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BIT Securities Makes Official Debut as BIT Opens Hong Kong Stock Trading

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Advertorial Desk
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GELEPHU MINDFULNESS CITY, Bhutan, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BIT, a digital asset financial services group, today announced that Hong Kong stock trading is now open. Its securities business is also debuting under a new business brand, “BIT Securities.” This marks BIT Securities’ evolution from a U.S. equities offering into a cross-market financial services platform providing access to U.S. stocks, Hong Kong stocks and digital assets.

Invest in Hong Kong and U.S. Stocks with Stablecoins: One-Stop Access to Global Assets

The initial phase of BIT Securities’ Hong Kong stock service covers trading in all stocks listed on the Main Board and GEM of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, along with core features such as IPO subscriptions and margin trading. Users don’t need to open a bank account or convert to Hong Kong dollars. They can deposit and withdraw 24/7 in USDT/USDC, with funds arriving in as little as seconds. Existing BIT U.S. stock users can turn on Hong Kong stock trading directly and allocate across U.S. stocks, Hong Kong stocks and digital assets in one place. They can manage major global assets easily, without moving funds between platforms or rebalancing.

This upgrade comes from ongoing attention to user needs and reflects BIT Securities’ continued work to deepen its business capabilities. Since launching U.S. stock trading in February 2026, BIT Securities has added U.S. stock margin trading, short selling and options trading within eight months. With Hong Kong stock trading now live, BIT Securities has completed a closed loop for diversified allocation across U.S. stocks, Hong Kong stocks and digital assets. It continues to drive cross-sector financial innovation at Web3 speed.

Licensed Institutions Handle Execution and Custody, Supporting Real Shareholder Rights

On compliance and asset security, BIT Securities keeps the same institutional-grade standards as its U.S. stock business. Its Hong Kong stock business is operated by Matrix Gelephu Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of BIT that is licensed by the Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO) in GMC, Bhutan. Trade execution and custody are provided by Atomic Vaults Asia, a broker licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for Type 1 regulated activity (dealing in securities). Under this structure, users are the beneficial owners of the Hong Kong stocks they hold. They are entitled to the corresponding shareholder rights, including dividends and voting rights, subject to applicable laws, market rules and intermediary arrangements, and assets are held within a clear legal and regulatory framework.

Seven Years of Institutional-Grade Experience: Living Up to the Name “Securities” and Supporting Global Asset Allocation

The debut of the BIT Securities brand marks the evolution of the business. It also reflects BIT’s understanding of what assets are and what finance is for. BIT has always believed that stocks are an important way for investors to take part in a company’s growth and share in its results. A stock’s value is closely tied to the company’s operations, its corporate governance and its shareholders’ rights. For BIT Securities, the word “Securities” stands for a clear custody structure, transparent disclosure, and real ownership rights that can be verified and traced.

BIT has served institutional clients for more than seven years. Throughout, it has treated asset security, prudent risk management, compliant operations and transparency as its bottom line. BIT Securities is now turning the institutional-grade capabilities and compliance framework it has built over the years into a convenient, seamless product experience. It is bringing asset allocation tools and security safeguards once mainly reserved for institutions and high-net-worth individuals to individual investors, making asset allocation tools more broadly accessible.

Elio Cui, Head of BIT Securities, said: “The launch of Hong Kong stock trading further strengthens BIT’s cross-market service offering. Built on BIT’s unified underlying account system, it allows investors to allocate across U.S. stocks, Hong Kong stocks and digital assets more efficiently and flexibly. We want to break down the high barriers of traditional finance, so that ‘global asset allocation’ is no longer reserved for a few institutions and high-net-worth individuals, but is within reach of more ordinary investors.”

Limited-Time Launch Offers

To mark the launch of Hong Kong stock trading, BIT Securities is introducing a series of limited-time offers. From now until November 11, 2026, eligible users can enjoy zero-commission Hong Kong stock trading, zero interest and zero subscription fees on margin IPO subscriptions, an HK$100 Hong Kong stock platform fee voucher, and a Hong Kong stock Level 2 market data card, among other benefits. Eligibility, offer details and distribution rules are subject to BIT Securities’ official announcements.

About BIT Securities

BIT Securities is dedicated to providing global investors with a secure and efficient one-stop U.S. and Hong Kong stock investment service. With zero-commission U.S. stock trading and a transparent, low-cost fee structure at its core, the platform covers over 10,000 U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, and innovatively supports near-instant stablecoin (USDT/USDC) deposits and withdrawals alongside traditional USD wire transfer. This allows users to transfer funds seamlessly without relying solely on traditional banking channels, while providing access to shareholder rights, including dividends and voting privileges. In September 2026, BIT Securities launched access to Hong Kong-listed stocks, with the initial phase supporting Main Board and GEM-listed stocks, IPO subscriptions, and margin trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, further expanding investors’ cross-market investment options.

This business is operated by Matrix Gelephu Pte. Ltd., an entity part of BIT (formerly Matrixport) Group, under its license from the Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO) in Bhutan. It provides eligible clients with access to U.S. and Hong Kong equity trading services. U.S. equity transactions are executed and cleared through U.S.-registered broker-dealer partners, while Hong Kong equity market access and related brokerage services are provided through a partner broker licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for Type 1 regulated activity (dealing in securities).

Founded in 2019, BIT is a premier global digital asset financial services group bridging traditional finance and digital markets. BIT manages over US$6 billion in assets under custody and management, driving a monthly trading volume exceeding US$7 billion (as of Q4 2025).

Official Website：https://www.bit.com/

Disclaimer: Hong Kong equity trading services are not available to Hong Kong residents or users in other restricted jurisdictions.

Creative Secondary School Celebrates 20 Years of Educational Excellence with Open Day 2026: “World of Possibilities”

By
Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Marking two decades of inspiring minds and shaping leaders, Creative Secondary School (CSS) invites prospective students, parents, and community members to its annual Open Day 2026 on Saturday, 31 October 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Creative Secondary School Celebrates 20 Years of Educational Excellence with Open Day 2026: "World of Possibilities"

Grounded in the school’s guiding ethos—“Through this place, we thrive, we serve, and find our place in the world”—this milestone celebration, themed “World of Possibilities,” will showcase how CSS empowers young learners to become thoughtful, adaptable global citizens. Visitors will experience first-hand the school’s inquiry-based learning model across its IB MYP, IB DP, and HKDSE pathways, designed to cultivate critical thinking, academic excellence, and international-mindedness.

Throughout the event, attendees will enjoy a vibrant campus experience featuring live student music and arts performances, academic showcases, interactive student-led charity booths, and opportunities to connect directly with CSS teachers, parents, students, and support teams. To gain deeper insight into academic life, families can attend the Admissions Talk (1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.) at the School Hall to learn about the educational philosophy and admissions process, or register upper-primary learners for specialized P5 & P6 Classroom Taster Sessions (held at 12:00 nn and 2:15 p.m.) to experience CSS’s dynamic teaching approach firsthand.

Join us as CSS celebrates 20 years of transformative education and looks toward a future of limitless possibilities.

Sign Up & Enquiries
If you are interested in joining our CSS Open Day 2026, please fill in the Online Form here or scan the QR code below.

https://forms.gle/4xdqhYnQTUBDYBEa6

Contact Us: +852 2336 0233 / admin@css.edu.hk

Hashtag: #CreativeSecondarySchool

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

SWI Group announces €800 million institutional capital increase at a €6.1 billion final valuation to accelerate the expansion of its transatlantic AI infrastructure and compute platform

By
Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE and AMSTERDAM, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Euronext Amsterdam-listed SWI Group (“SWI”; SWICH) today announces an €800 million capital increase with institutional investors.

The capital increase is realized through the issuance of new ordinary shares by SWICH in several series, increasing the total share capital to 558,399,385 ordinary shares. This increases the total equity raised since March 2026 to over €1 billion.

The transaction marks a major milestone in SWI Group’s transformation, providing substantial additional equity capital to accelerate the consolidation and expansion of its transatlantic digital infrastructure and AI compute platform across Europe and the United States.

As part of the transformation announced by the Group, the proceeds will support the development and scaling of the Group’s data center and AI compute capacity, including power infrastructure, compute deployments and the execution of its development pipeline on both sides of the Atlantic.

The capital increase materially strengthens SWI Group’s balance sheet and provides the Group with additional financial capacity to execute its growth strategy at scale, including further investment into AI and increasing its stake in existing investments. It also broadens its institutional shareholder base while enhancing market liquidity and increasing the Company’s free float to approximately 20% of the share capital.

“This transaction is about keeping up to speed with the compute and data center markets. We have a clear strategy, a substantial pipeline and a strong position across Europe and the United States. We are very pleased to welcome new investors who share our long-term ambition for the Group,” said Max-Hervé George, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SWI Group.

As part of the transaction, certain investors are granted options in relation to their shares conditional on ECM milestones.

This press release contains information which is or may constitute inside information within the meaning contemplated by the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014.

About SWI Group

SWI Capital Holding Ltd. (www.swi.com), listed on Euronext Amsterdam under the ticker SWICH (ISIN: SGXPZ11CH7U7), is the holding company of the SWI Group. SWI Group operates as a global digital investment platform with long-term holdings across digital infrastructure as a core. The Group delivers best-in-class investment solutions, driving growth, resilience, and long-term value across markets.

 

Spring Clean with Steam Power: Tineco Launches Amazon-Exclusive New FLOOR ONE S9 Artist Steam Plus

By
Advertorial Desk
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As Australians tackle their annual spring clean, the new FLOOR ONE S9 Artist Steam Plus takes the hard work out of floor care – featuring ReverseScrub Technology, 230°C HyperSteam and up to 110 minutes of runtime for powerful, chemical-free deep cleaning

SYDNEY, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — There has never been a better time for a spring reset, with Tineco – the No.1 wet & dry vacuum brand globally for four years running* – today expanding its premium Artist Series range with the launch of the FLOOR ONE S9 Artist Steam Plus. Exclusively available via Amazon Australia, the new model pairs 230°C HyperSteam with a suite of quiet-running, chemical-free cleaning features designed for effortless everyday cleaning.

Spring Clean with Steam Power: Tineco Launches Amazon-Exclusive New FLOOR ONE S9 Artist Steam Plus
Spring Clean with Steam Power: Tineco Launches Amazon-Exclusive New FLOOR ONE S9 Artist Steam Plus

While Spring cleaning season may be in full swing, research reveals that floor cleaning is among the most hated household chores due to the bending, scrubbing and repetitive nature of the task.[i] For time-poor households keen to level-up their cleaning routine this spring, and ditch the time-consuming process of vacuuming and mopping, Tineco’s new FLOOR ONE S9 Artist Steam Plus offers an all-in-one cleaning solution with category-leading steam technology to fast-track the weekend clean.

The power of steam for cleaning has quickly become one of the must-have features of modern day wet and dry floor cleaners, particularly for Australians with allergies or sensitives. With allergic rhinitis now affecting 24% of Australians (up from just 15% in 2008) and 30% of people with asthma reporting their symptoms are worse after spending time inside their home, the need for hygienic, chemical-free cleaning methods are increasing in demand.

Tineco has led the steam cleaning revolution in Australia and around the world with its S9 Artist range raising the bar for hygienic floor cleaning at home. Compared to previous steam powered wet and dry floor cleaners, Tineco has upgraded its HyperSteam boiler technology in the S9 Artist range to deliver 230°C super-heated steam, reaching the floor surface at no less than 110°C, to easily and effectively tackle stubborn, baked-on stains and everyday grime without the need for harsh chemicals. As more Australians seek out ‘healthy tech’ for their cleaning needs, Tineco’s S9 Artist Steam range has risen to become a trusted consumer choice for deep cleaning performance, while offering natural disinfection thanks to the innovative steam cleaning technology introduced by Tineco.

Combined with Tineco’s innovative ReverseScrub Technology for targeted spot-cleaning power, the S9 Artist Steam Plus ensures effective cleaning of hard floors, without bending, or manual scrubbing required.

Runtime is another standout feature, with up to 110 minutes of cleaning in Quiet mode enough to achieve a whole house clean on a single charge. Auto, Max, Steam and Suction modes are tuned for faster, more intensive cleans.

For households mindful of noise, the S9 Artist Steam Plus integrates SilentDry self-clean mode as part of its FlashDry Self Cleaning process which runs at 40dB(A) or below, ensuring that sleeping children or other members of the household aren’t disturbed.

True to Tineco’s premium Artist Series aesthetic style, the S9 Artist Steam Plus also boasts a sleek, stylish design inspired by the Aurora Borealis, blending sky tones with vibrant aurora hues.

“The FLOOR ONE S9 Artist Steam Plus is about bringing our steam revolution to more Australian homes,” said from Tineco. “With 230°C HyperSteam, ReverseScrub Technology and up to 110 minutes of runtime, our R&D team have gone above and beyond to craft the new FLOOR ONE S9 Artist Steam Plus to suit the cleaning needs of modern households. This new model offers innovative features for a chemical-free, deep clean that fits around their lifestyle – whether that may be a quick clean before guests arrive or a quiet clean once the kids are in bed.”

FLOOR ONE S9 Artist Steam Plus – Key Features at a Glance:

  • 230°C HyperSteam: High-temp steam provides a natural disinfectant, cutting through grease and killing germs without a single drop of added chemicals, which matters for households with kids, pets or anyone wanting to avoid harsh cleaning agents on floors.
  • ReverseScrub Technology: A new targeted spot cleaning feature that activates a 14-second reverse brush rotation delivers concentrated scrubbing power.
  • Up to 110 minutes of runtime in Quiet mode offers whole house cleaning on a single charge.
  • SilentDry self-clean mode at 40dB(A) or below – clean without waking the household.
  • SmoothDrive Technology: 360° all-directional propulsion, smoothly pushing forward, pulling back or pivoting around tight corners.
  • Upgraded Pouch Cells: Triples the lifespan, with enhanced safety and stable, reliable power for uninterrupted cleaning.
  • iLoop Smart Sensor: Automatically detects dirt and adjusts water and power use.
  • Triple-Sided Edge Cleaning: Cleans along baseboards and into corners, leaving no edges uncleaned.
  • DualBlock Anti-Tangle Design: Picks up hair and pet fur without clogging the brush roller, for fuss-free maintenance.
  • MHCBS (Maintain Hygiene Clean Brush System) Technology continuously cleans the brush roller with fresh water while removing dirty water at high speed, helping prevent streaks and deliver a more hygienic, residue-free clean. This makes a significant difference in the effectiveness of the floor clean, with only clean water used at all times of the cleaning process.
  • Five Cleaning Modes: Auto, Max, Steam, Suction and Quiet modes let users match cleaning power to the job, with 25kPa max suction power and a brushless 285W motor.
  • FlashDry Self-Cleaning with SilentDry Self-Clean Mode: Self-cleans the brush roller at 40dB(A) or below, so cleaning can fit around the household’s schedule.
  • SmoothDrive Technology: Omni-directional smart drive wheels simulate an automotive differential, matching left and right wheel speeds for smoother turns and reduced effort.
  • LCD Display & Dark Grey Finish: A clear LCD display and sleek dark grey finish designed to suit modern Australian homes.

Tineco has been recognised by Euromonitor International as the World’s No. 1 household wet & dry vacuum cleaner brand for four consecutive years*, and holds the title of #1 wet & dry floor cleaner brand on Amazon in Australia, the United States, Canada, France, Italy and Japan for three years running. Tineco products are trusted by more than 24 million households worldwide, with the brand’s range available in approximately 30 countries and regions, including Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe and across Asia. Tineco ranks in the Top 50 companies worldwide for the iF Design Ranking 2022–2026, with 19 iF Design award-winning projects, and its wet & dry floor cleaner range has been recognised at Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Cleaning Awards, IFA 2025 and CES 2026.

Pricing and Availability

The FLOOR ONE S9 Artist Steam Plus is exclusively available via Amazon Australia. This model is available in Dark Grey and has an RRP of $1,499.

ABOUT TINECO

Tineco was founded in 1998 with its first SKU as a vacuum cleaner and, in 2019, pioneered the first-ever smart vacuum. Today, the brand has innovated into a global leader offering intelligent appliances across home categories, including floor care, kitchen, and personal care. Tineco is dedicated to its brand vision of making life easier through smart technologies and consistently innovating new devices. For more information, visit https://au.tineco.com/

*Source: Euromonitor International (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.; measured in terms of the brand’s global retail sales volume (in units) of household wet & dry vacuum cleaners in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Household wet & dry vacuum cleaners are defined as household cleaners that dispense clean water (or cleaning solution) to wash hard floors and vacuum the dirty water and debris thereafter. Based on research completed in March 2026.

Sources:

https://completehealthaustralia.com.au/hay-fever-in-australia-understanding-and-managing-the-springtime-surge/
https://asthma.org.au/about-us/advocacy/housing/
https://asthma.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AA2022_Housing-Survey-Report_full_v4.pdf

[i]https://mouthsofmums.com.au/most-hated-household-chore-australia/

Laos Flags Millions in Misused Funds Across Public Projects

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A picture of tate Inspection Authority President Vansay Phongsavanh presented the findings to the National Assembly with BRT as a background.

The State Inspection Authority has flagged USD 1.976 million in diverted funds and spending on unused assets in Vientiane’s USD 99.7 million Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

On 8 October, State Inspection Authority President Vansay Phongsavanh presented the findings to the National Assembly, as part of a national review of public projects covering the first nine months of 2026.

The questioned spending involves two main issues. The project diverted USD 1.52 million to upgrade nine roads outside its approved scope, including one unapproved road project costing USD 584,508. It also spent USD 456,000 to buy 150 electric three-wheeled vehicles.

According to Vansay, each vehicle cost USD 3,040 and was intended to support the transit system. However, all 150 remain unused because project organizers failed to build or designate parking spaces for them.

The inspection also found broader problems with the project’s administration. Of 33 contracts worth USD 58.71 million signed between 2018 and 2025, none included a Lao-language version.

Auditors also found repeated contract extensions without corresponding progress. In some cases, BRT stations were built and later demolished because their designs had not received official approval.

Authorities have yet to disclose the full financial impact, as inspections of the project remain ongoing.

Road Funds Misuse

The inspection also uncovered problems with road funding in Vientiane Capital and Xaysomboun Province.

Auditors found that the government used budget allocations from 2024 and 2025 to repay debts from projects dating back to 2017.

Of the 178 projects reviewed, 44 had been signed for amounts exceeding the limits approved by the National Assembly. In seven cases, contractors carried out new construction over existing projects that were still within their warranty periods.

Auditors found similar financial discrepancies in state investment projects in Vientiane Capital.

Inspectors reviewed 58 projects and found mismatches between payments recorded by the Vientiane Finance Department and those reported by private companies in 30 cases. The total unaccounted difference amounted to LAK 706.47 billion (USD 31.4 million).

Many projects dating back to 2015 had also bypassed standard procedures. Auditors found that they proceeded without bidding, project proposals, or the required 10 percent guarantee deposits.

EDL Debt and Illegal Mining

The audit also flagged problems with project funds linked to Electricite du Laos (EDL).

Investigators found that USD 41.47 million in project funding remains with a third-party company. The company reportedly received the money from a lender but never transferred it to EDL.

Vansay also told lawmakers that illegal mining and logging remain widespread in several provinces. He attributed the continued extraction of natural resources to weak law enforcement and a lack of leadership among local and senior officials.

Nationwide Corruption Crackdown

Beyond public projects, Vansay reported that authorities were investigating 10 major corruption cases involving 58 people across Laos.

The findings follow a series of provincial investigations into financial misconduct. Recent probes have uncovered financial irregularities in Attapeu Province, prosecutions of 37 people in Champasak over five years, and millions of dollars in losses linked to official violations in Houaphanh.

Authorities estimate that state losses identified in the latest investigations total USD 313 million over nine months. They plan to introduce digital databases to track state assets, but officials acknowledge that substantial amounts of misappropriated public funds remain unrecovered.

APAC Medical Cost Growth Projected to Slow to 9.7% in 2027, Aon Report

By
Advertorial Desk
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  • Medical cost growth is projected to slow for a second consecutive year, but continue to significantly outpace general inflation
  • Cardiovascular disease, ENT/lung disorder and cancer remain the leading drivers of medical claims
  • Material opportunities to beat average trend for organisations applying design, operational and technological innovation

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released its 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report, which projects that medical costs in Asia Pacific will increase by 9.7% in 2027, compared with 11.3% in 2026.

The projected medical trend rate remains substantially above the forecast for APAC general inflation rate of 2.5%. After accounting for inflation, the net medical trend rate is expected to decline from 8.9% in 2026 to 7.2% in 2027. Globally, the medical trend rate for 2027 is projected to decrease from 9.8% in 2026 to 9.0% in 2027.

“While medical trend growth is slowing, it remains more than three times the rate of inflation,” said Tim Dwyer, Head, Human Capital, Asia Pacific, Aon. “Employers need to manage rising costs while protecting the value of employee benefits. To outperform average medical trend rates, organisations should use workforce and claims data to evaluate plan design, provider networks and financing strategies that can help improve long-term outcomes.”

Medical Cost Trends Vary Across APAC Markets

The outlook varies considerably across markets. The decline in the regional trend rate is driven largely by China and India, which are projected to see medical trend rates decrease by 1.8 and 1.4 percentage points, respectively. Medical trend rates are also expected to moderate in Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, although five of those markets are still projected to record double-digit trend rates in 2027.

These declines are partly offset by higher projected trend rates in Singapore and Taiwan, while Hong Kong is expected to remain flat at 9%. Across the region, ageing populations and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions continue to influence healthcare utilisation and costs.

“The moderation in the region’s medical costs should not be interpreted as uniform relief for employers,” said Alan Oates, Head, Global Benefits, Asia Pacific, Aon. “Medical trend varies significantly across markets, reflecting different healthcare systems, supply and demand factors, demographic and disease patterns. Employers must analyse their own workforce insights alongside locally relevant data and market benchmarks to make informed decisions about benefits, design and where to invest. Insurers are investing at different rates in new technologies to understand and manage utilisation and employers should ensure they compare the fast-developing capability to deliver value.”

2026 2027
Annual General Inflation Rate (%) Annual Medical Trend Rates (%) Annual General Inflation Rate (%) Annual Medical Trend Rates (%)
Gross Net Gross Net
AsiaPacific 2.4 11.3 8.9 2.5 9.7 7.2
Australia 3.5 5.2 1.7 3.2 4.9 1.7
Bangladesh 5.2 10 4.8 6 10 4
China 0.6 7.8 7.2 1.5 6 4.5
Hong Kong 2.2 9 6.8 1.8 9 7.2
India 4.1 11.5 7.4 4 10.1 6.1
Indonesia 2.5 16.9 14.4 2.6 17.3 14.7
Japan 1.7 2.7 1 2.3 3.1 0.8
Kazakhstan 9.4 29 19.6 10.1 32 21.9
Malaysia 2.2 16 13.8 2 14.7 12.7
Mongolia 9.1 n/a n/a 7.2 10 2.8
New Zealand 2 18 16 2.3 14 11.7
Pakistan 7.7 23.5 15.8 8.4 24.4 16
Papua New Guinea 4.6 15 10.4 4.4 5 0.6
Philippines 2.9 14 11.1 3.2 11 7.8
Singapore 1.5 13 11.5 1.9 14.7 12.8
South Korea 1.8 11.5 9.7 1.9 10.5 8.6
Sri Lanka n/a 6.5 n/a n/a 14.3 n/a
Taiwan 1.6 8 6.4 1.6 10 8.4
Thailand 0.9 14.8 13.9 1 11.7 10.7
Vietnam 2.5 12.2 9.7 4.6 9.9 5.3

* Projections as of October 12, 2026

Chronic Conditions Continue to Drive Claims

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading condition driving medical claims in the region, followed by ENT/lung and respiratory diseases, and cancer or tumor growth. Hospitalisation, clinics and laboratories remain the most costly elements of medical plan costs, while prescription medication has moved into third place compared to last year. Gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and back conditions are also becoming more prevalent in the region.

In APAC, the principal risk factors contributing to future claims are high blood pressure, physical inactivity and poor nutrition, while high cholesterol and blood glucose are also increasing in prevalence.

Wellness initiatives remain the most widely expected approach to managing rising medical plan costs in the region, retaining the top rank for the third consecutive year with 95% of employers expected to use this approach. Plan design changes ranked second at 70%, followed by cost containment and financing strategies at 65%. Fifty five percent of employers are expected to undertake access and delivery restrictions and flexible benefit plans to curb medical cost escalation and promote a healthy workforce. While both increased slightly over the past year, the prevalence of flexible benefit plans has risen by 10 percentage points over the past two years, indicating the emphasis that employers are placing on flexible benefits on managing overall costs.

About the 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report

The 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report is based on insights from over 100 Aon offices that broker, administer or advise on employer-sponsored medical plans. The findings reflect the expectations of Aon professionals based on their interactions with clients and carriers across the region. Medical trend represents the anticipated annual percentage increase in the cost of treating patients and providing healthcare services. A lower trend rate means that healthcare costs are increasing more slowly, not that total costs are decreasing.

Hashtag: #Aon #MedicalTrendRates #APAC





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

About Aon

(NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on , , and . Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s and sign up for news alerts .

Disclaimer

The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

ATOMS, Led by Travis Kalanick, Secures $1.7B to Power the Future of Food Delivery with ProKitchens in Europe

By
Advertorial Desk
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The robotics and industrial automation group closes one of the largest funding rounds of 2026, which strengthens the infrastructure behind ProKitchens across France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and the Netherlands

PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Atoms, the robotics and industrial automation company founded by Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick, has raised $1.7 billion in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with participation from Uber, Bain Capital, Fifth Wall, and other institutional investors.

Revolutionising the Kitchen

The funding round also brings a16z co-founder Ben Horowitz onto the Atoms board, and positions the group to accelerate development across food, mining, and transport industries. For ProKitchens, this investment strengthens the resources behind the network of commercial kitchens in Marseille, Lille, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Lisbon, Warsaw, and Amsterdam. As part of the Atoms Food pillar, alongside CloudKitchens and hardware projects, ProKitchens stands to benefit directly from the growing focus across Atoms on reducing kitchen labour friction and improving operational efficiency for operators of every size.

Empowering Local Brands

For food entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and R&D teams across Europe, the support from Atoms brings a clear advantage. ProKitchens gives operators certified, ready-to-fit kitchen spaces with flexible contracts. This removes much of the capital burden traditionally associated with opening new locations.

Brands that want to test a single market or expand across borders gain infrastructure built around their needs from day one, with facilities across France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and the Netherlands. As Atoms channels new investment into hardware automation and physical workflow management, local F&B brands that use ProKitchens can improve in efficiency, reliability, and the pace at which they are able to scale.

Hashtag: #ATOMS #ProKitchens

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

About Atoms

Food incorporates CloudKitchens and related food-tech hardware projects designed to reduce labour friction in kitchens. Autonomous haulage and machine systems fall under Atoms Mining, after the acquisition of autonomous vehicle company Pronto. Heavy industries are served by Atoms Transport, which focuses on robotic wheelbases and autonomous movement technology.

About ProKitchens

provides flexible commercial kitchen spaces designed for food businesses of every size, from ambitious entrepreneurs to high-volume manufacturers and R&D teams. Operators can start with a single production unit or scale to a full cross-border footprint.

Japanese Bag Brand pionunnal Makes Its Overseas Debut at Takashimaya Singapore

By
Advertorial Desk
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Lightweight Nubi bags crafted in Japan, a Singapore-inspired new design and a limited gift with purchase arrive on Orchard Road from 13 to 31 October 2026.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – pionunnal, the Japanese bag brand known for turning traditional Korean Nubi quilting into elegant everyday accessories, will open its first overseas pop-up at Takashimaya Department Store from 13 to 31 October 2026. The event brings together signature styles and the debut of bonbon, a new two-way bag inspired by Singapore’s Chinese New Year tradition of exchanging mandarin oranges.

Japanese Bag Brand pionunnal Makes Its Overseas Debut at Takashimaya Singapore

With bags priced from S$106, the pop-up offers Singapore shoppers an opportunity to discover the brand in person: feel the soft quilting, compare sizes and colours, and find a bag for work, family outings or weekends away. Customers purchasing at the event will also receive a complimentary, non-retail mirror, while stocks last.

From a Japanese favourite to an everyday companion in Singapore
Nubi is a traditional quilted fabric long used in Korea for bedding and household textiles. Recognising its durability, ease of washing and lightweight comfort, pionunnal gave the fabric a new purpose as a bag. By combining this traditional textile with fine stitching by Japanese artisans and refined design, the brand created a new category of “Nubi bags” with a distinctive appeal beyond the conventional tote.

Following the brand’s launch, social media brought attention to a fresh style: lesson bags designed for adults. Traditionally associated with children carrying supplies to classes and activities, the lesson bag became a fashion accessory for adults through pionunnal’s high-quality materials and clean, simple designs, which complement everything from casual looks to more polished outfits.

The brand’s first department store pop-up at Isetan Shinjuku drew a strong response, with customers queuing outside the department store on opening day. Through subsequent pop-ups at major department stores across Japan and collaborations with brands and companies, pionunnal helped establish a new culture of enjoying a second bag as part of an outfit, becoming a driving force behind the second-bag trend and opening up a new fashion category.

A new bag with a Singapore connection
The event’s new release, bonbon (S$172), takes its inspiration from the mandarin oranges exchanged during Chinese New Year visits as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. It introduces an organza drawstring closure and velvet cord to pionunnal’s Nubi designs, giving the softly rounded bag a more decorative finish.

An adjustable, detachable strap allows bonbon to be carried as a shoulder bag or a compact mini bag. Measuring 280 mm wide, 120 mm deep and 150 mm high, it can carry mandarin oranges for festive visits, while also fitting into everyday outings and meals with friends. The Singapore event offers advance sales of bonbon, with a launch in Japan planned to follow.

Styles for different parts of the day
Alongside bonbon, visitors can explore MILK (S$106), a compact companion for essentials; PIANO (S$112), a clean-lined tote that accommodates B4 documents, magazines and a laptop; and GARDEN (S$235), a roomy, rounded bag with two handle lengths and two deep interior pockets.

MOANA (S$192) and MOANA mini (S$166) pair a clear PVC outer bag with a Nubi tote. Each can be used separately or together, offering three carrying arrangements for city outings, pool visits and holidays. For those drawn to a structured silhouette, LADY (S$252) combines a square silhouette, satin lining and a base insert.

The brand name means “a rainy day” in Korean and expresses the idea that rainy days can still be enjoyable. In Singapore, the pop-up gives that philosophy a new setting, with designs intended to accompany the many different moments of everyday life.

Event information
pionunnal
POP UP STORE from Tue 13 Oct to Sat 31 Oct 2026
Available at Ladies’ Accessories, Level 1 (near main entrance), Takashimaya Department Store

Customers purchasing at the pop-up will receive a complimentary mirror, while stocks last. Gifts cannot be reserved. For the product line-up and further information, visit the official website.

Hashtag: #pionunnal


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

About pionunnal

pionunnal is a Japanese bag brand founded in Kobe in 2019. Led by representative and Director Cha Kumson, it combines traditional Korean Nubi fabric with bags crafted in Japan. Its simple designs, versatile colours and practical approach to everyday carrying have attracted repeat customers, particularly among mothers in Japan.

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