HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2024 – TUMI, the leading international travel and lifestyle brand has appointed Aris Maroulis as the new Vice President for Asia-Pacific and Middle East, with immediate effect. Based in Hong Kong, Maroulis will be responsible for building the brand, overseeing operations, and managing overall business in the region. Maroulis will report directly to Subrata Dutta, President – Asia-Pacific and Middle East, Samsonite.

“We are delighted to welcome Aris to TUMI at this exciting time for the brand in the region. He has extensive luxury retail experience on both the brand and commercial real estate sides,” said Subrata Dutta. “Aris is a proven leader who will focus on identifying new opportunities for TUMI and continue to provide world-class customer experience through every brand touchpoint”.

Maroulis has 25 years of experience in Asia, Europe and the US with the last 15 years focused on Asia. Before joining TUMI, he held the title of Director – China Business Operation, Asset Management for Hang Lung Properties for four years, overseeing a portfolio of luxury shopping malls in mainland China. Prior to that, Maroulis was the Managing Director for Montblanc China, based in Shanghai, where he had overall responsibility for the China market.

“I have followed TUMI closely for many years, both as a customer and as a luxury brand and business strategist. I have been continuously impressed by the brand’s innovation, meticulous design, unparalleled performance, and customer-first approach. I am delighted to join this dynamic team and lead the brand’s growth in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East,” said Aris Maroulis.

Maroulis earned an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is multilingual and fluent in Greek, English and French, with business proficiency in Mandarin.

Hashtag: #TUMI

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

About TUMI

Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions.

For more about TUMI, visit TUMI.com. TUMI and TUMI logo are registered trademarks of Tumi, Inc. © 2024 Tumi, Inc.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2024 – Prudential plc (“Prudential”; HKEX: 2378; LSE: PRU) today announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Performance highlights on a constant (and actual) exchange rate basis

• New business profit up 45 per cent (43 per cent) to $3,125 million. Excluding the effect of interest rate and other economic movements, new business profit up 47 per cent (45 per cent)
• Operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management business of $2,740 million (2022: $2,725 million ($2,760 million))
• Adjusted operating profit up 8 per cent (6 per cent) to $2,893 million
• EEV shareholders’ equity is up 7 per cent to $45.3 billion, equivalent to 1,643 cents per share, on an AER basis.
• GWS shareholder capital surplus over GPCR of $16.1 billion, equivalent to a cover ratio of 295 per cent (31 December 2022: 307 per cent)
• Second interim dividend of 14.21 cents per share, 20.47 cents per share for the full year, up 9 per cent

Commenting on the Results, CEO Anil Wadhwani, said: “These are a very strong set of results while operating in a challenging macro environment, with new business profit up 45 per cent driven by a relentless focus on execution in our markets in Asia and Africa. It is also an illustration of the strength of both our agency and bancassurance distribution channels as well as an affirmation of our leadership position in many key markets.

“It has been six months since the launch of our new strategy and it’s highly encouraging to see the early progress on our strategic objectives of improving our customer experience, driving technology powered distribution and transforming our business model in Health. We have on-boarded senior leadership talent in Health, Technology and added to our talent in our key markets as we continue to strengthen our capabilities in line with our strategic priorities.

“We delivered an excellent financial and operational performance in 2023 and deployed increased levels of capital in new business, enhancing core capabilities and expanding distribution. Sales growth has continued in the first two months of 2024. Given the relentless execution focus in implementing our strategy, we are increasingly confident in achieving our 2027 financial and strategic objectives and in accelerating value creation for our shareholders.”

Summary financials	2023 $m	2022 $m	Change on AER basis	Change on CER basis
New business profit	3,125	2,184	43%	45%
Operating free surplus generated	2,007	2,193	(8)%	(8)%
Operating free surplus generated from in-force insurance and asset management business	2,740	2,760	(1)%	1%
Adjusted operating profit	2,893	2,722	6%	8%
IFRS profit (loss) after tax	1,712	(997)	n/a	n/a
	31 Dec 2023		31 Dec 2022
	Total	Per share	Total	Per share
EEV shareholders’ equity	$45.3bn	1,643¢	$42.2bn	1,534¢
IFRS shareholders’ equity	$17.8bn	647¢	$16.7bn	608¢
Adjusted IFRS shareholders equity	$37.3bn	1,356¢	$35.2bn	1,280¢

Notes
The summary financials presented above are the key financial metrics Prudential’s management use to assess and manage the performance and position of the business. In addition to the metrics prepared in accordance with IFRS standards – IFRS profit after tax and IFRS shareholders’ equity – additional metrics are prepared on alternative bases. The presentation of these key metrics is not intended to be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS Standards. The definitions of the key metrics we use to discuss our performance in this press release are set out in the “Definition of performance metrics” section later in this document, including, where relevant, references to where these metrics are reconciled to the most directly comparable IFRS measure.

Further information on actual and constant exchange rate bases is set out in note A1 of the IFRS financial statement. All results are presented in US dollars.

IFRS Comparatives for 2022 have been restated to reflect the retrospective application of IFRS 17. See note A2.1 to the financial statements for further information and reconciliation.

Hashtag: #Prudentialplc

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

About Prudential plc

Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.

https://www.prudentialplc.com/

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2024 – Aviation Concepts Technical Services Incorporated (ACTSI), is pleased to announce it has recently completed and obtained FAA approval for Wheel and Tire Shop Services (WTSS) under its current Limited Accessory Rating.

WTSS offers tire change, tear down and build up with NDT (as required) on 19 different wheel assembly part numbers ranging from Gulfstream models G280, GIV-X (G350/G450), GV-SP (G550), G650/G650ER, Textron Beechcraft King Air B200 / B300 models, and Bombardier Global XRS and Global 7500.

With safety and quality always at the forefront, ACTSI remains committed to pushing the boundaries through unparalleled customer service and experience.

The WTSS compliments ACTSI’s current component support services such as their Sheet Metal Repair Shop and Battery Repair Shop (NiCad and Sealed Lead Acid Battery (SLAB)).

“We are in constant pursuit of redefining MRO standards in the region and adding the Wheel and Tire shop to our suite of support services helps bolster our existing repair station services. This in turn helps solidify ACTSI’s reputation as a key player in the MRO sector in Asia.” commented Mr. TJ Trinidad, Vice President – Business Development at ACTSI.

Hashtag: #ACTSI

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

About ACTSI

Established in 2010, Aviation Concepts Technical Services Inc. (ACTSI) was acquired by Razon & Co. in 2018 and based in Subic Bay, Philippines. ACTSI is dedicated to providing quality services for corporate jets in Asia-Pacific including maintenance, repair, and overhaul services and hangar parking. ACTSI is an FAA 145 Repair Station with other approvals such as Cayman AMO, Bermuda AMO, San Marino, and Philippines CAAP AMO for products such as Gulfstream G280, GIV-X (G350/G450), GV-SP (G550), G650/G650ER, Textron Beechcraft King Air B200 / B300 models, and Bombardier Global XRS and Global 7500.

Students, educators, and content creators to learn onboard OceanXplorer and beyond

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2024 – OceanX Education, an initiative of Dalio Philanthropies to develop the next generation of ocean leaders, will pilot three weeks of educational programming in March, reaching nearly 400 youth and educators in Singapore for the first time. The goal of the initiative is to provide next-gen ocean leaders with hands-on learning experiences on board the OceanXplorer, the most advanced exploration, scientific research, and media production vessel ever built.

Pilot programming will include a hybrid version of OceanX Education’s flagship Young Explorers Program, educator experiences, immersion experiences, and ship tours. Through workshops, hands-on activities, and science communication projects, participants will gain experience with and understanding of ocean science, maritime operations, media and storytelling, and science communications.

“OceanX Education is designed to inspire the next generation of ocean explorers, problem solvers, advocates, and storytellers by increasing young people’s opportunities to learn about and engage with the ocean,” said Mark Dalio, founder and co-CEO of OceanX. “We’re thrilled to partner with these organisations to bring the OceanXplorer ship to students and educators here in Singapore, giving them a rare behind-the-scenes chance to understand deep sea exploration. We hope this is just the beginning of engaging with and serving the young people in Southeast Asia.”

OceanX Education is partnering with Conservation International Singapore, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum at the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Temasek Foundation, and World Wide Fund for Nature – Singapore to bring its pilot programs to Singapore’s education community. This partnership with local educational leaders enables OceanX Education to teach and learn from an engaged and diverse group of future ocean leaders.

Hashtag: #oceanx #oceanxeducation

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

About OceanX

OceanX is a mission to support scientists to explore the ocean and to bring it back to the world through captivating media. Uniting leading media, science, and philanthropy partners, OceanX utilizes next-gen technology, fearless science, compelling storytelling, and immersive experiences to educate, inspire, and connect the world with the ocean and build a global community deeply engaged with understanding, enjoying, and protecting our oceans. OceanX is an operating program of Dalio Philanthropies, which furthers the diverse philanthropic interests of Dalio family members. For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

About Dalio Philanthropies

Founded by the Dalio family in 2003, Dalio Philanthropies focuses on creating equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and technology access, with strong commitments to fostering local and global community and exploring and protecting the Earth’s oceans. We operate three primary programs in the areas of education (Dalio Education), ocean exploration and protection (OceanX), and digital access (Endless Network). We also support organizations in a number of other focus areas to help catalyse positive change around the world. Since the inception of Dalio Philanthropies, the family has provided over $6 billion in support of its mission. To learn more about Dalio Philanthropies’ operating programs and key focus areas, visit www.daliophilanthropies.org.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2024 – The Flexi Group, one of the largest providers of flexible workspaces in Asia Pacific and Australia, is expanding its Common Ground brand in Bangkok, Thailand in a partnership agreement with Capstone Asset Company Ltd. With a total of five locations in Thailand and 44 across the region, The Flexi Group continues to pioneer flexible workspace expansion via its asset-light approach.

Common Ground Ploenchit will be spread over two floors in the new mixed-use development ‘Canvas Ploenchit’ and is set to open in April 2024. It will be home to over 400 members, and offer a variety of flexible workspace solutions such as 44 private offices for companies of 3 – 20 employees, 5 meeting rooms, and stunning communal areas that will provide SME’s, startups, and freelancers with the perfect space for both connection and efficiency.

The Flexi Group Chief Executive Officer, Chris Edwards shared “I’m excited that The Flexi Group is expanding yet again in Bangkok with our third beautifully designed Common Ground location in the city, and fifth across all of our brands. This growth demonstrates the continued demand for flexible, collaborative workspaces in this fantastic market. Our newest location builds on the vibrant communities established at Common Ground’s two other Bangkok hubs in Central World and G Tower. With experienced landlord partners such as Capstone Asset, the continued expansion of our dynamic flexible workspace ecosystem across Bangkok’s commercial landscape enables the city’s talented workers, creators, and business builders to thrive.”

Canvas Ploenchit, developed by Capstone Asset, is set in a prime location directly across from Central Embassy, and within a short walking distance of both Ploen Chit BTS and Chit Lom BTS stations. It will house both Common Ground as its flexible workspace provider, and lifestyle retail businesses such as Jetts Fitness, Stolen Stores Experiential Fashion Showroom, Thonglor Dental Hospital, the first Thai outlet of a global food and beverage brand, and other new concepts due to be announced in the near future.

Capstone Asset Managing Partner and Executive Director, Titiwat Kuvijitsuwan, remarked “We are looking forward to working with a knowledgable and experienced operator like The Flexi Group, as their commitment demonstrates confidence in the strength of our location and the design of our project. Our vision behind Canvas Ploenchit is to help reshape the future of work and leisure in the very heart of Bangkok, with partners curated to foster collaboration, ideation, and innovation. Common Ground is at the core of this given its matching philosophy around empowerment and transformative business culture. We are very proud to be a part of this partnership and firmly believe in the synergy it will bring.”

Common Ground Thailand is a joint venture between The Flexi Group and Central Pattana, the largest real estate developer listed on Thailand’s SET Index.

Hashtag: #TheFlexiGroup

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

About The Flexi Group

Founded in 2022, The Flexi Group is a rapidly expanding collection of leading Flexible Workspace operators in Asia. Spread across 44 locations in 11 cities, and with over 25 years of experience designing, operating, and scaling workspaces, we are one of the region’s largest operators.

Please visit https://www.theflexigroup.com for more information.

About Capstone Asset

Capstone Asset is a developer and investor dedicated to enriching communities through lifestyle-led investments in residential, commercial, and hospitality real estate. The team has developed projects with a total value of over THB 13 billion, including Tonson ONe Residence, the Kimpton Kitalay Samui Hotel (managed by Intercontinental Hotel Group), and the Quarter Collection of luxury urban villas.

Please visit http://capstone-asset.com for more information.

About Central Pattana

Central Pattana is part of Central Group and is the largest real estate developer listed in Thailand’s SET Index. Central Pattana’s core businesses comprise 40 shopping centers and mixed-use development projects, 10 office buildings, 9 hotels, and 33 residential projects. Over the course of more than 40 years, the company has continuously expanded its business. Adhering to the vision of “Imagining better futures for all,” Central Pattana has not only strengthened its position in the shopping center business but has also comprehensively addressed people’s lifestyles in a 360-degree manner-integrating Shop, Eat, Work, Play, Stay, and Live. Additionally, this commitment extends to fostering connections and enhancement with business partners, people, communities, society, and the environment.

Please visit https://www.centralpattana.co.th for more information.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2024 – Chubb, a world leader in insurance, and Atome, one of Southeast Asia’s leading digital financial services platforms, today announced a regional partnership to help drive consumer protection across Southeast Asia. The partnership will enable both companies to co-create a range of insurance products available to Atome’s customers in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

The first insurance product, Bill Secure, is available in Singapore and will be rolled out in Malaysia later this month. Targeted at consumers using buy now, pay later services, Bill Secure covers up to five times the transaction amount of the purchase price in the event of permanent disability or accidental death. The claims payout enables the insured or their next-of-kin to settle the payment of the purchased item while the remaining balance goes to the insured or their estate.

Ben Howell, Regional Head of Consumer for Asia Pacific, Chubb, said, “Chubb is committed to broadening consumer protection by introducing relevant, convenient and affordable insurance solutions digitally that protect consumers and their livelihoods. With Atome, we are leveraging technology to enable individuals and their families in Southeast Asia to access essential protection, helping to narrow the insurance protection gap in Southeast Asia.”

Bernard Chan, Chief Operating Officer, Atome, said, “Atome started as a buy now, pay later and embedded financing platform. Today, we have grown to become a digital financial services platform that also includes insurance, cards and lending in various markets. Whether it’s embedded financing, or now embedded insurance, our goal is to empower our millions of users by offering tailored products as they journey through different life stages, leveraging our unique expertise in risk-managed credit and responsible financing. Our shared approach with Chubb is another example of our commitment to enhance the overall financial well-being of our customers, and our overall mission of increasing digital and financial inclusion through technology.”

Atome and Chubb will launch a second insurance product, Shopping Secure, in the second quarter of this year.

Hashtag: #Chubb

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

About Chubb

Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 40,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

About Atome

Atome is one of Southeast Asia’s leading digital financial services platforms. Started in late 2019, Atome has evolved from a buy now pay later and embedded financing platform into a comprehensive provider of digital financial services that includes insurance, cards and loans in various markets. Leveraging its unique expertise in risk-managed credit and responsible financing, Atome is committed to enhancing digital and financial inclusion through technology. Atome is part of Singapore-headquartered Advance Intelligence Group, an AI-driven technology company that consists of an ecosystem of AI-powered, credit-enabled products and services that includes consumer financing, digital identity verification and risk management, as well as enterprise resource planning software.