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Beijing to Roll Out AI Lessons for Primary, Secondary Students

Beijing to Roll Out AI Lessons for Primary, Secondary Students
This image is used solely for representational purpose (photo credit: The Economic Times)

AFP – All primary and secondary schools in Beijing will introduce artificial intelligence classes later this year, Chinese state media reported on 12 March, in China’s latest efforts to accelerate AI development and foster talent in the sector.

DHL Express Hong Kong becomes the Official Partner of Kai Tak Sports Park

Both parties will collaborate to drive the growth of sports and entertainment events to the city and help to foster the development of Hong Kong into a premier hub for mega live events


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2025 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has been appointed as the Official Partner of the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP). The partnership demonstrates both organizations’ mutual commitment to bringing world-class mega events to Hong Kong, further strengthening the city’s position as Asia’s Event Capital.

DHL Express Hong Kong becomes the Official Partner of Kai Tak Sports Park. (Left) Mr. John Sharkey, CEO, KTSP; (Right) Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau
DHL Express Hong Kong becomes the Official Partner of Kai Tak Sports Park. (Left) Mr. John Sharkey, CEO, KTSP; (Right) Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau

Through this partnership, DHL will support KTSP in welcoming a variety of international, large-scale sports and entertainment events to Hong Kong. This collaboration enhances DHL’s brand visibility to audiences at home and abroad, contributing to the growth of Hong Kong’s mega events economy.

“We are delighted that DHL Express is our Official Partner. We look forward to enhancing the experience of our world-class mega events together. With KTSP as Hong Kong’s home venue, we are committed to bringing more international sports, cultural, and entertainment events to Hong Kong, further transforming the city into an event capital and creating new growth opportunities,” said Mr. John Sharkey, CEO, KTSP.

“DHL Express is honored to be the Official Partner of KTSP. This underscores our long-term commitment to Hong Kong’s development. In line with our purpose of ‘Connecting People, Improving Lives,’ we are excited to support KTSP in hosting world-class large-scale events. Through our shared values of innovation and mission to promote Hong Kong as a hub for live events, we will connect local and international audiences with their favorite sports teams, athletes, and artists. We believe we can better position Hong Kong as an attractive destination for the sports, cultural, arts and music lovers,” said Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau.

One of the main events in 2025 for KTSP is the Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour in April, for which DHL is the Official Logistics Partner. As Coldplay’s Official Logistics Partner, DHL is helping to reduce the tour’s transport emissions by for example leveraging Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which generates up to 85% less CO2 emissions compared to traditional jet fuel.

The partnership with KTSP reinforces DHL’s long-term commitment to the sports and entertainment industry at both local and global levels. With a long history of partnering with some of the world’s most prestigious events and teams – including Formula 1, Formula E and Manchester United – DHL connects people from all over the world, enabling fans to engage with their favorite sports teams and artists. Locally, DHL is the Official Partner of Hong Kong China Rugby, nurturing talented local athletes to help them realize their full potential on the international stage.

Officially opened on 1 March 2025, Kai Tak Sports Park is Hong Kong’s largest integrated sports and entertainment landmark. Featuring a multi-purpose stadium and a variety of sports and leisure facilities, the park supports the government’s goals of boosting tourism, promoting sports development, and hosting major sporting and entertainment events, thereby contributing to the city’s economic development and cultural exchange.
Hashtag: #DHLExpressHongKong




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

About Kai Tak Sports Park

Kai Tak Sports Park is a fully integrated sports, leisure and entertainment destination. The 28-hectare Sports Park will be part of the redevelopment on the site of the old Hong Kong International Airport in Kai Tak. The Sports Park features a 50,000-seat Main Stadium (named Kai Tak Stadium) with a retractable roof, IndoorSport Centre (named Kai Tak Arena) with the flexibility to host community sports and events of up to 10,000 seats, and a Public Sports Ground (named Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground) with a capacity of 5,000 seats. These venues will be complemented with extensive public open spaces for events and leisure together with retail and harbour front dining spaces.

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 81.8 billion euros in 2023. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Make a Splash This Summer: Celebrate Water and Culture at Five Iconic Bangkok Destinations with ONESIAM

ONESIAM’s Songkran celebrations, part of Siam Piwat’s guest experience program, offer tourists an elevated summer journey through culture, tradition, and immersive festivities


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2025 – This April, Bangkok bursts with vibrant energy and festive celebrations. As summer ushers in the Thai New Year, visitors can look forward to the joy, unity, and excitement of the Songkran Water Festival and vibrant seasonal celebrations. Under ONESIAMSiam Piwat‘s premier guest experience program—Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok invite all to embrace the magic of summer at world-class experiential destinations.

"Summersive: An Immersive Summer Celebration"
“Summersive: An Immersive Summer Celebration”

For those looking to elevate their summer with a blend of luxury, leisure, and captivating experiences, downtown Bangkok’s Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery are set to deliver an unforgettable season. This year, the summer celebration unfolds under the theme “Summersive”—a fusion of summer and immersive, multi-sensory experiences—designed to transport visitors into a world of wonder. From dynamic art installations and interactive showcases to curated shopping, gourmet delights, and picturesque moments waiting to be captured, each destination invites guests to indulge in the ultimate summer lifestyle experience.

Scan to Register for ONESIAM Global Visitor Card Privileges
Scan to Register for ONESIAM Global Visitor Card Privileges

To kick off this summer festival, Siam Paragon unveils a floral wonderland with Summersive: Happiness in Full Bloom, taking place from April 10–16. This high-energy celebration of art and nature is set to transport visitors into a world of breathtaking, larger than life floral and fauna-inspired displays, stunning illuminations, and interactive installations that engage all five senses. From the sweet scent of fresh blooms to the rhythmic pulse of live concerts, DJ sets, and fashion showcases, every corner will be filled with botanical artistry and interactive engagements, making it a must-visit summer destination in Bangkok.

Highlight Summer Songkran Celebrations Across 5 Experiential Destinations
Highlight Summer Songkran Celebrations Across 5 Experiential Destinations

A short walk away, Siam Center brings creativity to the forefront with Siam Center Summersive: The Summer Playground, running from April 4–20. Inspired by the electrifying hues and unbound energy of summer, the shopping and lifestyle center transforms into the ultimate summer playground. Step into “Siam Center The Summersive Playground: GELBOYS Joinground,” where art and self-expression collide in an immersive experience that embodies the pulse of youth culture. Meanwhile, “Siam Center x Punpro: MUFEST by Punduang” invites astrology lovers to unlock their destiny with fortune-inspired activities, offering insights into love, success, and prosperity.

For those drawn to exploration, Siam Discovery presents Summersive: The Summer Exploratorium from April 1-30. This captivating fusion of fashion, art, and water-inspired experiences establishes Siam Discovery as Bangkok’s creative hub and incubator for culture, style, and innovation throughout the summer festival. Designed for a sophisticated community of trendsetters, the event features exclusive brand showcases, including stunning summer collections & experiences from 132 5. ISSEY MIYAKE and Alexander Wang. Adding to the excitement, MM6 Maison Margiela Mono Store premiers for the first time in Thailand and Southeast Asia at Siam Discovery, showcasing its distinct take on contemporary fashion. Visitors can also delight in The Flavor of Summer—a curated selection of world-class dishes featuring flavors from global and Asian cuisines alongside the latest international food trends.

Meanwhile, for those eager to immerse themselves in traditional Thai culture, ICONSIAM‘s Thaiconic Songkran Celebration 2025 brings the spirit of Songkran to life. Set against the stunning Chao Phraya River, visitors can experience The Legendary Festival of Water from April 10-16 at River Park.

The Songkran Pavilion invites guests to engage in cultural water play, preserving Songkran traditions while ensuring fun for all generations. The Legendary Radiance showcases dazzling Thai cultural displays, including traditional Songkran festivities and beauty pageants with exquisite Thai costumes. Visitors can also take part in the auspicious tradition of pouring water over Buddha statues, adding a spiritual touch to the celebrations.

For art lovers, The Golden Sand Art presents contemporary sand sculptures, blending tradition with modern creativity. Adding an energetic twist, The Global Rhythm Stage delivers an electrifying music festival with dynamic performances and entertainment.

Finally, for those seeking to elevate their summer shopping experience with unbeatable deals and promotions, Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok is the place to be this April. The outlet is beautifully adorned with vibrant Songkran-themed decorations, creating the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable memories. Additionally, exclusive offers on top international and luxury brands make it a dream destination for fashion lovers.

To top it all off, ONESIAM Global is offering exclusive tourist promotions from April 10-16, with incredible rewards across all five destinations. Apply for the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card to enjoy not only exclusive tourist privileges, promotions and services, but also exclusive summer deals. Shoppers who spend a minimum of 2,500 THB at Siam Center, Siam Discovery, or ICONSIAM will receive a 150 THB Siam Gift Card, while those spending 3,000 THB at Siam Paragon will receive a 200 THB Siam Gift Card. Additionally, shoppers who spend 20,000 THB will receive a specially designed waterproof bag, while those spending 8,000 THB will get a handy fan from April 12-16 at Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok.

To register for the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card, please visit https://app.onesiam.com/4h6O76y

To find out more about summer and Songkran celebrations, please visit https://tourist.onesiam.com/en/happening/7116/summersive/

Hashtag: #SiamPiwat #ONESIAM #SiamParagon #ICONSIAM #ONESIAMexperience #BestShoppingMallsinAsia #ShoppingMallsinBangkok #GlobalDestinations #ThailandRetail #GlobalRetail #RetailAsia #SiamDiscovery #SiamCenter #SiamPremiumOutletsBangkok #ICS #SummerBreak #SchoolBreak #SummerDestination #Bangkok #Thailand #SongkranFestival #Songkran

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

ONESIAM

ONESIAM is the ultimate guest experience program initiated by Siam Piwat – one of Asia’s leading luxury retail developer and operator – which aims to showcase a collective of extraordinary experiences across six world-class experiential destinations in the heart of Bangkok, namely Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM – the global landmark by the Chao Phraya River, ICS, Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok – the only premium luxury outlet in Thailand, as well as ONESIAM SuperApp – the smart digital platform. ONESIAM aims to share the breadth of the collective destinations while promising to amaze, inspire and revolutionize visitors through exceptional and enriching experiences, ultimately offering a comprehensive journey, unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Lao Restaurant Debuts on Asia’s 50 Best Extended List for First Time in History

Doi Ka Noi interior
Doi Ka Noi interior

On 12 March, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants announced the extended 51-100 list ahead of the live awards ceremony. Lao makes its mark with Doi Ka Noi, which is ranked 86 on the extended list, making it the first Lao restaurant to be featured in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Chef Ponpailin ‘Noi’ Kaewduangdy
Chef Ponpailin ‘Noi’ Kaewduangdee

Helmed by chef Ponpailin ‘Noi’ Kaewduangdee, the restaurant offers an evolving menu of regional Lao cuisine inspired by the chef’s childhood in a rural, off-grid farming community.

Ponpailin ‘Noi’ Kaewduangdee was born in 1980 in Pon Paeng village in central Laos. The second iteration of her restaurant, Doi Ka Noi, opened in 2016 and serves a small weekly changing menu of around ten dishes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. 

The focus is on regional, seasonal Lao cuisine, which includes dishes from the country’s ethnic groups. Many recipes and ingredients are seldom found elsewhere. Ingredients are bought in the local morning market, grown in the restaurant’s organic garden, or foraged. 

Noi is the first and currently only Lao member of the global food movement, Slow Food, and the restaurant is the first in Laos to appear on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants extended list.

Southern-style Mekong fish soup with paddy herb and pineapple
Southern-style Mekong fish soup with paddy herb and pineapple
Stir-friend weaver ant eggs with egg, chilli and garlic
Stir-friend weaver ant eggs with egg, chilli and garlic

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2025 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants will be revealed at the awards ceremony held on 25 March in Seoul, in collaboration with host destination partner Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

 

Visa offers seamless tap-to-ride experiences for Visa cardholders on Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1


HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2025 – Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, has continued its role as an Official Co-sponsor of the Inauguration Ceremony for Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien). As part of this initiative, Visa has launched a “tap-to-ride” solution at ticket gates, supporting contactless payments via globally issued cards, mobile devices, and wearables. Additionally, contactless payments are now available at ticket counters, and commuters can use the HCMC Metro HURC app for in-app payments. These enhancements will streamline the commuting experience, making it faster and easier for everyone, including tourists exploring the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City.

image-1.jpeg

The open-loop EMV tap-to-ride system is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. Within just eleven months, Visa’s network processed two billion tap-to-ride transactions globally, reflecting a 25% year-on-year increase[1]. This growth underscores the strong consumer preference for this convenient payment method, now available to commuters on HCMC Metro Line 1. With over 830 “Tap to Ride” projects globally[2], Visa is demonstrating its dedication to transforming urban mobility with simple, convenient, and secure digital payment solutions.

“Visa is committed to being an essential partner in enhancing Vietnam’s transit experience,” said Ms. Dung Dang, Visa Country Manager for Vietnam and Laos. “By introducing tap-to-ride technology on HCMC Metro Line 1, we are simplifying daily commutes, supporting Vietnam’s digital transformation, and improving passenger experiences. This initiative is in line with the government’s long-term plans to modernize urban mobility.”

Visa x HCMC Metro - Launch Announcement - Social KV - Mobile&Card

Globally, over 80% of Visa’s face-to-face transactions are conducted via tap-to-pay[3]. By the end of February 2025, over 76% of face-to-face transactions on Visa cards in Vietnam were contactless[4]. This shift to contactless payments will enhance travel efficiency, offering significant benefits for both operations and commuters.

With its extensive global experience in seamless and secure digital payments for urban transit systems, Visa is launching the “One Tap to Every Station. Go Metro – Tap Visa” initiative. This aims to revolutionize the commuting experience and promote sustainable mobility in Vietnam, aligning with the nation’s digital transformation and urban mobility modernization goals. Visa’s commitment to providing the best way to be paid is set to transform the way people travel, making daily commutes more convenient, seamless, and secure for everyone.


[1] VisaNet data from Oct 2022 – Sep 2023.

[2] Visa Central Project Reporting (CPR).

[3] VisaNet Oct 2022 – Sep 2023. The figure on contactless penetration excludes U.S. market.

[4] VisaNet data at the end of Feb 2025.

Hashtag: #Visa #HCMCMetroLine1



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

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at .

Lao Woman Shot Dead in Thailand Over Love Quarrel

Lao Woman Shot Dead in Thailand Over Love Quarrel
The karaoke bar where the incident took place (photo credit: Khaosod)

A 42-year-old Lao woman was shot and killed at a karaoke bar in Thailand’s Phatthalung Province, on 11 March at around 9:00 pm.

USPACE Partners with AICO to Launch 6,000-Satellite Constellation Plan

— Hybrid Constellation Focused on Direct Mobile-Satellite Connectivity to Empower “Belt and Road” Digital Future


HONG KONG SAR – EQS Newswire – 13 March 2025 – At the “100 Satellites” exhibition held in Hong Kong over March 10-12, USPACE announced the official signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with the Arab Information and Communication Organization (AICO) to jointly build a 6,000-satellite low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. The constellation will serve the Middle East and Africa, with its core architecture focusing on “communication + remote sensing + navigation enhancement.” This groundbreaking initiative will be the first large-scale commercial service to enable direct mobile-satellite connectivity. The goal is to bridge the digital divide in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries and build an integrated space-air-ground information network. This partnership marks a new chapter in the global competition for LEO satellite internet and is a critical milestone for USPACE’s deepening involvement in the international aerospace value chain, driving technological autonomy, artificial intelligence integration, and global expansion.

Intensifying Global Race for LEO Satellite Internet: Opportunities and Challenges Under Starlink’s Dominance
The global landscape for LEO satellite internet has evolved into a highly competitive “one leader, many strong challengers” model. SpaceX’s Starlink, with its ambitious plan of 42,000 satellites, its ability to launch frequently, and its existing 8,000-plus satellites in orbit, controls about 80% of the world’s LEO frequency and orbital resources. It now serves more than 4.6 million users, covering North America, Europe, Australia, and parts of the developing world. Its core advantages lie in low-cost manufacturing and reusable rocket technology, further reinforced by its military applications, notably in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

However, Starlink’s global expansion has also exposed several significant challenges:

  • Intensified resource monopoly: Under the International Telecommunication Union(ITO) ‘s “first-come, first-served” principle, LEO Ku/Ka frequency bands have largely been monopolized by Starlink and other Western companies such as OneWeb, leaving emerging countries struggling to access available frequencies.
  • Higher service cost: The cost of Starlink’s terminals exceeds $500, with a monthly fee of $99—far beyond the financial reach of developing regions like Africa and the Middle East.
  • Geopolitical risks: The military use of Starlink in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has sparked controversy, raising concerns about data sovereignty and network security in many countries.

Against this backdrop, the 6,000-satellite constellation built by USPACE and AICO seeks to differentiate itself by targeting specific market needs:

  • Filling coverage gaps: Within the Belt and Road framework, the trade scale of Africa and the Middle East continues to expand, increasing the demand for satellite communication and navigation services for aviation and maritime industries. USPACE is focusing on these regions, where Starlink’s penetration is low, digital infrastructure is weak, and populations are densely concentrated.
  • Integrated functional innovation: The constellation combines communication, real-time remote sensing, and navigation enhancement to address a diverse set of needs, including weather monitoring, AI-driven agricultural management, disaster early warning, marine resource exploration, and “mobile-satellite” 6G communications.
  • Cost advantage: By designing and manufacturing its own satellites, and employing advanced assembly and testing techniques, USPACE can lower the cost of “mobile-satellite” terminals and services, targeting fees that are less than one-third of Starlink’s costs.

Urgency and Strategic Value of Lunching Middle East and Africa Constellation
Africa and the Middle East represent some of the world’s most digitally underserved regions. According to the ITO, Africa’s internet penetration is under 40%, while parts of the Middle East struggle with geographical challenges like deserts and mountains, making ground-based networks difficult to deploy. At the same time, frequency resource competition is intensifying: national projects like the UAE’s Mars Mission “Hope Probe” and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are accelerating, but local satellite networks still rely heavily on Western companies, raising concerns about technological independence and data security.

Thus, the partnership between USPACE and AICO is a critical step toward overcoming these challenges:

  • Securing scarce frequency resources: USPACE’s constellation plans prioritize the Q/V frequency bands (30-50 GHz), leveraging China’s technological expertise and international coordination advantages to avoid the congested Ku/Ka bands.
  • Meeting regional development needs: Countries in Africa and the Middle East are pushing for economic diversification, such as Saudi Arabia’s NEOM smart city initiative, while Africa urgently requires digitalization in agriculture and disaster management. The hybrid constellation will provide real-time remote sensing data (with 1-meter resolution) and high-precision navigation services (with errors less than 0.5 meters), enabling smart cities, precision agriculture, and emergency response systems.
  • Strengthening BRI cooperation: Through joint operations, technology transfer, and local manufacturing (e.g., USPACE’s satellite centers in Thailand and Spain), this initiative will promote the export of aerospace standards and technologies, creating a shared space economy ecosystem.

Technological Autonomy and Cost Advantage: USPACE’s Core Competence
In the face of Starlink’s cost pressures, USPACE has made a disruptive breakthrough through “vertical integration + mass manufacturing”:

  • Designing 80% of satellite components in-house: By adopting modular platforms and 3D printing technology, USPACE has reduced the cost of core components such as phased array antennas and on-board processing units by 80%, cutting the cost of manufacturing each satellite by 80%, bringing the overall cost close to Starlink’s V2 Mini.
  • Innovative mobile-satellite direct connectivity technology: USPACE’s self-developed software-defined radio (SDR) payload supports 4G/5G protocol compatibility, allowing users to connect to satellite networks via ordinary smartphones without the need for specialized terminals. This significantly improves terminal compatibility compared to Starlink.
  • Smart manufacturing and reusable launch vehicles: With self-developed satellite design, assembly, integration, and testing capabilities, coupled with reusable rocket technology from the 8th Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (e.g. Upgraded Long March Series), USPACE aims to reduce launch costs by 50% compared to existing domestic costs.

Additionally, the constellation design highlights “Chinese wisdom”:

  • Hybrid orbit layering: Satellites in 550 km orbits will provide high-bandwidth communications, while those in 340 km very-low orbits will enable sub-second remote sensing responses.
  • Inter-satellite laser links: Using proprietary high-speed optical communication modules, each link can achieve data rates exceeding 10 Gbps, reducing reliance on ground-based communication stations.
  • AI-driven on-board processing: By utilizing edge computing to filter remote sensing data in real-time, the data transmission efficiency improves from 30% to 90%, optimizing bandwidth usage.

A 100-Billion-Dollar Market Vision: From Basic Connectivity to Ecosystem Empowerment
The 6,000-satellite constellation is projected to generate an annual market value of over $30 billion, with specific applications including:

  • Universal connectivity: Providing affordable broadband services for nearly 1 billion low-income individuals in Africa and the Middle East, with pricing as low as $3 per month. The initiative will also collaborate with local governments and public institutions to deliver digital public services such as education and healthcare.
  • Industry Digitalization:

Energy: Real-time monitoring of oil and gas pipelines in the Middle East, exploration of oil and gas reserves in the region, mineral resource surveying across Africa, and cutting existing pipeline operation and maintenance costs by 30%.

Agriculture: Using AI and remote sensing satellites to offer small-scale farmers in Africa smart crop management and pest prediction, boosting yields by 20%.

  • Emergency and Security: Developing a “12-minute response” disaster monitoring network, with centimeter-level positioning for maritime rescue.

In the future, USPACE plans to open its constellation APIs and make its satellite AI big data analysis models open-source, attracting developers globally to co-create satellite AI applications. By deeply integrating with 5G/6G networks, USPACE aims to achieve seamless space-air-ground integration and lead the LEO satellite communications revolution.
Hashtag: #USPACE

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

HL Assurance Becomes First in Singapore to Launch Core Travel Insurance Coverage Add-Ons

HL Assurance addresses key concerns for the modern traveller in their new combination of essential travel insurance add-ons.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2025 – Singaporeans can now travel with greater assurance. HL Assurance announces the launch of three essential travel insurance add-ons, enhancing its comprehensive travel protection suite.

HL Assurance Becomes First in Singapore to Launch Core Travel Insurance Coverage Add-Ons
HL Assurance Becomes First in Singapore to Launch Core Travel Insurance Coverage Add-Ons

Consisting of pre-existing medical conditions coverage, reduced flight delay payout time, and protection for loss of frequent flyer miles, HL Assurance strengthens its role as a leading voice in travel insurance, becoming the first insurance provider in Singapore to offer this essential combination of travel add-ons.

Addressing the Demand for Adaptive Travel Protection in a Post-Pandemic World

Changi Airport closed 2024 with 67.7 million passenger movements, nearing a full recovery from 2019 records. With travel resuming to pre-pandemic levels, unexpected flight delays, medical issues, and trip disruptions remain a concern. Notably, flight delays impacted 37 per cent of flights worldwide.

Moving away from a one-size-fits-all model, travellers now seek faster claims processing, flexible coverage, and relevant protection. Rising concerns include coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and protection for travel rewards.

“We believe that insurance should evolve with the needs of today’s travellers,” said HL Assurance CEO Kelvin Lim. “Our new travel add-ons are designed to address real concerns—whether it’s ensuring pre-existing medical conditions are covered, allowing earlier claims for flight delays, or protecting valuable travel rewards.”

Only Insurer in Singapore With All 3 Essential Add-Ons
Only Insurer in Singapore With All 3 Essential Add-Ons

How the New Add-Ons Work

The “Pre-existing medical conditions” add-on provides expanded protection for travellers with ongoing health issues, while the “Reduced flight delay payout time” add-on allows claims after just three hours of delay, down from the standard six.

Lastly, the “Loss of frequent flyer miles” add-on safeguards valuable travel rewards, ensuring that frequent flyers don’t lose accumulated miles due to cancellations.

Special Launch Benefits for Travelers

As part of the launch of these enhanced travel protection options, HL Assurance is offering travellers a series of exclusive benefits to provide added security on their journeys.

For a limited period, single-trip plans will be available at a reduced rate (up to 55 per cent), and returning customers can enjoy reduced premiums on future plans through their No Claim Discount (NCD) benefit.

Furthermore, travellers who purchase their Travel Protect360 plans from now until June 2025 may stand a chance to win complimentary flight tickets to a dream vacation of their choice.

Kelvin Lim believes that a customer-first approach has allowed them to address long-standing customer concerns. “This is part of our commitment to transforming the travel insurance experience—making it more flexible, relevant, and seamless for every journey,” said Lim.

HL Assurance’s new travel insurance add-ons will be available from 13 March 2025, as part of their Travel Protect360 plans. Visit the HL Assurance website or contact your authorised agent for a consultation.
Hashtag: #HLAssurance



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

HL Assurance

HL Assurance Singapore is a trusted provider of comprehensive general insurance solutions, offering reliable protection for individuals and businesses. As part of the Hong Leong Group, the company provides innovative, customer-first insurance with flexible coverage and seamless digital experiences. Its portfolio includes travel, home, maid, motor, and business insurance, offering simple, accessible, and hassle-free protection for every need.

Learn more at