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Global Times: Observing China’s He Culture through the lens of Spring Festival

BEIJING, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Qingcheng Palace complex at the Xiannongtan Temple, a gem along Beijing Central Axis, is the first ancient palace complex that was revitalized and unveiled after the Beijing Central Axis was successfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List last year.

During the Spring Festival holidays, both domestic and international tourists flocked to this site to pray for blessings, wishing for “family harmony,” “bountiful harvests,” and “good things in succession.”

Praying for blessings is one of the key themes of the social practices of Chinese people celebrating the Chinese New Year.

The Spring Festival is rich in soul due to the inheritance of tradition, and vibrant with life through adaptation to the times. Over thousands of years, despite its ever-changing forms and profound content, the core themes of reunion, welcoming the new year and praying for blessings have remained unchanged, becoming an enduring cultural bond and spiritual totem for the Chinese people throughout history.

Reunion means peace and harmony, joy and auspiciousness.

Welcoming the new year means renewal and vitality, endless vitality.

Praying for blessings means happiness, health and everything going smoothly.

At the heart of these basic elements lies the value core of He culture.

Chinese culture values justice, harmony and solidarity. The value concept of “He” is deeply embedded in the spirit of the Chinese people, influencing their thoughts, ideas and behaviors. As China’s most important traditional holiday, the Spring Festival is a key carrier for He culture.

In his important speech at a high-level reception to ring in the Chinese New Year, Chinese President Xi Jinping touched upon reunion, hard work and a better life, these are the key words of wishes and expectations.

In 2024, the Spring Festival was successfully inscribed to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and nearly 20 countries have established the Chinese New Year as an official public holiday. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s population celebrates this festival in different ways. The global “fandom” of the Spring Festival reflects the widespread recognition of He culture.

Through the Spring Festival, we can more deeply appreciate that the concept of “He” has a silent but powerful force that transcends hearts, surpasses nature, crosses borders and offers us new insights.

In terms of relationships between people and families, the Spring Festival emphasizes “harmony brings good fortune”

“A family is the smallest unit of a nation while a nation is a myriad of families put together.” Without national prosperity and development, there can be no happy and harmonious families; without the happiness of millions of families, there can be no national prosperity and development. Chinese modernization is the modernization of common prosperity for all, which ultimately concerns every family.

President Xi emphasized that respect for the elderly and caring for the young, a marriage comprising a virtuous wife and a hardworking husband, a kind mother with filial children, brotherly harmony, equal emphasis on work and study, frugality, knowledge and respect, observing disciplines and obeying laws as well as family harmony leading to prosperity – these traditional virtues of the Chinese family are deeply ingrained in the Chinese people’s hearts and blood. They are the important spiritual forces that support the vitality and continuity of the Chinese nation.

For the Chinese people, family is the place where dreams begin and also the home of the soul.

Therefore, reunion is the eternal theme of the Spring Festival. The wish for family reunion reflects the spiritual pursuit of “Hehe.” The fact that “reunion is happiness and unity is strength” has become a common emotional expression for the Chinese people.

From Xiamen in Fujian Province to Lanzhou in Gansu Province, spanning over 2,700 kilometers and taking 29 hours, migrant worker Chai Shunyao returned home. After nearly 21 hours on the road, Wang Chunxi, over 60 years old, and his wife traveled from their hometown in Changchun, Jilin Province, to Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, to reunite with their daughter – a kind of “reverse reunions”…

No matter the long distances or exhausting travel, the promise of “coming back for the Spring Festival” and the belief that whether rich or poor, one must return home for the Spring Festival have made the Spring Festival travel rush the “largest population migration in the world,” becoming a cultural phenomenon. According to the US website “Travel and Tour World,” “this year’s Spring Festival reflects not just the scale of human movement but also the resilience and optimism of a nation prioritizing connection and cultural celebration.”

The family is the cell of society. When the family is harmonious, society is stable; when the family is happy, society is peaceful; when the family is civilized, society is civilized.

The story of harmony and courtesy in the Liuchixiang, an ancient alley in Tongcheng, Anhui Province, between family and neighbors has been passed down to this day. Following this traditional cultural concept, and integrating it with harmonious justice ideas, Tongcheng developed the “Liuchixiang Work Method in New Era,” which effectively mediates conflicts and promotes social governance.

Many local communities and neighborhoods have established platforms for consultation and mediation, such as “people’s corner” and “neighbor mediation rooms,” promoting the approach that small matters stay within the community, major matters stay within the street, and conflicts don’t get escalated.

The Chinese people practice “filial piety at home and loyalty to the country.” Understanding the “family” of the Chinese people is key to understanding the Chinese people’s view of “nation.”

The peaceful and tranquil scenes of countless homes, the serenity of everyday life, and the quiet passage of time are made possible because there are always those who diligently stand guard and bear the weight of responsibility, moving forward despite the burdens they carry.

Whether during the Spring Festival or other holidays, from taxi drivers and couriers to doctors and police, countless people silently persevere in ordinary positions, demonstrating a noble sense of devotion to both their families and the nation.

Connecting love for the family with love for the country, blending the dream of family with the Chinese Dream, uniting as one, harmonizing as a community, the wisdom and passion of 1.4 billion people and more than 400 million families form the immense strength that advances Chinese modernization.

In terms of the relations between humans and nature, the Spring Festival emphasizes that when harmony is achieved, all things can grow and develop

Complying with the laws, respecting nature, holding heaven in high regard and obeying the times, the culture embedded in the Spring Festival contains the ecological concept of the unity of nature and humans, and the coexistence of all things. Respecting nature, complying with nature, protecting nature, and promoting the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature are the distinctive features of Chinese modernization.

The ordinary people have a happy holiday, which heralds a good start to the year. In this happiness and beginning, people live in harmony with themselves, with their families and with nature. People work dedicatedly over and over again, and continue to innovate while learning the old and incorporating the new.

The Chinese dictionary Shuowen Jiezi explains, “The year is when the grains are ripe.” The Spring Festival is a festival built on farming civilization and embodies the rhythm of agricultural production.

February 3 this year is the Start of Spring. The 24 solar terms, headed by the Start of Spring, are a knowledge system formed by ancient Chinese people who grasped the laws of nature. They are the fruit of the wisdom of production and life in ancient farming societies.

Bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new is a social practice in which people respect the laws of life on the basis of grasping the laws of nature. After a year of hard work and busy struggling, people can relax and exchange emotions during the Spring Festival, and at the same time accumulate energy for a new beginning, replenish spirits and become even more motivated.

The folk proverb “A year’s plan starts with spring” precisely guides people to place their expectation of the progression of seasons and a bumper grain harvest on hard agricultural work and life struggling after nurturing their energy and resources.

Today, natural time, social time and humanistic time are integrated into one. Humans and nature are interdependent and live in harmony. The space for high-quality development continues to expand through people’s struggle and innovation. This year’s Spring Festival has become a vivid display platform and a subject of story-telling.

New consumption shows that supply-side reforms have given rise to new demands, from the disfavored over-packaged gift bags and the popularity of environmentally friendly fireworks, to the significant year-on-year sales increase of various culturally creative New Year goods like bracelets and refrigerator magnets. Additionally, creativity and technology are empowering blockbuster films for the Spring Festival, winning positive audience reviews. The acceleration of the deep integration of “culture+creativity” and “culture+technology” are forming new growth points.

New trends reflect the strong pulse of new quality productive forces. The human-robot collaborative performances such as Yangge folk dance, digital twins and “bullet time” on the Spring Festival gala brought people a feast of culture and technology. When climbing Mount Tai, people can choose an exoskeleton robot for assistance. It uses advanced ergonomic design and core technologies such as power, electronics and artificial intelligence algorithms to sense every movement trend of the wearer’s legs, helping tourists have an even more enjoyable climbing experience.

The new ecology demonstrates the practical power of new development concepts. Lanterns are lit up like daylight, fireworks are bright and people are everywhere – during the Spring Festival in Nianhua Bay in Wuxi, East China’s Jiangsu Province, the drones and fireworks displays are breathtaking, and related videos have become popular on overseas social platforms. More than 10 years ago, rivers here were silted up and mines were exposed, bringing pollution to Taihu Lake. Implementing “treating the Taihu Lake and preserving the resources” and improving the ecological environment, Nianhua Bay has changed tremendously by embarking on a path of win-win for the environment and economy and coexistence of ecological beauty and people’s prosperity, becoming a vivid portrayal of “Lucid waters and lush mountains are as valuable as gold and silver.”

In today’s China, the path of civilized development featuring development of production, prosperity of life and good ecology is constantly being consolidated. By accelerating the formation of green production methods and lifestyles, thousands of miles of rivers and mountains will become more colorful, and Chinese modernization will embrace greater potential and stamina.

The Spring Festival emphasizes “harmony and symbiosis” in terms of the relationship between people and the world

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed in his new year’s message that “the snake symbolizes wisdom, resilience and renewal” and proposed that “in these trying times, let us be guided by these qualities and renew our commitment to peace, equality and justice.”

Chinese modernization is a modernization that follows the path of peaceful development. Chinese civilization inherits the philosophy of peace and harmony. China has no genes for foreign aggression and expansion. It is the only major country that has written peaceful development into the Constitution of the country and the Constitution of the governing party, thus making peaceful development a commitment of the nation.

China has put into practice the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, provided new opportunities for world development with new achievements in Chinese modernization, and worked with all parties to promote peaceful development, win-win cooperation and common prosperity.

In a world facing more divisions and turbulence, people are more eager for the happiness of a festival than ever before in history – the light of peace, the dream of reunion and the way home. The Spring Festival fits the universal aspirations of people of all countries for peace, development and stability, resonating with the world.

Eric Solheim, former under-secretary-general of the United Nations, believes that “Hehe culture is a ‘powerful antidote’ to conflict and division.” The Spring Festival, a time when everything is renewed, can also become a “singularity moment” for human beings to bid farewell to the past and walk side by side.

The article was first published in People’s Daily.

Channel Factory partners with Dentsu Japan International Brands to drive unmatched media efficiency for YouTube campaign

SINGAPORE, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dentsu Japan International Brands Inc. (DJIB), the leading agency in the Japanese advertising market, has partnered with Channel Factory, a specialist in contextual targeting and media optimization on YouTube, to provide brands with more effective and privacy-conscious ways to engage their audiences.

This collaboration reflects DJIB’s commitment to driving innovation in the industry while meeting the evolving expectations of both consumers and regulators.

As a YouTube Measurement Program (YTMP) partner, Channel Factory brings unique access to YouTube’s performance data, allowing for the analysis and categorization of videos at scale, covering 90 trillion views. By leveraging this deep understanding of digital video, DJIB’s clients will be able to create impactful, data-driven campaigns that ensure their ads reach the most relevant audiences and ensure the media efficiency.

Combined with Channel Factory’s cutting-edge, cookie-free solutions, these insights deliver an average of +17% incremental ROI and +9% lift in purchase intent—unlocking new potential for client success.

DJIB views this partnership as a meaningful step forward, combining its extensive local market expertise with Channel Factory’s advanced tools to provide clients with campaigns that balance performance with privacy. Together, they aim to support brands in crafting strategies that achieve measurable results and resonate authentically with audiences in today’s complex digital landscape.

This collaboration highlightDJIB’s desire to lead by example, fostering innovation and sustainability in advertising practices that align with the industry’s future.

Robin Zieme, Chief Growth Officer at Channel Factory, commented, “Partnering with DJIB is a landmark moment for Channel Factory, where we’ll bring our expertise in YouTube optimization to their global client base. Together, we’ll ensure that every campaign not only achieves superior performance but also maximises efficiency. Our contextual targeting and media optimisation, coupled with DJIB’s strategic approach, will deliver measurable results for brands across global key markets.”

Takaya Hoshi, Chief  Strategy Officer at Dentsu Japan International Brands, commented, “At DJIB, we are always seeking ways to deliver more value to our clients. This partnership with Channel Factory allows us to understand digital video better than anyone else and elevate media strategies on YouTube by combining precision targeting with campaign efficiency. As the industry is constantly evolving, it’s crucial we continue to offer state-of-the-art solutions that exceed our client’s objectives.”

About Channel Factory

Channel Factory is a global technology and data platform that maximises both performance efficiency and contextual suitability, turning YouTube’s 5 billion videos and 500 hours per minute of new content into brand-suitable, efficient advertising opportunities. Channel Factory’s mission is to create a suitable video ecosystem that connects creators, brands, and consumers – by enabling advertisers access to the most relevant videos, channels, and creators.

Through its proprietary platform that harnesses the power of the deepest YouTube dataset in the industry, Channel Factory has enabled advanced brand suitability, customised content targeting, and maximum performance for the world’s biggest brands. Channel Factory’s algorithm ensures not only that advertisers run against content that aligns with their brand but also delivers outcomes by optimising campaigns using active and historical campaign performance data.

About Dentsu International Brands

Dentsu Japan International Brands (DJIB) in collaboration with dentsu’s global network of over 145 countries and territories around the world, provides integrated marketing services of a consistent global standard to national and international clients. At the core of DJIB’s offerings are four leading brands – ‘Carat Japan’ designs strategic communications; ‘iProspect Japan‘ specialises in integrated digital solutions for performance and brand marketing; ‘dentsu X Japan’ provides comprehensive planning for creativity, technology, and strategy; as well as ‘Dentsu International Japan Office’ utilises proprietary data and tools for brand building. Together, these brands drive DJIB’s business forward, offering diverse expertise to address a wide variety of business challenges. By leveraging dentsu group’s extensive talent pool and cutting-edge technology resources, DJIB unites over 250 seasoned professionals with varied backgrounds to tackle the evolving needs of its clients. Our mission is to be an unparalleled, one-of-a-kind entity that thrives in an ever-changing society.

Aon Names Terence Williams Head of Commercial Risk Solutions for Asia Pacific


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced the appointment of Terence Williams as head of Commercial Risk Solutions for Asia Pacific, effective April 2025.

Terence Williams
Terence Williams

Williams will be based in Singapore and report to Joe Peiser, global CEO of Commercial Risk Solutions and Anne Corona, CEO of Asia Pacific. He will also join Aon’s Asia Pacific Executive Committee and Global Commercial Risk Leadership Team.

In this role, Williams will lead Aon’s commercial risk strategies and capability across the region to deliver differentiated risk solutions to help address evolving client risks.

Peiser said, “The risk landscape continues to become increasingly more connected and complex. Terence has the experience and strategic vision to further enhance our risk capabilities and drive innovative solutions to help shape better business decisions for clients in the region.”

Williams brings significant leadership and insurance expertise from his career spanning over two decades with Aon, most recently serving as chief broking officer for the EMEA region based in London. He previously held several senior roles at Aon including CEO, South Africa, chief broking officer, Sub Sahara Africa, and head of casualty, UK.

Corona added, “We are thrilled to welcome Terence to the Asia Pacific region. Terence is a proven people leader with the ability to develop talent and build high-performing teams. His leadership and industry acumen will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.”

Read more about Aon’s capabilities in Asia Pacific here.Hashtag: #Aon

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

About Aon

(NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

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Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

Small Chinese city reaps global success with sunflowers


HOHHOT, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – At 57, Wang Fei is hailed as the “King of Sunflower Seeds” in his hometown of Bayannur, in northern China.

A farmer drives a harvester to harvest sunflower seeds in a field in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
A farmer drives a harvester to harvest sunflower seeds in a field in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

The title reflects not only his passion for the crunchy snack but also his remarkable achievement in transforming locally grown sunflower kernels into a global commodity, with markets spanning the Republic of Korea, Egypt and Germany.

If you enjoy eating sunflower seeds, there’s a good chance they originated from the saline-alkali fields of Bayannur – China’s largest base for edible sunflower production. In 2024 alone, the region produced more than 940,000 tonnes of sunflowers, with exports spanning over 40 countries and regions.

Wang is one of the local farmers who have leveraged the booming sunflower industry to become a successful entrepreneur.

BOOMING INDUSTRY, CHALLENGING LAND

Located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Bayannur was once burdened by nearly 4.8 million mu (320,000 hectares) of saline-alkali land, where traditional crops like wheat and corn struggled to grow.

The introduction of sunflowers in the 1970s marked a turning point for the city with a permanent population of 1.5 million.

With its distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, vast plains and ample water resources, Bayannur offered an environment strikingly similar to the sunflower’s native habitat in North America, making it an ideal setting for this resilient crop, according to Zhang Ruhong, vice mayor of Bayannur.

In the 1980s, Wang began cultivating sunflowers on his family’s saline-alkali land. “They are resistant to salt and alkali, drought-tolerant and easy to grow,” he said.

By 2024, Bayannur had expanded its sunflower planting area to 4.4 million mu, nearly half of the country’s total. The city’s sunflower industry has flourished into a comprehensive value chain, encompassing seed sales, cultivation, processing, exports, e-commerce logistics and even tourism.

Sunflowers are the world’s fourth-largest oilseed crop, following soybeans, rapeseed and peanuts, said Zhang Haiyang, an oilseed industry expert.

He noted that sunflowers have gained prominence as a key specialty oilseed crop in China, particularly in northern regions, thanks to their high nutritional and aesthetic value.

The sunflower seed market was valued at 32.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 9.4 percent between 2024 and 2032, according to Global Market Insights, a market research and management consulting firm.

To take Bayannur’s sunflower industry to new heights, local agricultural scientists have successfully introduced high-quality seed varieties, including SH361 and SH363, as well as a resistant strain specially designed to combat broomrape, a parasitic plant that has long plagued sunflower production globally.

TINY SEEDS, BIG JOURNEY

In the run-up to the Spring Festival, the factories of Bayannur buzzed with activity as machines roared and workers hustled to sort sunflower seeds for export.

“We were extremely busy before the holiday, as we wanted to complete and ship all orders abroad,” said Zhao Lei, general manager of Bayannur Rong Da Co., Ltd. “Our sunflower seeds have seen strong overseas demand last year, with exports reaching 35,000 tonnes.”

Across China, many regions have cultivated industries tailored to their unique local conditions. For instance, oranges from Ganzhou in Jiangxi Province and strawberries from Dandong in Liaoning Province have become key drivers of social and economic development.

Bayannur has also leveraged its local strengths, establishing 120 leading sunflower processing enterprises to seize market opportunities.

Wang Fei, who began trading sunflower seeds domestically in 1987, ventured into the international market in 2012. Last year, his company, Mintai Agricultural Trading Co., Ltd., recorded operating revenues exceeding 700 million yuan (about 97.63 million U.S. dollars), with exports making up the bulk.

“In China, people love eating sunflower seeds during festivals. Foreigners share this habit as well. Holidays like Christmas mark our peak export seasons,” Wang said, adding that the holiday economy strongly stimulates consumption.

Bayannur’s sunflower seeds and kernel products now reach over 40 countries and regions in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe, generating an annual export value of 4.2 billion yuan — 64 percent of the city’s total agricultural exports.

These achievements are underpinned by strong policy support. Over the past two years, Bayannur has implemented innovative strategies to promote exports, such as fostering leading companies to establish overseas warehouses, advancing cross-border e-commerce, and streamlining customs clearance processes.

Challenges like rising shipping costs, exacerbated by the Red Sea crisis, have also driven adaptability. Last year, Wang began shifting some shipments from sea to land transport, exporting sunflower seeds to Europe via China-Europe freight trains, significantly reducing costs.

“My goal this year is to expand my sunflower seed exports into the Spanish market,” he said with a smile.

Hashtag: #Bayannur

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

4 in 5 Singapore residents prioritising savings, investments and insurance amongst others despite expectations of a tough year ahead: AIA Live Better Study

18-29 year olds significantly more optimistic and feel more financially prepared to confront the year compared to 40-49 year olds.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – AIA Singapore today announced findings from the seventh edition of the AIA Live Better Study, which reflects the evolution of a society where more than 4 in 5 (83%) of Singapore residents plan to actively manage their finances amid concerns of a sluggish economy in 2025. The survey aims to uncover the aspirations and concerns of Singapore residents as they navigate these challenging times in the new year.

AIA Singapore Live Better Infographics

The study also found a stark contrast in the temperament and financial preparedness between two age groups. While more than half (54%) of those aged 18 – 29 feel financially prepared to tackle the challenging economic situation in 2025, only 34% of those aged 40 – 49, many of whom are taking care of their parents or kids, share similar sentiments.

Conducted in November 2024, the AIA Live Better Study[1] investigated the evolving financial, health, and wellness needs of Singapore consumers. Against expected muted economic growth in 2025[2], this year’s study explores the mindset and actions of Singapore citizens and PRs as they navigate these challenging times.

Unsurprisingly, only 47% of Singapore residents are optimistic about the economy. Inflation and cost of living (50%) remain the top economic concern amongst the population, followed by worries over job security (35%) and income levels (34%).

“Despite the expectation of challenging times, the people of Singapore are showing remarkable resilience and proactiveness. This reflects a maturing society which has a better understanding and appreciation of the value of planning early and planning well for their future and that of their loved ones, which is especially noteworthy as we celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday this year,” said Irma Hadikusuma, Chief Marketing and Healthcare Officer at AIA Singapore.

“AIA Singapore is committed to supporting the community with compelling solutions, tools and resources needed to overcome today’s challenges and secure a prosperous future. Our mission is to help people live healthier, longer, better lives, ensuring financial and overall well-being,” she added.

Securing financial resilience: Insurance and investments take centerstage in long-term financial plans

Rather than wringing their hands in despair, Singapore residents are taking on a positive mindset with more than 1 in 2 (54%) indicating that financial readiness in the long-run is more important to them in 2025 compared to the previous year.

The top three priorities Singapore residents believe will help them achieve financial security are savings (62%), a stable income (57%), and to have emergency funds (52%). Notably, 1 in 2 (48%) Singapore residents also cited insurance as an important way to ensure financial stability, a positive indication of an increased understanding about the importance of insurance as part of long-term financial planning.

Looking ahead, Singapore residents have plans to uptake a myriad of long-term financial solutions to prepare against the volatile economy in 2025:

  • Approximately 3 in 5 (59%) Singapore residents are tightening their purse strings and planning to spend less on daily expenses or big-ticket purchases.
  • Singapore residents are making plans to build emergency funds (29%), plan for retirement (28%), and diversify investments (27%) to strengthen their long-term financial readiness.
  • Singapore residents are likely to see an increased uptake in endowment and investment plans as over a fifth of respondents intend to boost their expenditure towards insurance (22%) and investments (27%) in the coming year.

AIA Singapore offers a comprehensive range of compelling solutions designed to align with the unique aspirations of individuals and families, encouraging them to start their savings journey early. By leveraging the power of compounding interest, we help individuals and their families grow their investments for the long-term and secure a prosperous future. AIA insurance representatives are here to provide personalised guidance to help you make informed decisions about your financial well-being.

Balancing the budget in preparation for rising healthcare expenses

A substantial subset when it comes to Singapore’s cost of living is healthcare costs. Aligned with Health Minister Ong Ye Kung[3], the study noted that the increasing cost of healthcare is a key economic concern that must be addressed. Key insights include:

  • More than half (53%) of Singapore residents perceive healthcare costs to be expensive.
  • Yet, less than half (47%) feel financially prepared to manage these costs, calling for more support, financial and non-financial, by both the government and private sectors.
  • Singapore residents are taking matters into their own hands, planning to combat the potential high healthcare costs via insurance plans (57%), personal savings (56%) and government healthcare financing and support (49%).

A Generational Gap: 18 – 29 year olds are stressing and skimping less compared to their 40 – 49 year old counterparts

Many in their 40s are feeling the pressures of being in the sandwiched generation, and they are the most pessimistic about their outlook for 2025 across all demographics. This is in comparison to the more optimistic demographic of 18 – 29 year olds in Singapore.

Financial Priorities Shift with Age: From Experiences to Stability

Despite the nation’s overall sentiment, the younger generation (aged 18 – 29) are less stressed about the economy and are less likely to take steps towards financial preparedness. This is in contrast to Singapore residents in their 40s.

  • The younger generation is more optimistic (56%) about the economy than those in their 40s (38%),
  • They are less concerned about inflation and cost of living (34% compared to 63%).
  • Fewer 18-29 year olds strive to be debt and loan free (16%) compared to their older counterparts (28%).
  • Less than 2 in 5 (34%) younger adults foresee themselves cutting back on daily expenses and only 35% planning to reduce their budgets for big-ticket items.
  • In contrast, approximately 1 in 2 (47%) of those in their 40s will be cutting their daily spending and 45% will be reducing purchases of big-ticket items.

This could be attributed to their current phase in life – between completing their education and starting their working life – those between the ages of 18 and 29 are focused on experiencing the fun and joys of life[4].

Stresses on the Job Market

Having stable employment is important to all Singapore residents regardless of age. Approximately 1 in 2 (47%) of those aged between 18 and 29 years old, and approximately 3 in 5 (61%) of those in their 40s cited it as an increasingly important aspect of their overall wellness in 2025.

However, their likely approach to pre-empting a potential loss of job differs:

  • While the younger ones prioritise upskilling (40%) more than the older generation (28%),
  • The latter will focus on building their savings (55%) and setting aside emergency funds (46%).

Even the support that the two age groups require differs:

  • While 18 – 29 year olds find mental health and well-being support (40%) to be more important,
  • 40 – 49 year olds would prefer more practical support in the form of job placements, career transition services (52%) and access to online training and upskilling programmes (47%).

The differing reactions and behaviours towards the economy underscore the stage of life that both groups are in. While the younger generation is still learning to live life and experience the joys that come with it, those in their 40s recognise the many responsibilities they have. While their approaches differ, both generations share the goal of securing a stable future in challenging times.


[1] The seventh wave of the AIA Live Better Study is an independent study that was conducted from 29 November to 9 December 2024 with a sample size of 1,000 representing Singapore’s general population.
[2] ‘Economic trends to watch for Singapore in 2025’ (Jan 1, 2025) The Straits Times. Available at: https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economic-trends-to-watch-for-singapore-in-2025
[3] ‘Healthcare costs are rising in Singapore. Is there really nothing we can do about it?’ (Nov 23, 2024) CNA. Available at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/healthcare-costs-rising-singapore-hospitals-government-subsidies-moh-4764391
[4] ‘The Big Read: Understanding why millennials and Gen Zers feel the way they do about work’ (Jul 30, 2022) CNA. Available at: https://www.todayonline.com/big-read/big-read-understanding-why-millennials-and-gen-zers-feel-way-they-do-about-work-1956641

Hashtag: #AIASingapore

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

About AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR[1], Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR[2], and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$289 billion as of 30 June 2024.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 42 million individual policies and 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.


[1] Hong Kong SAR refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

[2] Macau SAR refers to the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Agoda Unveils Five Gen Z Trends Set to Shape the Future of Travel in Asia

SINGAPORE, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda shares the top five travel habits of Asian Gen Z, revealing a generation that finds inspiration in the digital realm, embraces spontaneity, and values shared experiences. The survey highlights the unique ways travelers aged 18-27, more commonly known as Gen Z, are shaping the future of travel in Asia with a fresh perspective, not only by influencing travel trends but also by setting the stage for future generations to explore the world in innovative ways.

1. TikTok inspiration: Social media is the new travel guide

Gen Z is blazing a trail on social media, with TikTok leading the way as their top source for travel inspiration. While Millennials lean on friends and family as their preferred source of recommendations, Gen Z is scrolling through TikTok (20%) and Instagram (14%) to discover their next adventure. Despite the digital influence, personal recommendations remain a close second (17%), proving that word-of-mouth still holds sway.

2. Spontaneous spirit: Last-minute bookings on the rise

In a world where plans can change in an instant, Gen Z embraces the thrill of last-minute travel more than any other generation. 20% of Gen Z book flights less than a week in advance, outpacing Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers. Accommodations follow suit, with one in four Gen Z travelers making bookings at the eleventh hour, showcasing their penchant for spontaneity.

3. Traveling in tandem: Partnered adventures take the lead

For Gen Z, travel is a shared experience, with 38% preferring to explore the world with a partner. Group trips with friends and family vacations also rank high, highlighting the importance of connection and companionship in their journeys. Millennials, on the other hand, prioritize family trips, reflecting a generational shift in travel dynamics.

4. Cost-conscious journeys: Spending habits align across generations

When it comes to travel spending, Gen Z and Millennials are on the same page. Both generations prefer to keep accommodation costs under USD 50 per person per night, with Gen Z more inclined to do so (56%) than their Millennial counterparts (44%). Meanwhile, 32% of Gen Z plan to spend between USD 51-100 per person per night compared to 41% of Millennials. This trend underscores a shared commitment to affordable travel without compromising on experiences.

5. Wanderlust unites: The desire to travel transcends generations 

Despite differing preferences in where different generations find travel inspiration, when they book their travels, and who they go with, the desire to explore the world is universal. Nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials plan to embark on 1-3 trips this year, while a third are aiming for 4-6 adventures. This shared wanderlust bridges generational gaps, proving that the love for travel knows no bounds.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, “Gen Z is redefining travel with their digital-first approach and spontaneous spirit. At Agoda, we’re thrilled to support their adventures with diverse options and the best deals in accommodations, flights and activities, ensuring every trip is as unique as they are.”

With over 5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers endless possibilities for Gen Z travelers to explore the world. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and start planning your next adventure today. Visit Agoda.com for more information.

24/7 FITNESS Launches Flagship Club at Orchard Road, Targets 40 Locations Across Singapore in 3 Years


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – 24/7 FITNESS, one of Hong Kong’s most renowned fitness brands, has officially debuted in Singapore with the opening of its flagship club on Orchard Road. This expansion follows the acquisition of local fitness chain GymmBoxx, marking 24/7 FITNESS’s commitment to providing accessible, world-class fitness solutions to Singaporeans. With plans to open 40 locations over the next three years, the brand is set to become a go-to destination for fitness enthusiasts.

24/7 FITNESS has officially debuted in Singapore with the opening of its flagship club on Orchard Road.
24/7 FITNESS has officially debuted in Singapore with the opening of its flagship club on Orchard Road.

The 10,000-square-foot Orchard flagship club is Singapore’s largest 24/7 FITNESS facility and boasts state-of-the-art equipment from world-renowned brands. Offering advanced cardio machines and weight-training equipment, the gym is designed to meet the needs of all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. As a 24-hour gym, members can work out conveniently, enjoying unparalleled flexibility in their fitness schedules.

“Our goal is to redefine fitness accessibility in Singapore by providing world-class facilities and services at an affordable price,” said Ingrid Wong, CEO of 24/7 FITNESS. “By expanding to 40 locations over the next three years, 24/7 FITNESS is committed to becoming the fitness brand of choice for Singaporeans who prioritize their health and well-being.”

24/7 FITNESS has already opened 13 branches in strategic locations across Singapore, including popular spots like Ci Yuan Community Club, Keat Hong Community Club, The Seletar Mall, Margaret Market and Yew Tee MRT. Upcoming sites include prominent destinations such as The Cathay, Jalan Besar, Beauty World and Tampines North Community Club, ensuring that members across the island have easy access to 24/7 FITNESS’s world-class facilities.

24/7 FITNESS offers a transparent pricing model starting at just $98 per month, with no joining fees or prepayment required. This straightforward pricing ensures that members receive exceptional value without the hidden costs often associated with other gyms. With access to all 24/7 FITNESS locations across the Asia-Pacific region, members can enjoy flexibility and convenience wherever they go. For those seeking personalized guidance on their fitness journey, the gym has a team of dedicated personal trainers available to help customers achieve their goals.

24/7 FITNESS is also introducing cutting-edge technology with its Smart Face Recognition Terminal, allowing for seamless and secure access to all locations worldwide without the need for a physical key fob or card. This contactless entry system is ideal for those with busy schedules or traveling abroad, ensuring quick and easy access whenever needed. Additionally, the gym’s welcoming atmosphere, designed with a neutral color scheme and soothing Tiffany Blue accents, fosters a comfortable environment where members of all fitness levels can feel at ease and motivated to reach their goals.

Founded in Hong Kong, 24/7 FITNESS has rapidly grown to over 200 locations across the Asia-Pacific region, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau. Its entry into Singapore marks a significant milestone in the brand’s mission to make fitness accessible and affordable for all. As part of its commitment to the local community, 24/7 FITNESS aims to redefine the fitness experience in Singapore by combining convenience, technology, and value, ensuring that all Singaporeans can achieve their health and wellness goals.

For further details about 24/7 FITNESS clubs, please visit: https://bit.ly/3BzsHj9.

Hashtag: #247fitness

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

24/7 FITNESS

24/7 FITNESS is a renowned international fitness brand with over 200 locations in Asia-Pacific, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau. Founded in Hong Kong, 24/7 FITNESS is dedicated to making fitness easy, affordable, and accessible for everyone. The brand offers 24-hour gym access with no long-term contracts, joining fees, or upfront payments. With a commitment to providing high-quality, hassle-free fitness solutions, 24/7 FITNESS empowers individuals of all fitness levels to achieve their health and wellness goals.

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OutSystems Announces General Availability of Mentor, a First-Of-Its-Kind Digital Worker for Application Generation and Full SDLC Automation, to Further Enhance its AI-Powered Low Code Platform

Following a successful Early Access Program, the addition of Mentor to the OutSystems platform helps enterprise development teams capitalize on the Generative Software Cycle

SINGAPORE, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OutSystems, a global leader transforming how companies innovate through software, today announced the general availability (GA) of Mentor on OutSystems Developer Cloud (ODC). Mentor, a first-of-its-kind AI digital worker, positions OutSystems as a leader in AI-powered low-code by generating an application from a simple prompt or requirements document and automating the software development lifecycle (SDLC), including iteration and validation of existing applications. Following the announcement of Mentor on ODC in October 2024 at ONE, select OutSystems customers and partners participated in its Early Access Program, reporting significant time savings, accelerated business alignment, and reduction in the time to develop new digital experiences.

“OutSystems Mentor and AI Agent Builder give us the productivity that pure GenAI tools promise while also addressing governance concerns and avoiding the vulnerabilities they may introduce,” said Elton Escaleira, Product & Service Manager, Bosch.

The GA launch of Mentor comes at a time when there’s a widespread increase in the adoption of AI in software development. Mentor positions OutSystems at the forefront of this trend by integrating AI into the entire SDLC. Its unique agentic AI architecture orchestrates over ten distinct agents, collaborating and iterating across various components of application development to produce fully compliant, high-quality applications from natural language inputs or product requirement documents. Mentor frees up teams to focus on high-impact work, reducing development time and enabling faster responses to market demands.

“Mentor reimagines the software development lifecycle, bringing AI and low-code together to not only speed development, but also enhance the quality, explainability, and governability of software solutions,” said Paulo Rosado, CEO & Founder of OutSystems. “Strong results from our Early Access Program underscore the value that Mentor delivers—it is the safest and fastest way for organizations to build the next generation of enterprise applications.”

Use cases and results from early adopters of Mentor, such as Thermo Fisher and KPMG, include:

Rapid App Generation with Minimal Effort

  • A biotechnology company used Mentor to generate a functional prototype of an employee management application with 15 screens in just 20 minutes. This drastically reduced the time needed for initial prototyping, which would typically take a skilled developer several days, enabling faster alignment on business requirements.

Prototyping Success Rates

  • An IT team from a biotechnology company also used Mentor to create a “Product Compare” application based on uploaded documentation, achieving 60-70% of the   required functionality within minutes. Although workflows and UI refinements were needed, this saved significant time on Create, Read, Update, and Delete (CRUD) operations and initial application setup, allowing developers to focus on refining key business-specific features.

Streamlining Workflow for Routine Tasks

  • Life science company Thermo Fisher tested Mentor on multiple projects, including a learning platform. The tool automated routine CRUD generation and created foundational components, eliminating repetitive manual work and enabling developers to concentrate on implementing advanced business logic.

Achieving Quantifiable Value in Documentation Parsing

  • Professional services network KPMG reported that Mentor successfully parsed user stories and technical PDFs to auto-generate application components, saving up to 40-50% of the time typically required for manual entity and screen creation. This efficiency allowed teams to focus on strategic aspects of application design and performance optimization.

“OutSystems Mentor has the potential to revolutionize generative AI development by simplifying complex processes, ensuring robust governance, and enabling seamless integration with enterprise systems,” said Arnal Dayaratna, research vice president, Software Development at IDC. “By providing an opinionated development stack, standardized workflows, and natural language–driven features, Mentor empowers developers to focus on innovation and scalability. This technology bridges the gap between advanced AI capabilities and enterprise needs that sets a new standard for general-purpose, AI-driven application development technologies for the enterprise*.”

To learn more about Mentor and see it in action, visit the Mentor home page.

About OutSystems

OutSystems is a global leader transforming how companies innovate through software, empowering IT leaders with a better way to build the software that matters most. The OutSystems platform helps companies develop, deploy, and maintain mission-critical applications by unifying and automating the entire software lifecycle. With OutSystems, organizations leverage GenAI to deliver software instantaneously, adapt faster to changing requirements, and reduce technical debt by building on a future-proof platform. Helping customers achieve their business goals by addressing key strategic initiatives, OutSystems delivers software up to 10x faster than traditional development. Recognized as a leader by analysts, IT executives, business leaders, and developers around the world, global brands trust OutSystems to tackle their impossible projects and turn their big ideas into software that moves their business, people, and the world forward. Founded in 2001, the company’s network spans more than 800,000 community members, over 500 partners, and active customers in 75+ countries across 21 industries. Learn more at www.outsystems.com.

* IDC MARKET PERSPECTIVE “OutSystems Mentor: Transforming Generative AI Development at Scale”  December 2024, IDC #US52748524