UNDP’s long-term focus on financing and development.

Moreover, through the partnership, Generali and UNDP are contributing towards the InsuResilience Vision 2025, which includes: reaching 500 million vulnerable people and covering them against climate and disaster shocks; protecting 150 million vulnerable people through microinsurance solutions; and putting insurance innovation at the heart of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda.

Generali, as a responsible corporate citizen, is strongly committed to public-private partnerships and to supporting through its expertise public bodies to reach their objectives. This includes calls to both policymakers and businesses. The former are encouraged to engage with SMEs in a targeted way, with policies to direct investments toward appropriate products and services that support more agile business operations, while SMEs are invited to invest in their own adaptability to ensure business continuity and profitability in a changing climate
Hashtag: #Generali

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THE GENERALI GROUP

Generali is one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers. Established in 1831, it is present in over 50 countries in the world, with a total premium income of € 81.5 billion in 2022. With 82,000 employees serving 68 million customers, the Group has a leading position in Europe and a growing presence in Asia and Latin America. At the heart of Generali’s strategy is its Lifetime Partner commitment to customers, achieved through innovative and personalised solutions, best-in-class customer experience and its digitalised global distribution capabilities. The Group has fully embedded sustainability into all strategic choices, with the aim to create value for all stakeholders while building a fairer and more resilient society.

UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP’s Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF) is a flagship initiative housed within the organization’s Sustainable Finance Hub. It is currently working in 34 countries and will move to 50 countries by 2025. All of the IRFF work is aligned to the goals of the InsuResilience Vision 2025 which aims to cover 500 million people with insurance solutions in developing countries in the next three years.

Nutrition Forum Highlights Vital Role of Health in Laos’ Development

Children eat lunch at a school in Laos. (Photo/Phoonsab Thevongsa)

Collaborating to address malnutrition challenges, the Lao government partnered with external organizations such as UNICEF for the 9th National Nutrition Forum and Annual National Nutrition Committee Meeting 2023. The forum served as a platform to evaluate progress and strategies for combating malnutrition within the country.

Held under the theme “Nutrition for Human Capital Development,” the meeting aims to align with the Lao government’s socio-economic development agenda as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister of Laos emphasized the significance of nutrition, citing its critical role in the overall health, growth, and development of the nation as it nears key milestones such as the 2025 Socio-Economic Development Plan and the 2030 SDG targets.

Central to the discussions was the Lao Social Indicator Survey III (LSIS III), conducted in 2023 to assess the post-COVID-19 well-being of the Lao population.

The report revealed alarming statistics of malnutrition, especially among children aged 6–23 months. Only 23.3 percent of breastfed children and 32.9 percent of non-breastfed children within this age range met the minimum acceptable diet criteria.

The survey also highlighted that 30 percent of Lao children suffer from moderate to severe underweight conditions, while 43.6 percent of children under five experience stunting, indicating chronic or recurrent malnutrition, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). These figures represent an alarming increase compared to data from 2022.

“We need more collective action on nutrition. Insights from national nutrition information platforms and assessments highlight this need. Moving forward, enhancing policy recommendations and ensuring alignment with nutrition trends across Laos is essential,” said Ina Marciulionyte, the European Union Ambassador to Laos.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the Lao government has set out future priorities, commitments and actions for 2024, along with the signing of a commitment pledge.

The 9th Annual Nutrition Forum, spearheaded by the Government of Laos, received financial support from various entities including the European Union, the United States Government, UNICEF, the World Bank, the World Food Program (WFP), and SUN CSA Laos.

“In a world where the health and wellbeing of our communities are more interconnected than ever, it’s imperative to view nutrition not just as a health issue but as a cornerstone of socio-economic development and human capital investment,” said Pia Rebello Britto, Representative to UNICEF Laos.