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It’s SG59! Snag Deals on Singapore’s Finest on iShopChangi

Singapore turns 59! Party it up with unbeatable deals of up to 59% off, and revel in the best of homegrown brands with iShopChang! From exclusive offers and discounts on local brands to sitewide festive steals, it’s time to celebrate big and save big!


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2024 – From 1 to 31 August 2024, travellers and non-travellers can join in the celebration of Singapore’s 59th Birthday with exclusive offers and discounts on local brands spanning homegrown fashion, artisan fragrances, and mouthwatering Singaporean snacks on iShopChangi. Uncover hidden gems and indulge in the distinct flavours of Singapore through curated selections of electronics, beauty products, fashion, and travel exclusives. Also, elevate your gifting with personalised wrapping services and expedite your delights with On-Demand Delivery. But that’s not all! Snag a designer reusable grocery bag—created in collaboration with local designer Wheniwasfour—or free spirits in collaboration with Compendium Spirits. Plus, don’t miss the chance to win big with the Otter Treasure Hunt!

Snag Deals on Singapore’s Finest on iShopChangi!
Snag Deals on Singapore’s Finest on iShopChangi!

Celebrate Local Brands this August

Throughout August, immerse yourself in Singapore’s 59th National Day festivities and #GoLocal with fantastic savings of up to 59% off on local must-haves. From the artisanal scents of Singapore Memories to the innovative skincare solutions by Dr. Ora, Blé de Fonty, HEURE, ést.lab, and more, cart out exceptional finds from premium Singaporean brands.

Ready to shop till you drop? Grab these exclusive promo codes below

8.8 Flash Sale (Non-Travellers Only)
From 1 August – 11 August 2024
Code Description
NDP12 12% off* with no min. spend, capped at S$59
National Day Sale (Non-Travellers Only)
From 12 August – 31 August 2024
Code Description
NDP20 20% off* min. spend S$500, capped at S$180
National Day Sale (Travellers Only)
From 1 August – 31 August 2024
Code Description
SG12 12% off* min. spend S$150, capped at S$80

*T&Cs apply

Radiance-Enhancing Wellness Picks

Unlock the secrets to perpetual radiance and vigour with Dr. Ora’s Traveler Kit Bundle. Perfect for maintaining your radiance wherever your adventures take you, grab this glow-getting kit for just S$60.64 after a 20% discount, and get a free tumbler to keep your glow on the move.

Renowned for its award-winning, Science-backed liquid collagen drinks that blend effectiveness with refreshing flavours, get your hands on the [Bundle of 3] Kinohimitsu Collagen Diamond 10’s. At just S$93, thanks to a 44% discount, rejuvenate your skin’s youthful bounce with this premium elixir that packs a powerful punch with 5300mg of Collagen Peptide.

Fashion Finds for Sophisticated Styles

Known for crafting luxurious, timeless handbags with butter-soft leathers and exotic skins for modern women, make a statement with LING WU’s Roll 26 Corrugated Biscuit Clutch, now at a stylish price of S$428.

Embrace your inner fashionista by accessorising with the GNOME & BOW Dryna Crossbody Sling Handbag. Available for just S$349 after a chic 22% discount, add a touch of class while celebrating a local designer bag label inspired by storybook adventures.

Glow-on-the-Go Essentials

Firm, revitalise, and even out your skin tone for a luminous complexion with Blé de Fonty’s Firming & Moisturising Night Beauty Pearls. Lather yourself in this premium serum from a brand that has been delivering quality and innovation since the 1970s for just S$44.25, boasting a 25% discount.

For those who cherish unique fragrances, fill your home with the verdant lushness and spirit of the Garden City with Red Dot by Singapore Memories, offering an aromatic experience inspired by Singapore itself, available at a celebratory price of S$21.80.

Wind down your day with the Powder Shampoo’s Relaxing Night Body Foam Wash, priced at just S$28.80, marked down by 10%. Crafted with Butterfly Pea Flower, Lavender, and Chamomile, enjoy The Powder Shampoo’s 100% nature-derived formulation.

Local Flavours Galore

Amp up your munchies with the IRVINS Singapore-themed Classic Box, a tasty tribute to Singapore’s iconic skyline. For just S$19.90, dig into local faves like Salted Egg Fish Skin and Potato Chips, plus their spicy counterparts—Hot Boom Spicy Salted Egg Fish Skin and Potato Chips—that have taken the world by storm.

For a crunch that’s off the charts, grab Shermay’s Keropok Packet All In One Party Set. Dive into three sets of crackers, all for S$87.52, to have a taste of local flavours and recipes that have stood the test of time.

That’s not all! Celebrate National Day in style with iShopChangi’s exclusive gift-wrapping service*, featuring a selection of elegant gift boxes to add a sophisticated touch to your gifts. Plus, enjoy the convenience of rapid On-Demand Delivery—order by 6PM (Monday – Saturday) and receive your items within just 4 hours, ensuring your celebrations are as splendid and stress-free as possible.

*Visit iShopChangi’s website for more details.

Shop to Score Exclusive Rewards and Cool Gifts

This National Day is not only about snapping up exceptional deals on iShopChangi for both travellers and non-travellers! Shop your favourites and spend a minimum of S$300 to receive an exclusively designed reusable grocery bag by local artist Wheniwasfour.

Adding a dash of local flavour to your purchases, iShopChangi partners with Compendium Spirits to offer a delightful twist for non-travellers. With any spend on wines and spirits from 1 to 11 August, you can redeem a complimentary Ah Ma cocktail from one of their outlets (either at Jewel or Boat Quay). Redemption period lasts till 31 August.

Get Set for a National Day Adventure with the Otter Treasure Hunt!

But wait, there’s more!

From 5 to 8 August, join the quest to spot the correct number of hidden otters on the iShopChangi website and DM us at Instagram @iShopChangi. Sharpen your eyes—59 sharp spotters will earn S$59 in iShopChangi credits each.

Ready, set, search—may the best otter enthusiast win!

Level Up Your National Day Perks

There’s more for newcomers! For new iShopChangi shoppers, the rewards start immediately. Use the promo code <ISCNEW20> at checkout with a minimum spend of S$79 to enjoy an extra S$20 off your first purchase.

Worried about delivery? As a non-traveller, you can cart out at tax-absorbed prices on iShopChangi and have your items delivered to you for free when you spend at least S$59 and provide a Singapore residential address for delivery. Alternatively, pick up selected products from the Jewel Collection Centre.

Travelling around the world? Enjoy the ultimate convenience and flexibility by shopping up to 30 days in advance and as close as 12 hours before your flight. Collect your order at the various Departure and Arrival Collection Centres. Alternatively, have it conveniently delivered to a local residential address for free with a minimum spend of S$59; an S$8 delivery fee applies for orders below S$59.

Hashtag: #iShopChangi




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

iShopChangi

iShopChangi was launched in 2013 as an extension of Changi Airport’s promise to deliver greater comfort and convenience to travellers in its suite of airport retail offerings. Passengers can browse and purchase tax- and duty-free products across all terminals between 30 days to 12 hours pre-flight on the e-store – and choose to collect their items at Collection Centres within departure, upon arrival or have them delivered free in Singapore. Providing easy access to over 30,000 products across 900 brands and exclusives such as Changi First product launches, the site has since received global recognition with its award for Best Website – Retail Customer Facing at The Moodies: the Airport and Travel Retail Digital Media Awards 2018. In early 2020, the e-commerce store started to retail a selection tax- and duty-absorbed products to Singapore-based residents without the need to fly.

Singapore Fintech Deal Activity Rises Amid Declining Investments; Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and Payments Lead Funding


KPMG Pulse of Fintech – H1’24

  • Singapore’s fintech deal count rose by 19 percent to 117 deals in H1’24, but total deal volume fell 34 percent to US$522.89 million in H1’24 amid economic uncertainties.
  • Investment in cryptocurrency and blockchain in Singapore surged 22 percent to US$211.90 million across 72 deals.
  • Global payments accounted for the largest proportion of fintech investment in H1’24, attracting US$21.4 billion.
  • Global regtech saw US$5.3 billion in investment—exceeding 2023’s annual high mid-year.
  • The Americas attracted the lion’s share of fintech investment in H1’24, with US$36 billion.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2024 – The first half of 2024 demonstrated resilience and adaptability within Singapore’s fintech market, with significant growth in deal activity. Deal activity surged by 19 percent, reaching 117 deals across venture capital (VC), private equity (PE), and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) in H1’24, compared to H2’23 – according to the latest edition of KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech for H1’24. This period saw Singapore fintechs raising US$522.89 million, reflecting a 34 percent decrease from US$790.10 million across 98 deals in H2’23. On the global stage, fintech investment fell from US$62.3 billion across 2,287 deals in H2’23 to US$51.9 billion across 2,255 deals in H1’24.

The increased caution among investors, driven by high interest rates and economic uncertainties, has resulted in a tighter funding environment. Consequently, there is a noticeable shift towards smaller, early-stage investments rather than large-scale deals. In Singapore, this trend is evident with 52 early-stage deals, 32 seed rounds, 25 later-stage investments, and 5 M&A transactions recorded.

“The reality is that the overall global investment total for the first half of the year was buoyed by a handful of large deals, several of which were take privates aimed at avoiding significant or further valuation loss,” said Anton Ruddenklau, Global Head of Fintech and Innovation, Financial Services, KPMG International. “Meanwhile, the volume of early-stage deals globally has been thriving both because of the interest in new technologies, such as AI applications, and newer business models to meet the changing nature of the financial services sector. The rise of “platforms” continues to gain momentum as decentralisation, data aggregation and ecosystem connectivity becomes mainstream.”

Cryptocurrency & Blockchain, Payments and AI Segments Dominate Deal Activity

Reflecting a cautious investment approach, blockchain and digital assets have seen increased regulatory scrutiny. The cryptocurrency and blockchain segments of Singapore’s fintech market recorded US$211.90 million across 72 deals in H1’24, a 22 percent uptick from the US$166.30 million over 38 deals recorded in H2’23. Singapore has been focused on developing and enhancing robust risk management frameworks for digital asset tokenisation, recently announcing an initiative to scale asset tokenisation within financial services.

Globally, crypto and blockchain stabilised at US$3.2 billion, despite previous declines. While deal sizes were relatively small, deal volume remained good, with 677 deals completed during H1’24 — well on pace to exceed the number of deals seen last year by a solid margin.

The payments segment in Singapore secured the second-highest investment attracting US$80.20 million across 10 deals in H1’24, though this marked a 78 percent decline from US$142.65 million across 14 deals in H2’23. Notably, the largest payments deal in the ASPAC region involved a US$50 million venture capital raise by Singapore-based B2B payments platform Nium. Singapore’s payments activity includes dynamic payment architectures and cross-border payment solutions and embedded payments solutions On a global scale, the payments segment led fintech investment in H1 2024, drawing US$21.4 billion.

AI funding saw stabilisation following its surge in H2’23, with investments falling to US$65.62 million across 10 deals in H1’24, down from US$333.13 million over 14 deals. The AI segment, characterised by complex technologies that necessitate substantial upfront investment and longer return timelines, has faced increased regulatory scrutiny. This scrutiny has slowed the deal-making process as companies and investors adapt to new compliance requirements and economic uncertainties.

H1 2024 H2 2023 H1 2023
Deal size
US$ (million)
No of deals Deal size
US$ (million)
No of deals Deal size
US$ (million)
No of deals
Reg Tech $2.2 2 $12.80 3 $1.3 2
Insur Tech $35 2 $284.10 4 $4.1 1
WealthTech $35 2
Proptech $0.50 2 $0.2 1
Cybersecurity $3 2 1 $0.1 1
Payments $80.20 10 $142.65 14 $43.49 10
Crypto $211.90 72 $166.30 38 $460.50 50
AI & ML deals $65.62 10 $333.13 14 $148.08 10

Figure 1: Singapore’s fintech segment deal values and volume for H1 2024 to H1 2023

Optimism for 2025 Amid Fluctuating Fintech Investments

Over the past five years, the fintech sector in Singapore has experienced notable fluctuations. The period before the pandemic saw slowing deal-making, followed by a post-pandemic surge, peaking at US$3.27 billion in H1’22. However, recent economic headwinds have tempered this momentum, leading to smaller deal sizes and slower large-scale funding. Despite this, there is optimism for 2025, with expectations of a backlog of fintech deals potentially rejuvenating the investment landscape.

Global fintech mega-deals shrink while regional activity shows optimism

Globally, only five US$1 billion+ fintech deals occurred in H1’24, including the buyouts of US-based Worldpay for US$12.5 billion, Canada-based Nuvei for US$6.3 billion, US-based EngageSmart for US$4 billion, UK-based IRIS Software Group for US$4 billion, and Canada-based Plusgrade for US$1 billion. The largest VC deal was a US$999 million raise by UK-based Abound.

Despite the decline in total investment, regional deal volume showed promise. While deal volume globally dipped slightly, the decline was driven entirely by a decline in deal volume in EMEA—from 804 in H2’23 to 689 in H1’24. Comparatively, the Americas saw deal volume rise from 1,066 to 1,123, while ASPAC saw it rise from 406 to 438 in ASPAC, suggesting underlying resilience.

“The high cost of capital and geopolitical uncertainty linked to conflict and elections, have put a significant damper on all global investments so far this year, and the fintech market isn’t immune to that,” said Karim Haji, Global Head of Financial Services, KPMG International. “Investors are acting cautiously, not only when it comes to large transactions, particularly on the M&A front, given concerns about valuations and the profitability of potential targets, investors are focussed on improving the companies they already own rather than buying new.”

Global Key Highlights

  • Total global investment in fintech fell from US$62.3 billion across 2,287 deals in H2’23 to US$51.9 billion across 2,255 deals in H1’24.
  • In the Americas, total investment fell from US$38.5 billion to US$36.7 billion between H2’23 and H1’24—including from US$35 billion to US$27.4 billion in the US— while in EMEA it fell from US$19.1 billion to US$11.4 billion, and in ASPAC it dropped from US$4.6 billion to US$3.7 billion.
  • Fintech deal volume in the Americas rose from 1,066 to 1,123 deals between H2’23 and H1’24—including from 866 to 916 deal in the US—while it rose from 406 to 438 deals in ASPAC; deal volume dropped in the EMEA region from 804 to 689 deals.
  • Global M&A deal value was US$32.6 billion across 264 deals globally in H1’24. The Americas attracted US$26.8 billion across 130 deals, EMEA attracted US$5.5 billion across 102 deals, and ASPAC attracted US$310 million across 31 deals.
  • Global VC investment was US$18.3 billion in H1’24, of which the Americas saw US$9.3 billion—including US$7.6 billion in the US—EMEA saw US$5.4 billion, and ASPAC saw US$3.4 billion.
  • Global PE investment was just US$979.5 million in H1’24. The US accounted for all US$568.9 million in PE investment in the Americas, while EMEA saw US$402.8 million, and ASPAC saw just US$7.8 million.
  • Corporate CVC investment accounted for US$8.5 billion in VC investment in H1’24, including US$4.4 billion in the Americas (US$3.6 in the US), US$2.23 billion in the EMEA region, and US$1.7 billion in ASPAC.
  • Payments accounted for the largest proportion of fintech investment in H1’24, attracting US$21.4 billion.
  • Regtech investment reached US$5.3 billion at mid-year—already well ahead the US$3.4 billion seen during all of 2023.

1. Interest in AI heating up in fintech space
AI was quite hot in the eyes of fintech investors in H1’24, particularly in the Americas. The US in particular saw four large AI-focused deals; cyber insurance company Corvus was acquired by Travellers for US$427 million, compensation-focused platform Spiff was acquired by Salesforce for US$419 million, corporate management company Ramp raised a US$150 million VC round, and investment management platform FundGuard raised a US$100 million VC funding round. China-based AI-powered sustainability data company MioTech also raised a US$150 million VC round in H1’24.

2. After a slow 2023, investment in payments and regtech rebound
After a very quiet year of investment in 2023, both the payments sector and the regtech sector saw VC investment rebound quite solidly in H1’24. The payments space attracted US$21.4 billion in investment during H1’24, compared to the US$22.7 billion seen during all of 2023, while regtech attracted US$5.3 billion in investment, compared to just US$3.4 billion during all of 2023. Meanwhile, insurtech investment dried up significantly in H1’24—attracting US$1.6 billion in investment—less than one-quarter of the US$8.2 billion seen in 2023.

3. Americas sees small drop in fintech investment; number of deals rises
Fintech investment in the Americas was US$36.7 billion in H1’24—down slightly compared to the US$38.5 billion in H2’25. The US accounted for US$27.4 billion of this investment, including the US$12.5 billion acquisition of Worldpay by GTCR, the US$4 billion buyout of B2B customer engagement platform EngageSmart by Vista Equity Partners, the US$930 million acquisition of financial research firm Tegas by AlphaSense, and the US$685 million VC raise by capital markets platform company Clear Street.

Fintech investment in Canada reached a record high of US$7.8 billion for a six-month period in H1’24, driven by the US$6.3 billion acquisition of payments firm Nuvei by Advent International and the US$1 billion buyout of revenue solutions firm Plusgrade by General Atlantic. Meanwhile Brazil had a quiet quarter of fintech investment, attracting just US$616 billion in H1’24 compared to US$1.8 billion in H2’23.

4. ASPAC region sees slowest quarter of investment since Q3’17
Fintech investment in the ASPAC region fell from US$4.6 billion in H2’23 to $3.7 billion in H1’24. Much smaller deal sizes accounted for the decline, with a US$280 million VC raise by China-based capital markets solutions firm Yi’an Enterprise accounting for the largest deal of the quarter, followed by a US$209 million VC raise by India-based personal loan platform KreditBee, a US$195 million VC raise by Thailand-based digital financial solutions firm Ascend, and US$150 million VC raises by China-based ESG financial solutions firm MioTech and Australia-based performance management firm Camms.

5. EMEA region sees 40 percent drop in fintech funding
Fintech funding in the EMEA region fell 40 percent, from US$19 billion in H2’23 to just US$11.4 billion in H1’24. Continued geopolitical uncertainty, including elections in the EU, UK, and France, combined with the high interest rate environment kept investment quite subdued. The UK accounted for the largest share of fintech investment in the EMEA region (US$7.3 billion), including the US$4 billion buyout of financial software company IRIS Software Group by Leonard Green, the US$999 million VC raise by SMB marketplace platform Abound, and a US$621 million raise by neobank Monzo. Outside of the UK, the largest deals included the buyout of Italy-based payments firm Banco BPM Gruppo for US$652 million and the acquisition of Switzerland based e-invoicing company Pagero by Thomson Reuters.

6. Early-stage deals provide most optimism heading into H2’24
Fintech investment is expected to remain subdued in H2’24 given the high interest rate environment and resulting high cost of capital, in addition to the approach of the US presidential election. AI will likely be the hottest area of investment as startups work to tailor AI solutions specifically to the financial services sector. There is some optimism that deal volume will continue to increase, but average deal sizes will likely remain small compared to historical norms.

Hashtag: #KPMG

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

About KPMG International

KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 143 countries and territories with more than 273,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients. For more detail about our structure, please visit kpmg.com/governance.

Childpreneur Academy and Babington Education Announce Strategic Partnership to Expand Financial Literacy Education in the Greater Bay Area


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2024 – Childpreneur Academy (Know Yourself Childpreneur Academy Limited) and Babington Education (Babington Education Organisation Limited) today announced a strategic partnership to jointly expand their financial literacy education and training business in the Greater Bay Area.

(Left) William Tse W.L., Corporate Consultant, Childpreneur Academy, (Middle) Sophia Man, Founder, Childpreneur Academy, (Right) Clifford Wan, Founder, Babington Education
(Left) William Tse W.L., Corporate Consultant, Childpreneur Academy, (Middle) Sophia Man, Founder, Childpreneur Academy, (Right) Clifford Wan, Founder, Babington Education

Childpreneur Academy, the Hong Kong-based financial education institute officially authorized by BCBS Brian Children’s Business School of Taiwan, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Babington Education, a leading English education provider. The two organizations will leverage their combined resources to drive the widespread adoption of financial literacy education.

“We believe that the ‘learn through play’ approach can help students master practical skills and build lasting memories,” said Sophia Man, Founder of Childpreneur Academy. “Our iMONEY financial literacy curriculum, recognized by Taiwan authorities and financial institutions, has trained over 100,000 students in the past decade.”

Childpreneur Academy’s award-winning financial literacy board game system will be integrated into Babington Education’s course offerings. This collaboration aims to instill the right financial values in children from an early age, establishing a solid foundation before they are exposed to investment tools.

“We are excited to work with Childpreneur Academy to bring their proven financial literacy education model to the Greater Bay Area,” said Clifford Wan, Founder of Babington Education. “By combining our resources and expertise, we are confident in our ability to make financial education accessible to a wider audience.”

The strategic partnership between Childpreneur Academy and Babington Education marks a significant step forward in promoting financial literacy among children and young adults in the region. Through engaging game-based learning and coaching-style guidance, the joint initiative will empower individuals of all ages to develop sound financial habits and decision-making skills.

Hashtag: #ChildpreneurAcademy #BabingtonEducation



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

APAC Businesses Face Rising Tide of Sophisticated Fraud Amidst Calls for Greater Cross-Sector Collaboration

GBG’s Global Fraud Report surveyed over 500 fraud prevention professionals in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to reveal how they are fighting fraud

  • 97% of APAC respondents are worried about the trend towards more organised and widespread fraud, with 77% seeing a significant increase in fraud sophistication in the last 12 months.
  • An increase in various fraud types across the industries surveyed, especially impersonation of digital presence (41%), account takeovers (40%), bonus or promotion abuse (39%) and money-laundering and money mules (39%).


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 August 2024 – New research from GBG, the leading expert in global identity and location, has revealed almost all APAC businesses are worried about the more organised and widespread fraud. The findings are part of GBG’s new Global Fraud Report 2024, surveying businesses in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines in banking, eCommerce, financial services, FinTech, gaming, insurance, lending and telecommunications to gauge levels and types of fraud, how this is impacting businesses and how they are responding.

APAC fraud landscape

Against the backdrop of the increasingly sophisticated and organised fraud landscape, 70% of fraud prevention professionals have experienced an uptick in fraud attempts compared to the previous year, significantly more than EMEA (55%) and the United States (US) (48%). This is coupled by the prevalence of opportunistic and convenient fraud as a pertinent threat for almost two thirds (63%) of the respondents surveyed.

In terms of the financial risks, 11% shared that the average transactional value of attempted fraud attacks at their organisation is between US$35,000 to US$50,000.

What are the most concerning fraud vectors?

Fraud prevention professionals in the region recognise the evolution of GenAI as the most significant trend in identification verification and financial fraud in the next three to five years, with 35% in APAC that believe it is the most threatening, compared to 27% in EMEA and the US respectively.

This growing concern is due to a myriad of reasons. 27% perceived GenAI as a tool to create more convincing synthetic identities, with 26% believing that GenAI will increase the accuracy of fake ID documents and possess a strong influence on phishing and smishing.

Are businesses well prepared to fend off fraud?

Despite the emergence of new technologies including AI in enabling fraudsters to evolve their tactics, almost a fifth (19%) of fraud prevention professionals are not equipped with the right technologies to fight the advanced criminal networks that combine cybercrime, fraud, identity theft and money-laundering to execute end-to-end fraud.

This is exacerbated by the absence of risk signals at the top of their businesses’ funnel. 28% find understanding the latest fraud trends as their biggest challenge, and 27% indicated that identifying and stopping fraud at the point of customer onboarding is one of the biggest challenges, especially when balancing this need with a frictionless customer journey process.

Expectations versus reality of cross-border collaboration

Most fraud prevention professionals acknowledge cross-sector identity intelligence sharing and collaboration can be a strategic differentiator in beating fraud, with New Zealand (97%) and the Philippines (88%) leading the way. In fact, 81% of respondents are currently part of an identity intelligence consortium, which connect transactions taking place around the world and share international consumer intelligence between businesses, across sectors and national borders.

However, despite having such a strong desire, less than half are taking active steps to collectively combat fraud by participating in industry forums and knowledge exchange (47%), investing in tech solutions facilitating secure data exchange (46%), and partnering with law enforcement agencies for information sharing (46%).

Today, 83% of respondents surveyed believe organisations are too worried about maintaining a competitive advantage to participate in collaboration to combat fraud. On top of this, almost 4 in 5 (79%) believe global governments are not doing enough to support cross-sector collaboration.

Burnout is common for those fighting fraud

All respondents (100%) said they were losing sleep over the risks that fraud poses to their organisations, with verification of identity (46%) and insufficient resources (44%) identified as the top challenges that keep them up at night.

The heavy burden has also resulted in poorer mental well-being of fraud prevention professionals, with almost three quarters (70%) being victims of fraud themselves.

On the report, Carol Chris, General Manager, APAC at GBG, elaborated: “Our latest research paints a concerning picture of the fraud landscape in APAC. Businesses are not only facing a surge in fraud attempts, but these attacks are becoming more organised and complex due to technologies like Generative AI.”

“It is imperative that collaboration across industries comes to the fore to combat fraud, but we must first address the existing pain points. We urge businesses to move past competition and work together to out manoeuvre fraudsters. This will not only protect organisations but also offer critical support to the fraud prevention professionals on the frontline,” she added.

For more findings, and to download the full Global Fraud Report, please visit: https://hubs.ly/Q02HVSYq0

About the research

The research was conducted via online survey by Censuswide. Censuswide surveyed 520 CXOs, VPs, directors and managers in risk/fraud, operations and compliance roles between May 16 and 24 2024 in the following:

  • Sectors: Financial services (including superannuation), insurance, fintech (including payments and remittances), banking, lending, telecoms, eCommerce, gaming and wagering
  • Company Sizes (revenue): <£50m / £50m – £100m / £100M – £500m / £500m – £1bn / >£1bn
  • Countries: Australia (213), New Zealand (100), Malaysia (52), Indonesia (52), Thailand (52), Philippines (51)

Hashtag: #GBG #FraudDetection #IdentityVerification


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

GBG Plc

GBG is the leading expert in global identity and location. In an increasingly digital world, GBG helps businesses grow by giving them intelligence to make the best decisions about their customers, when it matters most.

Every second, our global data, agile technology, and expert teams, power over 20,000 of the world’s best-known organisations to reach and trust their customers.

Learn more at and follow us on and .

Fujian Delegation Visits Saudi Arabia for Economic and Trade Exchanges

FUZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2024 – From August 1 to 3, the Delegation of Fujian visited Saudi Arabia.

The Delegation of Fujian had in-depth exchanges with officials from the Saudi Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Media, and other relevant departments, and introduced the economic and social development of Fujian.

Zhou Zuyi, Secretary of Fujian Provincial Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of Fujian Provincial People’s Congress expressed that Fujian is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. Taking the high-quality joint construction of BRI as an opportunity, Fujian will deeply align with Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” and carry out cooperation to achieve common development. Standing at a new starting point, it is necessary to further expand the scale of investment and trade cooperation, jointly guide and encourage enterprises from both sides to step up market development efforts, and carry out cooperation in industrial investment, infrastructure, high-tech, cross-border e-commerce, and other areas. Efforts will be made to further deepen the cooperation throughout the entire petrochemical industry chain, and promote the acceleration of the landing and construction of existing cooperation projects. We will further expand cooperation in new energy, digital economy, and other areas, to leverage the industrial advantages of both sides, and jointly cultivate new quality productive forces.

During this visit to Saudi Arabia, the Delegation of Fujian successively met and exchanged with the main persons in charge of companies such as the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), the Saudi International Electricity and Water Company, and the Saudi National Petroleum Company (Saudi Aramco), to further advance cooperation between the two sides and witness the signing of related projects. The heads of the enterprises expressed that they will always regard Fujian as an important strategic cooperation area, by increasing investment, expanding project layout, and promoting tangible results in various fields of cooperation.

Fujian is regarded as the eastern starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and the core area of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. Saudi Arabia is one of the earliest countries to actively participate in the “Belt and Road” Initiative(BRI). Although the two places are thousands of miles apart, the Silk Road has closely connected and brought them together.

Hashtag: #TheDelegationofFujian

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

Hong Kong wraps up fruitful ASEAN visit


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2024 – A high-level Hong Kong delegation, led by Chief Executive John Lee, has wrapped up a fruitful six-day visit to three Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, namely Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam (28 July – August 2, 2024).

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Mr John Lee (left) meets with the Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Mr Nguyen Ho Hai (right).
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Mr John Lee (left) meets with the Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Mr Nguyen Ho Hai (right).

Adopting the theme of “Super-connecting New Pathways to Success”, Mr Lee said the visit had achieved its goals, including strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing government-to-government and business-to-business co-operation across various sectors.

A total of 55 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed during the three-nation visit. They covered sectors ranging from economic co-operation, investment promotion, aviation services, information and technology, financial services and capital market development to trade, logistics co-operation, customs collaboration and education exchange.

Mr Lee also highlighted five key results from the trip, including strengthening government-to-government relations and communications; reaching consensus on areas of development and co-operation; laying a solid foundation for future collaboration between Hong Kong and ASEAN; enhancing a shared strong will to contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative; and confirming the three countries’ support for Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

“We are very happy that the visit has reaped all these good results,” Mr Lee said. “But what is even more important is the goodwill that we have built, and the friendship that we have created and strengthened.”

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which was the last stop of the visit, 22 MOUs were exchanged to promote co-operation between various institutions and enterprises.

Mr Lee also visited a garment manufacturer, which has its headquarters in Hong Kong, to learn more about the company’s business development experience in Vietnam.

Mr Lee (first right) visits a garment manufacturer in Vietnam headquartered in Hong Kong.
Mr Lee (first right) visits a garment manufacturer in Vietnam headquartered in Hong Kong.

Speaking at a business luncheon in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong had relaxed entrance visa requirements for Vietnam nationals wanting to visit Hong Kong. He also said that the MOUs would further boost tourism and education ties between Hong Kong and Vietnam.

Mr Lee speaks at a business luncheon in Vietnam co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Mr Lee speaks at a business luncheon in Vietnam co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

“Two of our leading universities, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, are, respectively, signing MOUs with three universities and a leading secondary school in Ho Chi Minh City. The agreements will present scholarship opportunities in undergraduate and graduate programmes, and promote educational collaboration.” Mr Lee said.

HKU’s business school emphasised the advantages of pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Hong Kong.

Dr Tuan Quang Phan (Director of the Representative Office of HKU in Vietnam and Associate Professor, HKU Business School) said, “Vietnamese business leaders are eager to learn more about doing business with their largest trading partner. Executives and students alike have shown keen interest in learning more about business opportunities in Hong Kong and Greater China.

“Consistently recognised as the most international university worldwide, HKU serves as a vital bridge between Hong Kong, Mainland China, Asia, and the global community. Notably, our MBA programme is also ranked as the top one-year MBA programme globally,” Dr Tuan said, adding that Hong Kong boasts a rich history of academic excellence, anchored by numerous research institutions and top-ranked universities.

“As a global financial hub and a key part of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong is ideally positioned to attract top talent in AI, technology, healthcare, and digital business,” Dr Tuan said. “The GBA, with its dynamic ecosystem, is emerging as a leader in global technology and healthcare sectors. Studying in Hong Kong, the central research hub of the GBA, places Vietnamese students at the forefront of both Western and Eastern technological advancements.”

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #ASEAN #Laos #Cambodia #Vietnam #delegation #collaboration #business #exchange





Wechat: 香港 亚洲国际都会

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Laos to Digitize Citizenship Records, Prime Minister Says

Laos to Digitize Citizenship Records, Prime Minister Says
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone makes an announcement (photo credit: Pasaxon News)

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has announced plans to establish a new digital national database for citizen registration and identity card issuance, to enhance national security, governance, and administrative efficiency by streamlining the registration process.

Carlsberg Asia launches #CelebrateResponsibly across APAC in partnership with Grab, foodpanda and Meituan

The partnership will kick off in Q3 of 2024 during football campaign season, with a series of Responsible Drinking initiatives throughout the year to support responsible consumption


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2024 – Carlsberg Asia is pleased to launch a regional responsible drinking campaign, #CelebrateResponsibly, in partnership with three of Asia’s major e-commerce platforms – Grab, foodpanda, and Meituan – transforming how consumers enjoy beer. This partnership is key to realising the brand’s vision of ZERO Irresponsible Drinking by leveraging Carlsberg’s and its partners’ brand voices and touchpoints to create a culture of responsible drinking. The aim is to discourage consumers from driving under the influence of alcohol and encourage them to make drinking occasions and beer moments safe and enjoyable. As the official beer sponsor of Liverpool Football Club (LFC) since 1992, Carlsberg will kick off this campaign during the football season to leverage this significant passion point to invite all drinkers to #CelebrateResponsibly.

Carlsberg Asia launches a series of Responsible Drinking initiatives in partnership with three of Asia’s major e-commerce platforms – Grab, foodpanda, and Meituan
Carlsberg Asia launches a series of Responsible Drinking initiatives in partnership with three of Asia’s major e-commerce platforms – Grab, foodpanda, and Meituan

“Carlsberg is delighted to partner with three of Asia’s leading e-commerce apps to deliver quality drinking experiences responsibly,” says Arindam Varanasi, Vice President, Commercial Asia, Carlsberg. “Through these strategic partnerships, we will make Carlsberg’s portfolio of brands easier and safer to access, expanding drinking moments for consumers in key markets across the region by emphasising the importance of celebrating responsibly.”

Expanding consumer experiences through #CelebrateResponsibly

Carlsberg will tap into the extensive ecosystem and hyperlocal insights of these partners who have a strong presence in Carlsberg’s APAC markets, with a significant overlap in consumer bases, to deliver the important message.

Through a promotional campaign with Grab, Carlsberg hopes to generate awareness of its ‘responsible drinking’ message through digital in-app activations targeting key Southeast Asian markets including Singapore, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Leveraging Grab’s multiple online to offline touchpoints, Carlsberg will encourage football fans across the region to book GrabCar rides to prioritise safety and responsible alcohol consumption. As part of this, consumers can enjoy discounted rides to best-known Carlsberg outlets or enjoy attractive offers on GrabMart to have their favourite Carlsberg beers delivered.

In Singapore and Hong Kong, Carlsberg Asia and foodpanda will tap on rider engagement activities and offer the refreshing 0.0% alcohol-free Carlsberg to delivery partners. This initiative not only emphasises Carlsberg’s commitment to providing alcohol-free and low-alcohol alternatives but also encourages responsible consumption. Additionally, Carlsberg will introduce an online sampling campaign, allowing consumers to redeem alcohol-free beer on pandamart, foodpanda’s online grocery store.

Carlsberg, in its partnership with Meituan, a tech-driven retail company in China, will further expand its reach and support other existing responsible drinking related efforts that are already being implemented in the country across a wide portfolio of brands. This collaboration will involve working closely with the destination governments, local districts, and merchants, leveraging the various ‘Meituan Districts’ or key high footfall commercial areas, to drive awareness around responsible drinking practices through public engagement events and activations. Carlsberg will launch a digital activation with Meituan’s food delivery cabinets, where users will have the opportunity to learn about these events by simply scanning a QR code, creating an interactive and convenient experience for consumers.

Stay tuned for future announcements about more exciting campaigns and activations under this partnership. For more information, please visit: https://www.carlsberggroup.com/

Hashtag: #CarlsbergAsia

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About Carlsberg

Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group is one of the leading brewery groups in the world, with an attractive portfolio of beer and other beverage brands. With over 30.000 employees, and with a presence in more than 125 markets, the Group has a purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow Doing business responsibly and sustainably supports that purpose – and drives the efforts to deliver value for shareholders and society.

Carlsberg Asia is a dynamic and diverse region comprising of 8 operating markets: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam. Altogether we have 34 breweries and some 12,000 employees spreading across the Asian markets. The Asia Regional Office is based in Hong Kong.