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Etiqa Insurance Singapore Spreads Festive Cheer with ‘Multiply Blessings’ this Chinese New Year


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Chinese New Year is a time for togetherness, celebration, and sharing joy. Yet, amidst back-to-back gatherings and increased seasonal spending, the festivities can sometimes feel exciting and a little overwhelming1.

Embracing the spirit of giving, Etiqa Insurance Singapore partnered with independent creative agency Blak Labs, to spread extra blessings to the community through its Multiply Blessings With You brand activation.

From January 22 to February 5, Etiqa’s very own ‘God of Fortune’ made surprise appearances at food centers across the island, delighting diners and hawker stall owners with festive red packets, mandarin oranges, and even complimentary meals! The heartwarming initiative brought smiles to many, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and togetherness.

Check out the exciting videos here:

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The event received enthusiastic responses in person and online, with engaging social media content amplifying the excitement and building anticipation for each God of Fortune appearance.

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View more content on Etiqa’s Instagram page (www.instagram.com/etiqasg/).

“At Etiqa, we believe that prosperity goes beyond financial security – it is about fostering meaningful connections, uplifting communities, and sharing joy. Through ‘Multiply Blessings With You’, we wanted to rekindle the true spirit of Chinese New Year by reminding everyone that the greatest blessings come from kindness, generosity, and togetherness.” – Carine Chin, Head of Corporate Marketing, Etiqa Insurance Singapore

Echoing this sentiment, Koh Hwee Peng, Creative Partner at Blak Labs, shared, “It’s been a pleasure working with Etiqa to bring this campaign to life. Their ‘With You’ spirit this festive season truly shines, spreading smiles and good fortune throughout the community.”

1Heng, T. (2025, January 30). Commentary: Chinese New Year is exhausting, but here’s why we keep celebrating it. CNA.
Hashtag: #EtiqaInsurance

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

About Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Etiqa Insurance Singapore)

Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (EIPL) is a life and general insurance company licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. Having protected customers in Singapore since 1961 under the name United General Insurance Co. Sdn. Bhd., the company transitioned into the Singapore branch of Etiqa Insurance Berhad in 2009. Today, EIPL in Singapore stands as the pivotal operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group, a leading insurance and takaful provider in ASEAN.

EIPL offers a comprehensive range of life and general insurance products accessible through its diverse distribution channels, including bancassurance, agents, brokers, financial advisers, partnerships, direct and online sales via Tiq by Etiqa. Etiqa is rated ‘A’ by credit rating agency Fitch for the group’s ‘Favorable’ business profile. EIPL is owned by Maybank Ageas Holdings Berhad, a joint venture combining local market expertise with international insurance knowledge, with 69% ownership by Maybank, the fourth largest banking group in Southeast Asia, and 31% by Ageas, an international insurance group operating across 13 countries.

About Blak Labs

Established in 2010, by five of Singapore’s leading creatives, Blak Labs is a 100% independent creative agency with one purpose. To deliver the best ideas on the feed and beyond; to get people liking, loving, sharing and buying brands. We work directly with you to create campaigns and content built on strategically sound creative thinking. That’s why every Blak Labs idea is delivered with Creative Care™. Since 2019, Blak Labs has added integrated media planning and buying to the creative mix through its sister agency, Instamedia Labs. Blak Labs is part of The Network, an independent global network of the most creative and future-facing agencies.

To ensure the safe and reliable electricity supply during the Lantern Festival, State Grid Ningxia Electric Power Co., Ltd. Guyuan Branch has implemented comprehensive measures to safeguard power stability

GUYUAN, China, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the festival approaches, the city is adorned with festive lights, creating a joyful and harmonious atmosphere. To support various folk activities during the Lantern Festival, the company has meticulously prepared an “electricity protection” plan, focusing on key lines and critical areas to ensure the smooth operation of all events.

With the arrival of the New Year, various counties and towns in Guyuan City have organized diverse cultural activities, including Shehuo parades, New Year music festivals, Lantern Festival galas, lantern exhibitions, riddle guessing, and opera performances. In anticipation of these events, State Grid Ningxia Electric Power Co., Ltd. Guyuan Branch mapped out the timing and locations of the city’s cultural activities, developed detailed electricity protection plans, and identified core venues, critical equipment, and important loads. The company also prepared emergency repair teams, vehicles, and spare parts. Inspection personnel conducted infrared measurements and inspections of distribution lines and public transformers at key activity sites such as People’s Square, Museum Square, Ningxia Normal University, and Longde Old Alley, ensuring the city’s lights remained illuminated.

On the day of the Lantern Festival, Guyuan deployed 50 emergency repair personnel and 8 emergency power generation vehicles to conduct thorough inspections and monitoring of 15 10 kV distribution lines and equipment across 10 key areas. The company actively coordinated with event organizers, completed the power supply ignition for each venue, inspected locally hung lanterns and installed sound systems, and ensured the safety of electricity consumption in snack streets and Lantern Festival venues. Every effort was made to guarantee uninterrupted power supply services throughout the festival.

F88 reports 2024 profit of VND351 billion, revenue jumps 23%


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – F88 Investment Joint Stock Company (F88) has just announced its highest-ever consolidated after-tax profit, along with several key financial indicators that highlight the company’s rapid and sustainable recovery, following a challenging year.

F88 posts highest-ever consolidated after-tax profit in 2024. Photo courtesy of the firm.
F88 posts highest-ever consolidated after-tax profit in 2024. Photo courtesy of the firm.

F88, which owns 99.99 per cent of F88 Business Joint Stock Company – a leading player in Viet Nam’s alternative finance sector. This sector, which includes non-traditional lending activities, now accounts for 88.1 per cent of F88’s total revenue. Additionally, F88 holds controlling stakes in the Green House Insurance Joint Stock Company and the Ffintech Joint Stock Company.

In its latest report to investors, F88 revealed that its after-tax profit for the fourth quarter reached VND163 billion, bringing the total after-tax profit for 2024 to VND351 billion. This impressive profit growth is attributed to a surge in net revenue and the ongoing success of F88’s cost optimisation strategy.

Total revenue for 2024 stood at VND3.347 trillion, up by over 23.2 per cent compared to 2023.

The majority of this revenue – 88.1 per cent – came from asset-backed lending, primarily through motorbike and car registration-backed loans. The insurance business contributed 11.8 per cent to the overall revenue. Despite the revenue boost, F88 managed to reduce its cost income ratio (CIR) by 12.6 per cent compared to the previous year, a clear sign of enhanced operational efficiency.

F88’s total loan balance by the end of 2024 reached over VND4.58 trillion, with total disbursements hitting VND12 trillion, representing growth of 22.7 per cent and 8.5 per cent, respectively, compared to 2023. Significantly, the company reduced its net write off ratio by two-thirds, reflecting the reduction of non-performing loans.

The company also demonstrated impressive capital mobilisation, raising VND633 billion in Q4 2024 alone. F88 met 100 per cent of its obligations and commitments to investors, and its debt to equity ratio (D/E) remained below three – a level considered safe by Finn Ratings in comparison to industry averages.

Beyond financial metrics, F88’s announcement highlighted its focus on sustainable growth. A key area of success has been the expansion of its alternative finance store network, which has broadened financial access for a large customer base, particularly those who do not qualify for traditional bank loans. In Q4 2024 alone, F88 opened 39 new stores, bringing its total to 868, solidifying its position as the owner of Viet Nam’s largest state-licensed alternative finance store chain.

F88 has also placed a strong emphasis on customer service, with the company’s Customer Satisfaction Score (CSTA) for Q4 2024 reaching 87 per cent. The rate of returning customers stood at 53.6 per cent, further evidence that F88 is successfully building customer loyalty.

These achievements are the result of ongoing efforts to improve product quality, diversify financial offerings based on customer research, accelerate digital transformation, and form strategic partnerships with major players in the financial sector, such as Military Bank. Additionally, F88 has refined its debt reminder processes and customer experience initiatives.

Looking ahead to 2025, F88 plans to expand its network to 888 financial stores by the first quarter and aims for 100 per cent of stores to be profitable by the second quarter. The company will also enhance collaborations with nationwide distributors to offer motorbike and car registration-backed loans, along with other financial products, to customers across all villages and communes in Viet Nam.

Hashtag: #F88

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

Laos Sees Growth in Internet Access, Social Media Use in 2024

Person surfing on internet
Person surfing on internet (Photo: Pexels)

The use of the internet and social media in Laos observed growth in 2024, driven by faster internet speeds and the increasing adoption of mobile phones.

Bite Stream and Untap Join Forces to Transform Private Capital Markets Technology

Bite Stream and Untap have merged to create Bite Stream+, a next-generation platform that simplifies fund management from start to finish. By bringing together expertise in fundraising, investor management, and portfolio reporting, the partnership delivers a smarter, more efficient way for asset managers to operate, removing complexity and enhancing transparency.

London, United Kingdom – Newsfile Corp. – February 12, 2025 – Bite Stream, a leading provider of fundraising and investor management software, has announced its merger with Untap, an AI-powered portfolio management and reporting solution. The combination of these two established, fast-growing platforms marks a major shift in private capital markets technology. It provides asset managers with a single, fully integrated system that streamlines everything from fundraising to investor communications.

The result is Bite Stream+, a solution that consolidates multiple processes into one intuitive system, eliminating the inefficiencies of disconnected workflows. With Untap’s advanced portfolio monitoring and reporting now embedded alongside Bite Stream’s investor relations and compliance tools, fund managers gain a single source of truth, making data-driven decision-making easier than ever.

A new era for private markets technology

Rather than juggling multiple platforms, alternative asset managers can now manage fundraising, investor relations, and portfolio management in one flexible system. This not only saves time but also ensures data consistency and strengthens regulatory compliance. Investors also benefit from real-time insights and clearer reporting, enhancing transparency and trust.

The platform is designed to be both powerful and adaptable – ready to support firms of all sizes without requiring complex customization. With automated data collection and performance tracking, Bite Stream+ replaces manual, error-prone processes, allowing fund managers to focus on value creation rather than administrative tasks.

“Bite Stream+ is more than a software merger – it’s a commitment to our clients that we are their trusted innovation partner,” said William Rudebeck, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Bite Investments. “By integrating Untap’s portfolio management expertise with Bite Stream’s investor engagement tools, we are delivering a seamless, end-to-end digital experience that no other provider in the market can match.”

Setting the industry standard

Bite Stream+ is already the preferred platform for some of the largest and most dynamic private market investors. The combination of Bite Stream’s fundraising and investor engagement tools with Untap’s portfolio analytics and reporting enables fund managers to drive AUM growth, enhance investor confidence, and gain deeper portfolio insights.

“This merger is more than just a step forward-it’s a transformation in how fund managers operate,” said Juan Manrique, Co-Founder and CEO of Untap. “Together, we’re giving our clients a competitive edge by removing complexity, improving efficiency, and setting a new benchmark for digital fund management.”

For more information, visit www.biteinvestments.com and www.untap.pe.

About Bite Investments: Bite Investments is a global financial technology company providing innovative and scalable software solutions to the ever-expanding alternative asset and wealth management industry. Bite’s SaaS platform, Bite Stream, offers end-to-end solutions designed to simplify and streamline the entire investment process, from fundraising and investor relations to reporting and data management. With a commitment to security and efficiency, Bite Investments is trusted by its clients, leading alternative asset and wealth managers, fund administrators, and a range of other investment professionals worldwide.

About Untap: Untap is an AI-powered portfolio management platform transforming how private capital investors monitor performance, manage funds, and drive value creation. Its cloud-based solution automates data collection, financial reporting, and ESG tracking, enabling investment professionals to streamline operations, enhance transparency, and make data-driven decisions with greater accuracy and efficiency. Supporting private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and private credit funds, Untap is trusted by leading investment firms worldwide.

Press contacts:
Margarita Kouklaki Ntourou, Communications Manager
margarita.kouklakintourou@biteinvestments.com
Bite Investments

Andreia Miranda, Business Development and Marketing Executive
andreia@untap.pe
Untap

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

From academic pursuits to inspiring young scholars–Internationally renowned mathematician Prof Raymond Chan says “No shortcuts to good results”

HONG KONG, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today (12 February), in the second session of the “A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research” seminar series organised by the School of Graduate Studies of Lingnan University, Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu, Vice-President (Academics) cum Provost and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Scientific Computing at Lingnan University, gave a talk entitled “Research Methodology—A Computational Mathematician’s Perspective”, attended by about 100 teachers and students.

Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu leads the second seminar in the “A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research” series to encourage young scholars.
Prof Raymond Chan Hon-fu leads the second seminar in the “A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research” series to encourage young scholars.

An internationally known and respected Hong Kong-born and bred mathematician, Prof Chan has an outstanding reputation in the mathematics community, having published some 160 journal articles and three books on mathematics. He has been one of Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists since 2019 and been ranked second in Hong Kong in both career-long citation impact and single-year citation impact in 2023. One of the most widely cited scientists, famous for his academic research, Prof Chan’s “Superfast Iterative Solvers for Toeplitz Systems and their Applications” is a groundbreaking algorithm that dramatically accelerates the efficiency of processing image noise. It has been successfully applied in the fields of astronomical and medical imaging and improves the clarity of images captured by telescopes and medical devices.

Prof Chan said that in recent years he has been working with a European team for the European Southern Observatory to develop algorithms to help deblur images obtained from its telescopes, and thereby capture better photographs of more distant and fainter stars, as well as with a US team to develop algorithms to help monitor land surface changes that detect illegal mining in the Peruvian Amazon rainforests.

Prof Chan, who has made important contributions to the international field of mathematical sciences, emphasised that groundbreaking innovations are not achieved by chance, and quoted Thomas Alva Edison’s “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration” and Albert Einstein’s “It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer” to encourage young scholars. “Success requires hard work,” Prof Chan underlined.

Prof Chan suggested three key research methodologies, Down There, which emphasises in-depth understanding; Out There, which encourages broad exploration and receptiveness to new ideas; and Up There, which highlights the competitive nature of research and the importance of perseverance. “Attitude determines altitude, so aim high, and you will never land low. I hope that young scholars will take an active role in their own research journeys, see challenges and failures as part of the learning process, and maintain their curiosity and inquisitiveness so as to be able to make meaningful contributions to the field they specialise in,” he said.

Following the presentation, the audience participated in a lively discussion with Prof Chan on key issues such as the application of computational methods in interdisciplinary research, strategies for conducting research in unfamiliar areas, and the future development of the mathematics profession, etc. The atmosphere was dynamic as Prof Chan’s insights encouraged in-depth exchanges with the audience and stimulated serious, creative thinking, enriching the interaction and dialogue among academics.

“Prof Chan’s talk was useful for my PhD training and future development. His concepts are based on his own established academic and administrative expertise in higher education, and are valuable for postgraduate students planning to build a scholarly career. As an international PhD student at Lingnan University, I believe it is important to correctly understand and follow Prof Chan’s expert and constructive advice about staying open to new ideas and cultures, persevering, remaining curious and enquiring, adapting to change, learning to put myself forward through clear writing and presentations, and always aiming high both in scholarship and life,” Mr Everardo Blanco Livera, a PhD student, said.

The monthly “A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research” seminar series invites senior university management and prominent scholars to discuss their research experiences and perspectives, with the aim of providing a platform for in-depth exchanges between doctoral students, young scholars and top academics on how to conduct excellent research.

The next seminar will be held on 6 March, and presented by Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning at Lingnan University, who will speak on “Good Taste in Research”, offering his insights on cultivating taste in research, and his experiences in areas such as academic literature and problem formulation.

For further information on upcoming seminars, please visit: A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research Seminar Series.

KuCoin’s KCS to Be Listed on HashKey Global – Expanding Accessibility and Elevating User Engagement

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is excited to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing global expansion efforts with the listing of its native token, KuCoin Token (KCS), on HashKey Global, a renowned digital asset exchange offering digital asset trading services to global users. This strategic move is set for February 14, 2025, at 08:00 UTC, with deposits and withdrawals opening concurrently on February 12, 2025, at 08:00 UTC.

Key Details of the Listing:

  • Announcement Date: February 12, 2025, 08:00 UTC
  • Deposit and Withdrawal Opening: February 12, 2025, 08:00 UTC
  • Listing Date: February 14, 2025, 08:00 UTC

This partnership highlights KuCoin’s proactive approach to making its native token more available and useful across a broader audience, reinforcing the accessibility, utility, and liquidity of KCS. It is a testament to KuCoin’s dedication to enhancing user engagement through strategic listings and community-focused initiatives.

KuCoin believes that this new listing opportunity will provide both KuCoin and HashKey users with enhanced options for engagement and investment in the crypto space. It is a step forward in KuCoin’s mission to facilitate the widespread adoption of crypto, providing users with secure and reliable platforms that foster trust and growth in the digital economy.

KuCoin looks forward to a fruitful collaboration with HashKey Global and to continuing its mission to become a bridge that connects users to the future of finance.

About KuCoin 

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and an exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 39 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots.

KuCoin has garnered accolades such as “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” by Forbes and has been recognized among the “Top 50 Global Unicorns” by Hurun in 2024. This recognition reflects its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Learn more: https://www.kucoin.com/ 

NaaS Technology Inc. to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences in February 2025

BEIJING, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NaaS Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: NAAS) (“NaaS” or the “Company”), the first U.S.-listed EV charging service company in China, today announced that management will participate in the following upcoming investor conferences in February 2025:

  • Event: Zheshang Securities 2025 Q1 Institutional Investment Conference
    Date: February 13, 2025
    Place: Shenzhen, China
    Organizer: Zheshang Securities
  • Event: Founder Securities 2025 Listed Companies Investor Forum – “Walking with the Spring Breeze, Embarking on a New Journey”
    Date: February 20, 2025
    Place: Shenzhen, China
    Organizer: Founder Securities

Connect with NaaS Management

For more information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with NaaS management, please contact your event representative or NaaS investor relations team via email at ir@enaas.com

About NaaS Technology Inc.

NaaS Technology Inc. is the first U.S. listed EV charging service company in China. The Company is a subsidiary of Newlinks Technology Limited, a leading energy digitalization group in China. The Company provides one-stop solutions to energy asset owners comprising charging services, energy solutions and new initiatives, supporting every stage of energy assets’ lifecycle and facilitating energy transition.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: NaaS’ goals and strategies; its future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; its ability to continuously develop new technology, services and products and keep up with changes in the industries in which it operates; growth of China’s EV charging industry and EV charging service industry and NaaS’ future business development; demand for and market acceptance of NaaS’ products and services; NaaS’ ability to protect and enforce its intellectual property rights; NaaS’ ability to attract and retain qualified executives and personnel; the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of government and other measures that have been or will be taken in connection therewith; U.S.-China trade war and its effect on NaaS’ operation, fluctuations of the RMB exchange rate, and NaaS’ ability to obtain adequate financing for its planned capital expenditure requirements; NaaS’ relationships with end-users, customers, suppliers and other business partners; competition in the industry; relevant government policies and regulations related to the industry; and fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and globally. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in NaaS’ filings with the SEC.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations
NaaS Technology Inc.
E-mail: ir@enaas.com 

Media inquiries:
E-mail: pr@enaas.com