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Number_I: The Rebirth of J-Pop Royalty as Former King & Prince Trio Unleash Eagerly Awaited Debut EP ‘GOAT’


TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2024 – The moment fans have been eagerly awaiting has arrived as Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, collectively known as Number_I, unveil their much-anticipated debut “GOAT (EP)”. The 6-song EP includes the title track “GOAT” alongside other remarkable numbers such as “Blow Your Cover,” “Is It Me?”, “Midnight City,” “Rain or Shine,” and their next focus single “FUJI.”

GOAT (EP) artwork
Stream GOAT (EP) here.

Since its release this year, “GOAT” has taken the digital music world by storm, amassing over 14 million streams on Spotify globally and surpassing 10 million views on its music video within just three days, now exceeding 38 million views.

The momentum continues as Number_I prepares to perform at the upcoming inaugural ‘to HEROes 1st Super Live’ concert at Tokyo Dome from 14 to 17 March 2024. Organized by TOBE, the entertainment agency led by Hideaki Takizawa, this event marks a significant milestone for the group.

With their rapid ascent and unwavering fan support, Number_I is poised to become an unstoppable phenomenon as they captivate and mesmerize audiences across the globe with their music, energy and talent.

For tickets to ‘to HEROes 1st Super Live’ and more information, visit here.

“GOAT (EP)” is available for streaming here. Watch the ‘GOAT’ music video here.
Hashtag: #Number_i #GOAT #Number_i_GOAT #jpop #japanese #japanesemusic #otaku #jpopidols #idol #japan #jpopmusic

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

About NUMBER_I

Rising from the legacy of J-pop phenomenon King & Prince, Number_I emerges as a new sensational musical force. Comprising former members Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, this dynamic trio, under the esteemed TOBE record label, is poised to redefine the music industry as they embark on a journey symbolizing greatness and a fresh start, promising to captivate audiences and shape the future of music.

The group’s name, Number_I, carries profound significance, representing both ‘Only One’ and ‘Love.’ This emblematic moniker reflects not only a message but also a pledge to their fans to journey together through the realms of music. For Sho, Yuta, and Yuta, Number_I embodies an exhilarating new chapter in their artistic endeavors.

Follow NUMBER_I:

Currencycloud granted ‘In-Principle Approval’ for Major Payment Institution Licence by the Monetary Authority of Singapore

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2024 – Currencycloud, a Visa solution and the experts in simplifying business in a multi-currency world, has obtained an In-Principle Approval (IPA) for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence holder from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The licence will allow Currencycloud to provide a full suite of intra-regional and international services to Singapore businesses.

Currencycloud now offers customers based in Asia Pacific the ability to collect, convert, hold, send, and spend multiple currencies simultaneously across 180 countries and territories. With the Singapore MPI licence, if granted, Currencycloud will gain additional capabilities for a broader suite of services to process intra-Asia and east to west payments more quickly, efficiently, and seamlessly.

For businesses in Singapore, customers can make conversions and payouts in their respective time zones and local currencies. By tapping into its global and local networks and multi-currency account infrastructure, Currencycloud can help enterprises launch new financial services quickly, while supporting banks with speedier go-to-market service innovations.

The granting of the IPA of the Singapore MPI licence comes after Currencycloud was awarded an Australia Financial Services Licence that allows the provision of services for the Australian market.

Rohit Narang, Managing Director of APAC, Currencycloud said, “The IPA for a Major Payment Institution Licence is testament to the strength of the Currencycloud brand. Having the licence would allow us to integrate with the robust financial network in Singapore and collaborate with valuable industry players. The payments opportunity in Asia-Pacific is significant, and Singapore’s excellent infrastructure, world-class regulatory system, and strategic geographical location serve as an ideal base for accelerating future payments innovation across the region.”

Zvi Appel, Co-founder of OPAL, a Currencycloud client in Singapore, explained that Currencycloud is a valuable partner for its business: “They provided us with the ease of use, speed and transparency demanded by our customers today. With new services to be offered, Currencycloud can help us stay competitive while we grow our lines of business within the region and beyond.”

Currencycloud expects to successively roll out its new services in the coming months, to complement its suite of offerings aimed at cutting friction in traditional cross-border money movement.

Hashtag: #Currencycloud

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

About Currencycloud

Banks, Fintechs and businesses everywhere can make bigger, better, bolder leaps with Currencycloud, a Visa solution.

Currencycloud gives businesses the capability to move money across borders, and transact globally in multiple currencies, fast. Experts at what they do, their technology makes it easy for clients to embrace digital wallets, and to embed finance into the core of their business – no matter what industry they’re in.

Since 2012, Currencycloud has processed more than $200bn to over 180 countries, working with banks, financial institutions and Fintechs around the world, including Starling Bank, Revolut and Lunar. Based in London with offices in New York, Amsterdam, Cardiff, and Singapore, Currencycloud works with partners including Integrated Finance, GPS and Mambu to deliver simple, clear cross-border infrastructure solutions for clients. They are regulated in the UK, Canada, US, the EU and Australia, and were acquired by Visa in December 2021.

Terminus Group Victor AI announces habitat solution SPACE at Web Summit Qatar


BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2024 – Victor AI, Founder and CEO of Terminus Group, was invited to attend and deliver a speech entitled “AI CITY: The Next Habitat on Earth” at Web Summit, the world’s technological Olympia, in Doha, Qatar.

Victor AI, the Founder and CEO of Terminus Group, delivers speech at Web Summit Qatar
Victor AI, the Founder and CEO of Terminus Group, delivers speech at Web Summit Qatar

Victor AI shared his thoughts with global audiences, delving into the intricacies of urban evolution. He illustrated how humans have utilized technology to transform their habitats from ancient times to modern society, analyzed the challenges of land, energy, and production scarcity on Earth, and creatively introduced Terminus Group’s technological-driven solutions and the original definition of future habitat: SPACE, which stands for Sustainable, Perceptible, Autonomous, Customized, and Energetic.

Sustainable: Future cities will fully adopt renewable energy and comprehensively apply technologies such as carbon management and carbon sequestration to minimize the impact of urban operations on nature and ensure the long-term healthy development of human habitats.

Perceptible: Based on AIoT technology, smart devices deployed in various urban scenarios in future cities will have perceptual capabilities – people no longer need to work hard to adapt and integrate into the environment they live in, and the city will be able to perceive and adapt to people’s needs.

Autonomous: Through deep learning, future cities will be able to learn and know user habits, and offer autonomous services based on their timely reactions. When the city detects a user fainting or similar accidents, it will trigger an alarm and automatically call an ambulance, greatly improving emergency management efficiency.

Customized: With a multi-level innovative network architecture, future cities will be able to provide tailor-made, customized services for each user, instead of offering monotonous and standardized services. The marginalized needs of vulnerable groups will also be fully considered.

Energetic: Based on the four features and capabilities: sustainable, perceptible, autonomous, and customized, people will be able to embrace and enjoy a more energetic, innovative, and greener exciting lifestyle in future cities.

As the global leading smart services and AIoT solutions provider, Terminus Group has put the above “SPACE” concept into real implementation and has enabled smart industrial parks that integrated the “SPACE” capabilities in Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, China, and globally.

Steeped in the bond with Middle East, Terminus Group provided more than 150 AIoT-enabled smart robots and brought smart cities technologies to the largest-ever Expo2020 Dubai, serving nearly 30 million international visits and more than 100 countries leaders, showcasing a customized, innovative, and low-carbon driven capability for futuristic area.

Victor AI believes that, Terminus Group joined hands with partners from the GCC area、South-East Asia、Africa and Europe, bringing the world a new generation of solutions for the ‘Digital and Sustainable Eden’ while continuously promoting the development of green and innovative future cities based on the ‘SPACE’ concept.
Hashtag: #TerminusGroup

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

Major Summit to Address Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions for the Public Sector

Summit explores public-private collaboration for cyber resilience in Africa


JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2024 – In the face of escalating cyber threats targeting public sector entities, IT News Africa is thrilled to announce the upcoming Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit on April 3, 2024, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Our central theme, “Public-Private Collaboration: Strengthening Cybersecurity through Strategic Partnerships,” underscores the critical importance of unity and shared strategies to fortify our defences against relentless cyber adversaries.

The Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness in the Public Sector

Recent ransomware attacks on prominent entities like the City of Johannesburg, Transnet, and the Department of Justice underscore the urgency of our collective response. In the spirit of collaboration, our discussions will focus on fostering partnerships, sharing threat intelligence, and developing joint strategies to bolster the overall cybersecurity posture in the public sector.

Why Attend the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit

  • Discover the importance of collaborative defense in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. This summit brings together thought leaders, security experts, and professionals from both public and private sectors to delve into strategies fostering partnerships and joint initiatives.
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of recent cyber incidents targeting public sector organizations in South Africa, including ransomware attacks on major entities like the City of Johannesburg, Transnet, and the Department of Justice. Learn from these incidents to fortify your organization’s defences.
  • Hear from experts on reassessing and upgrading cybersecurity strategies. Understand the latest technologies, best practices, and proactive measures to mitigate and protect against future cyberattacks.
  • Connect with best-in-class solution providers, security vendors, and senior colleagues from across the region. Share challenges, experiences, and strategies to enhance your organization’s approach to cybersecurity resilience.

To ensure the summit’s success, an esteemed advisory board has been assembled, featuring distinguished individuals such as Abdul Kader Baba, CIO, Infrastructure South Africa; Jabu (Hugh) Hlatshwayo, CIO, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD, and Dr. Stanley Mpofu, CIO, University of the Witwatersrand.

Become a Sponsor

The Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit presents a unique opportunity for cybersecurity vendors and solution providers to connect with a targeted audience of senior IT decision-makers from government departments and State Owned Enterprises. Showcase your cybersecurity expertise, build brand awareness, and generate leads by becoming a sponsor.

Register Now

Registration for the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit is now open. Secure your spot at this essential event and join us in exploring the critical role of public-private collaboration in building cyber resilience.

For more information on the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit, please visit the event website at www.publicsecurity.co.za.

For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: events@itnewsafrica.com
Hashtag: #ITNewsAfrica

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

HKSTP Rides LEAP 2024 Platform to Power Middle East Innovation Drive and Calls on Ecosystem Leaders to Keep Up with Global I&T Opportunities


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2024 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has kicked off the first leg of a landmark delegation with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) and Hong Kong Cyberport (Cyberport) to the Middle East. Together with eight Park companies and first stopping at LEAP 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, HKSTP is on a mission to rally innovators across the respective ecosystems to keep up with the global speed of disruptive innovation and technology (I&T).

The HKSTP Pavilion mimics Hong Kong’s iconic I&T landmark – the “Golden Egg”, showcasing cutting-edge innovation ranging from biotech, healthtech, logistics, AI, robotics, to new energy from eight forward-looking Park companies.
The HKSTP Pavilion mimics Hong Kong’s iconic I&T landmark – the “Golden Egg”, showcasing cutting-edge innovation ranging from biotech, healthtech, logistics, AI, robotics, to new energy from eight forward-looking Park companies.

The opening of the first-ever Hong Kong Pavilion at LEAP was officiated by Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry (SITI) of the HKSAR Government, Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP and Mr Peter Yan, CEO of Cyberport. At the same occasion, HKSTP has landed a strategic MoU with Saudi Arabia’s leading technology R&D government institution, the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The MoU provides reciprocal soft-landing opportunities for companies in both regions, as well as commitment to collaborate on technology, industry best practices and support for startups across the two ecosystem networks.

Under the witness of Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government (second from left) and H.E. Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki, President, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (second from right), Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP (first from right), and Mr Peter Yan, CEO of Cyberport (first from left), signed a MoU with Dr. Khalid A. Aldakkan, Senior Vice President for Innovation Parks, KACST (middle), to form a strategic partnership between the Hong Kong and Saudi I&T ecosystems, accelerating the growth and development of start-ups and talent.
Under the witness of Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government (second from left) and H.E. Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki, President, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (second from right), Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP (first from right), and Mr Peter Yan, CEO of Cyberport (first from left), signed a MoU with Dr. Khalid A. Aldakkan, Senior Vice President for Innovation Parks, KACST (middle), to form a strategic partnership between the Hong Kong and Saudi I&T ecosystems, accelerating the growth and development of start-ups and talent.

Professor Sun Dong, SITI of the HKSAR Government, said, “I am deeply impressed by the energetic I&T culture and supportive programmes available at KACST. The strategic partnership between KACST and our I&T flagships will further deepen the I&T exchange between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, accelerate the growth and development of our start-ups and nurture more global I&T talent.”

Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “LEAP 2024 is a crossroads of culture and innovation that captures the boundless energy and ambition of the Middle East. It is also an electrifying opportunity for HKSTP and eight of our Park companies to showcase cutting-edge advancements and explore the mega potential of Saudi Arabia. We are proud to be part of the Hong Kong delegation. Hong Kong is ready to collaborate, nurture breakthroughs and partner, as we all leap into a new era of innovation.”

Leveraging the Saudi Vision 2030, HKSTP also orchestrated the “Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come” panel session at LEAP to ignite discussions on R&D, investment, and collaboration. Three Hong Kong biotech and healthtech innovation leaders: Prof Samuel Au, President of Cornerstone Robotics; Dr Zhu Tian, Co-Founder and CEO of GenEditBio and Mr Chi Man Lam, Founder and CEO of Applied Technology Group illuminated the prospects of healthtech and highlighted Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia’s shared visions and limitless opportunities in the industry. Hong Kong-based biotech startup, GenEditBio, has also made its mark in the region with the confirmed MoU with Anwa Biosciences, a leading Saudi genomic firm. Both companies are collaborating to use cutting-edge CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology to combat genetic diseases, starting with sickle cell disease.

Titled “Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come”, the HKSTP-hosted panel discussion offered unique insights from robotics expert Professor Samuel Au, President of Cornerstone Robotics (first from left); Information and Communications Technology veteran Mr Chi Man Lam, Founder and CEO of Applied Technology Group (second from right); and passionate drug hunter Dr Zhu Tian, Co-Founder and CEO of GenEditBio (second from left).
Titled “Hong Kong Healthtech Innovations Driving Global Transformation for Generations to Come”, the HKSTP-hosted panel discussion offered unique insights from robotics expert Professor Samuel Au, President of Cornerstone Robotics (first from left); Information and Communications Technology veteran Mr Chi Man Lam, Founder and CEO of Applied Technology Group (second from right); and passionate drug hunter Dr Zhu Tian, Co-Founder and CEO of GenEditBio (second from left).

HKSTP Park companies participating in LEAP 2024 and their innovative technologies:
https://www.hkstp.org/news-room/calling-all-global-innovators-keep-up-with-the-golden-era-of-it/
Hashtag: #HKSTP #LEAP2024 #ITIB #SITI #Cyberport #KACST #Riyadh #SaudiArabia #MiddleEast #I&T

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

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 with a mission to position Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. HKSTP has created a thriving I&T ecosystem supporting over 10 unicorns with more than 13,000 research professionals and around 1,700 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies.

We offer comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures on their I&T journey. Our growing innovation ecosystem is built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Shatin, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long. The three InnoParks are realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen, opened in September 2023 to support Hong Kong’s future development and its growing demands of the I&T industry and to strengthen cross-border exchange, attract technology companies as well as talent from around the world, helping them go global. It has both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition spaces, and more. We will focus on attracting enterprises in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability.

Through our infrastructure, services, expertise, and network of partnerships, HKSTP will help establish I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

Cultural Beliefs, Spiritual Insights into ‘Nocturnal Deaths’ in Laos

Cultural Beliefs, Spiritual Insights into ‘Nocturnal Deaths’ in Laos
Shaman Txiaj Vwj Invites Spirits to his Altar, Thaj Neeb Healing Ceremony, Ua Neeb, Namla Village, Luang Namtha Province, Laos (photo: Tribal Music Asia)

Departing from this world during sleep is often perceived as tranquil and painless by some.

Scientifically referred to as “nocturnal death,” such episodes are frequently linked to sudden cardiac arrest or the progressive deterioration of heart function observed in congestive heart failure (CHF). However, in small or rural communities, these events might be attributed to supernatural causes, often involving ghosts and spirits. This is particularly prevalent among Hmong communities worldwide. Originally residing in China and Southeast Asia, including northern Vietnam, Thailand, and the eastern regions of Myanmar, the Hmong ethnic group is now the largest ethnic minority in Laos.

One of the periods most closely associated with the legend of sleep paralysis in Laos is the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War. During this time, numerous young Lao men were reported to have perished in their sleep, succumbing to a mysterious ailment later identified as “Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome (SUNDS).”

According to the Los Angeles Times, SUNDS primarily affected Hmong men who had returned from the war in Northern Vietnam after being recruited by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Between 1978 and 1981, 13 deaths were recorded, with 98 percent of them occurring between 10 pm and 8 am. In 1981, 26 Hmong men died under similar circumstances, raising alarm and sparking speculations about the cause of these mysterious deaths. 

But the most eerie aspect of these deaths was the fact that they exclusively affected men, sparing women and children from such occurrences.

While the evident reasons behind the mysterious deaths during sleep remain unknown, speculations suggest it could be due to exposure to chemical nerve agents during the Vietnam War. However, some members of the Hmong community believed that these deaths were a form of punishment by spirits for leaving and abandoning their homelands.

Most members of the Hmong community practice animism and naturalism. However, some of them also adopt the practice of Buddhism. That was the case for Meng Moua, a 34-year-old Hmong man from Vientiane Province.

Mysterious Passing Prompts Reflections on Spiritual Involvement

“It was during Lao New Year, the 14th of April in the afternoon, when it all happened,” Meng recalled.

Like in many households in Laos, Meng joined in the festivities with his wife and younger sister. However, they soon departed for temples at the invitation of his cousin to perform meritorious deeds for the occasion. Meng’s sister opted to remain behind to oversee the house during their absence.

During their visits to nine temples across Vientiane Capital, Meng received fortunes from five of them. Unfortunately, each fortune foretold bad luck, leaving Meng with a sense of impending misfortune and sadness for the immediate future.

“I could feel that something bad was going to happen,” he said.

A couple of hours later, Meng returned home. “I knocked on the door multiple times with no response from my sister. I could tell that it was very strange because it had never happened before.”

Meng broke into the room to find his sister lying still on her back, as though she were asleep. 

“I tried to wake her up; I shook her body, doing everything I could, but to no avail.” 

As he rushed her to the hospital, he heard a gasp, a sound that, according to the village elders, often signals a person’s final breath. Meng also knew it.

The doctors made every effort to revive his sister. However, she showed no response to any form of treatment, ultimately leading to her passing, he recalled, believing the spirits may have taken her.

In Laos, spiritual beliefs have long been intertwined with cultural practices, with notable phenomena like spirits taking one’s life during sleep being passed down through generations. This phenomenon, characterized by a feeling of being haunted while sleeping, holds deep roots in Lao folklore and history.

Shaman Says, Expert Elaborates

In an attempt to shed light on this phenomenon, a Hmong shaman named Vanghua Moua, who has practiced for over 15 years, offered insights into the spiritual beliefs surrounding dying during sleep among the Hmong people in Xieng Khuang, Laos.

“Their souls get eaten,” Vanghua explained, referring to spirits such as phi pop and phi phong. “These ghosts came from people who practiced black magic but failed to follow its rules. As a result, they turn into such ghosts and feed on humans’ souls, flesh, and blood to survive.”

To protect against these malevolent spirits, Vanghua suggested placing the skin of a hog badger  in front of one’s house and burning it.

“Once you burn the hog badger’s skin, it will send out a strong smell that could chase the ghosts [phi pop and phi phong] away.”

Phi pop is often depicted as a creature that likes to devour human viscera. It is known for its terrifying appearance and is feared for its predatory nature. Phi phong, on the other hand, is a ghost of northern folk beliefs in Thailand and Laos. It is also known as phi phao in the Isan region of Thailand. Phi phong is believed to be a spirit that can cause harm to humans if threatened, especially those who are spiritually weak or unprotected.

While some may view these beliefs as superstitious, Ian Baird, an anthropologist and professor at the University of Wisconsin – Madison who studies Lao society closely, argues that there is a specific reason behind these beliefs.

“Some people, especially in rural areas, benefit from these beliefs,” Baird explained. He cited the example of Nang Thiam, a village spirit believed to possess a woman in the village between March and June annually. When possessed, the woman advises the chief village on how to improve the village and gives advice on various matters.

“If you try to diminish this belief, it’s like you are trying to get rid of women’s rights,” he said.  Baird also emphasized the importance of understanding these beliefs from different perspectives rather than dismissing them as superstitious, as they may hold meaningful ideas behind them.

Ian added that beliefs in spirits and ghosts can serve as a form of social control, preventing people from engaging in harmful actions. 

He mentioned that in rural villages, some individuals are accused of being phi pop by the governor, not because they are actual spirits, but because they may have violated laws or caused disruptions in the community.

“If the village chief can’t legally get rid of those kinds of people, what do they do? They accuse them of being phi pops of course.”

“People should try to be more open-minded about the beliefs of others and try to understand them from different perspectives,” Ian concluded. “These beliefs may hold valuable insights into the culture and society of Laos.”

Despite the advancements in science and medicine, the legend of sleep paralysis and its spiritual connections continue to intrigue and mystify many in Laos and beyond.

Prudential ramps up hiring, bolsters support for newcomers to jumpstart their careers as financial representatives


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2024 – Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) and its financial advisory arm, Prudential Financial Advisers Singapore (“PFA”), plan to hire 800 financial representatives (“FRs”) through its Management Associate Programme (“MAP”) this year. This will boost its agency size to over 5,500 and help meet consumers’ growing demand for protection, medical and wealth services.

Financial representatives in Prudential’s 2024 Management Associate Programme cohort - (from left) Mr Tang Jia Hao, 25, a Wealth Manager with Prudential Financial Advisers (PFA) and Ms Charmaine Siow, 30, a Financial Consultant with Prudential Singapore.
Financial representatives in Prudential’s 2024 Management Associate Programme cohort – (from left) Mr Tang Jia Hao, 25, a Wealth Manager with Prudential Financial Advisers (PFA) and Ms Charmaine Siow, 30, a Financial Consultant with Prudential Singapore.

To better support new joiners to the industry, the company has enhanced its 2024 MAP. Now, they have an additional year to achieve their performance targets which means they have 36 months instead of 24 months to do so. This gives eligible FRs more time to learn the ropes of the insurance and financial services industry, develop their skills, and establish a robust client base for a successful career.

The MAP helps fresh university or polytechnic graduates and young professionals build their career as financial representatives. They will receive a monthly allowance based on their performance to support their transition to the role.[1]

According to Prudential’s recruitment data, the first two years are crucial for the new joiners to decide if they are cut out for the job. During this period, it is common for young FRs to leave for another industry. To better retain talent, Prudential is investing in programmes such as the MAP. It also has initiatives that are designed to support mid-career switchers and experienced industry professionals.

Mr Ben Tan, Chief Distribution Officer and Chief Corporate Development Officer, Prudential Singapore, said: “Being a successful financial representative and building trust with customers requires time, determination and commitment. We have observed that financial representatives who persist for at least two years are more likely to stay in their roles. By extending our support, we want to instil more confidence in aspiring financial representatives as they pursue a long and fulfilling career with Prudential.”

According to the Life Insurance Association (LIA) Singapore’s Protection Gap Study 2022, Singapore has a S$373 billion mortality protection gap and S$579 billion critical illness protection gap.[2] This means that Singaporeans are still under-insured and this can impact their financial security and well-being. There is an opportunity for more FRs to join the industry and help people bridge their protection gap.

Mr Tan added: “Insurance is a people business, and financial representatives often form lifelong relationships with their customers. They are there for our customers through life’s milestones, providing sound financial advice to address their needs and goals, and helping them prepare for the future. For those who have a passion for financial planning, enjoy engaging with customers, and want to impact people’s lives positively, a career in financial advisory may be a good fit.”

About Prudential’s 2024 Management Associate Programme (MAP) for Financial Representatives (FRs)

Prudential’s 2024 MAP is available to FRs appointed from 1 January 2024 onwards who are new to the industry or have less than two years of experience as FRs.[3]

As part of their onboarding, FRs will undergo a curated in-house training programme covering topics such as financial planning, plan construction, financial needs analysis, and investment and retirement planning, to help them develop their financial advisory skills and knowledge.

FRs under PFA will also undergo additional training on collective investment schemes[4] as the financial advisory firm’s offerings include wealth solutions and a wider range of insurance products including general insurance. These offerings complement Prudential’s core solutions, which include whole and term life, health, savings, retirement, and group insurance.

A variety of career and education opportunities are also available to cater to the diverse interests of FRs, including financial planning for individuals, legacy planning for high net worth customers, and employee benefits for corporate clients. FRs can also benefit from mentorship and coaching programmes where they can learn from their peers on how to build a long and sustainable career.

Prudential currently has more than 5,200 financial representatives in its tied agency and PFA.

Quotes from FRs in the 2024 MAP

Ms Charmaine Siow, 30, Financial Consultant, Prudential Singapore. She joined in January 2024 and was previously in a finance operations role before her career switch to Prudential.

“Trust and connections are key in insurance, and they don’t happen overnight. As a new entrant to the financial advisory sector, I need time to grow my network and establish myself with my customers. Having a longer period of support from Prudential gives me a stronger sense of security and optimism to succeed in this new career path.”

Mr Tang Jia Hao, 25, joined Prudential Financial Advisers (PFA) as a Wealth Manager in February 2024. He is in his final semester in university and will graduate in May.

“I’ve always been interested in financial planning, and that’s what motivated me to join Prudential as a Wealth Manager in my final semester. As someone who’s just starting out in my career, I appreciate being given more time to transition from student life to working life, and to learn the ‘ins and outs’ of the industry at my own pace. I also feel assured knowing that Prudential understands the challenges we face and supports us in achieving our career goals.”

For more information on how Prudential is supporting new entrants in their transition to a career as a Financial Representative, please visit: https://www.prudential.com.sg/joinpru or contact joinpru@prudential.com.sg.


[1] Terms and conditions apply.

[2] Source: Life Insurance Association Singapore’s Protection Gap Study 2022. https://www.lia.org.sg/media/3974/lia-pgs-2022-report_final_8-sep-2023.pdf

[3] Terms and conditions apply. For more information on the MAP and eligibility, please contact joinpru@prudential.com.sg.

[4] PFA wealth managers will need to pass and attain additional Capital Markets and Financial Advisory Services (CMFAS) certifications for collective investment schemes.

Hashtag: #PrudentialSingapore




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

About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 93 years. The company has an AA- Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, with S$49.4 billion funds under management as at 31 December 2022. It delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of more than 5,200 financial representatives.

About Prudential Financial Advisers Singapore

Prudential Financial Advisers Singapore is the financial advisory arm of Prudential Singapore, one of Singapore’s leading life insurance companies. The company offers customers a range of insurance products and wealth advisory services. Prudential Financial Advisers Singapore is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

United States Provides Over USD 24 Million for UXO Clearance in Laos

(Photo: US Embassy)

The Government of the United States of America (US) has pledged a total of USD 24.2 million to the HALO Trust, a leading Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) clearance organization, to continue its operations in Savannakhet Province, Laos, until April 2025.