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Toshiba’s Innovative Rechargeable Battery Set to Elevate Safety and Reliability of Electric Motorcycle Taxis, Addressing Fire Risks

Propel Thailand Closer to Carbon Neutrality Goals

BANGKOK, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Toshiba Corporation showcased its rechargeable lithium-ion battery “SCiB™” at a media briefing in Bangkok on March 5, 2025, highlighting its exceptional characteristics of long lifespan and intrinsic safety, which elevate the safety and reliability of electric motorcycle taxis for both drivers and passengers. SCiB™’s unique features have the potential to play a significant role in the transition towards sustainable urban transportation in Thailand. By utilizing SCiB™, Toshiba aims to support Thailand’s carbon neutrality objectives and facilitates the wide adoption of e-motorcycles that meet stringent standards, enhancing sustainability and reliability in the transportation sector.

Toshiba Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery SCiB™
Toshiba Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery SCiB™

Thailand aims to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050 and Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2065*1. The demand for lithium-ion batteries in emerging countries for electric vehicles (EV) is expected to exceed 600GWh by 2035. However, only 2.8% of that is projected to come from batteries for motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles, both widely used in public transport*2.

Manufacturers of e-motorcycles face significant challenges in commercializing their products, primarily due to safety concerns surrounding conventional lithium-ion batteries. These issues include fire risks under various stressors and performance degradation over time, worsened by the tropical heat and humidity prevalent in Southeast Asian countries. The increasing risk of accidents as batteries age further complicates the integration of these vehicles into the transportation sector. Addressing these safety and longevity issues is crucial for successfully implementing e-motorcycle initiatives in the region and the industry’s overall progress. Manufacturers must find innovative solutions to enhance safety and reliability, overcoming the hurdles posed by environmental factors and battery limitations to achieve wide adoption and ensure the viability of e-motorcycles in Southeast Asia’s challenging climate.

The Toshiba’s battery SCiB™ is showing potential to address these concerns and revolutionize the electric motorcycle industry in Southeast Asia. Its innovative lithium titanium oxide (LTO) anode chemistry offers superior safety, longevity, and performance in challenging environments, in contrast to the conventional carbon-based materials used in typical lithium-ion batteries. It demonstrates remarkable resilience, resisting internal short circuits and maintaining integrity during rigorous safety tests. SCiB™ maintains its performance through over 20,000 charge-discharge cycles with minimal degradation. Furthermore, its rapid-charging capability allows for recharging from zero to over 80% capacity in just six minutes, ensuring minimal downtime for e-motorcycles. These features directly address the safety, longevity, and performance issues hindering electric motorcycle adoption in the region, paving the way for more reliable and sustainable urban transportation solutions.

In September 2024, Toshiba partnered with naturenix inc., a Japan battery technology startup from Shimane University, and Windee International, a joint venture with Thailand’s parking management servicer, to launch a demonstration test of battery subscription service for e-motorcycle taxis in Bangkok, announced in October 2024*3. Such a battery subscription service is expected to allow users to access to the advanced and well-maintained battery technology in a cost-effective way. The ongoing trial is yielding promising results, highlighting SCiB™’s capacity to deliver efficient and practical solutions.

Together with partners, Toshiba offers a safe and cost-effective solution for electric motorcycle taxis in Bangkok, addressing fire risks. This innovative battery subscription service not only accelerates EV adoption in Thailand’s two- and three-wheeler segments but also has the potential to transform various vehicle markets, including buses and automated guided vehicles, significantly contributing to the country’s efforts in achieving carbon neutrality.

About Toshiba

As Toshiba Group celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025, it is enhancing its management structure, streamlining operations, and investing in forward-looking businesses to build foundations for new growth.

This will allow it to continue to support advances toward a sustainable future with products and services developed by its wide range of businesses in the energy, infrastructure, and electronic devices domains.

Guided by its corporate philosophy, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future.,” Toshiba brings industry-leading capabilities in green transformation (GX) and digital transformation (DX) to solutions for companies addressing the many challenges faced by modern society. By leveraging the power of data derived from its constantly evolving products and solutions, the Group is determined to help to achieve carbon neutrality and a circular economy.

In fiscal year 2023, Toshiba Group generated annual sales of 3.3 trillion yen, and had 105,000 employees around the world.

For more information, visit https://www.global.toshiba/ww/top.html or follow Toshiba Corporation on LinkedIn.

*1: THAILAND’S FIRST BIENNIAL TRANSPARENCY REPORT, Chapter 3.1

*2: Research by naturenix inc.

*3: Toshiba and Naturenix Launch Demonstration Test of Battery Subscription Service for Electric Motorcycle Taxis in Bangkok

Docquity’s AI Platform Enhances Medical Knowledge and Patient Care at RSUD Umar Wirahadikusumah Sumedang

  • Dx, Docquity’s AI platform which is in ongoing development, will enable physicians at the Sumedang hospital to securely access the latest medical research for stronger treatment decisions
  • The collaboration follows Sumedang Regency’s introduction of Docquity’s AI platform for greater public health support last year

JAKARTA, Indonesia, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Docquity, a leading healthtech company in Southeast Asia, and Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah (RSUD) Umar Wirahadikusumah Sumedang, a regional hospital in West Java, Indonesia, announced a partnership to integrate Dx, Docquity’s AI-powered medical resource platform, into the hospital’s medical reference system. Dx, currently in ongoing development, was last year implemented as a learning tool for Sumedang’s public health staff. This marks Docquity’s second partnership aimed at strengthening healthcare knowledge and patient care in the West Java region.

Built upon Docquity’s network insights as the largest healthcare professional (HCP) community in Southeast Asia that connects 3 out of every 4 doctors, Dx securely leverages compliant Generative AI to empower RSUD Umar Wirahadikusumah Sumedang’s medical professionals with the latest healthcare knowledge from credible sources, for stronger treatment decisions. The Dx platform features an integration with PubMed, a globally recognized database of peer-reviewed medical research, enabling HCPs in Sumedang to seamlessly access scientifically-backed solutions to medical cases and ensure that regional patient care aligns with the latest international medical standards.

According to Dr. H. Enceng, SpB. Director of RSUD Umar Wirahadikusumah Sumedang: “The introduction of Docquity’s AI platform, Dx, into our medical reference system is expected to enhance the hospital’s ability to provide high-quality, evidence-based healthcare. Medical science is constantly evolving, and keeping our doctors well-informed with the latest research is crucial. With Dx, our physicians can access trusted medical journals instantly, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes for the local community of Sumedang.”

Amit Vithal, Co-Founder and Chief of Growth at Docquity, said: “We believe that data is knowledge, and greater learning opportunities and medical expertise create healthier communities. We’ve therefore been developing Dx to provide Southeast Asian doctors with real-time access to credible medical research and global best practices at their fingertips. With the support of Dx, physicians at RSUD Umar Wirahadikusumah Sumedang can make more confident, data-driven treatment decisions that enhance patient care and streamline hospital operations.”

The implementation of AI in healthcare is aligned with Sumedang’s digital transformation agenda for public services, including healthcare. Dr. H. Dony Ahmad Munir, S.T., M.M Mayor of Sumedang, emphasized: “This program ensures that our hospitals and medical professionals remain at the forefront of advanced healthcare practices. By leveraging AI and credible medical resources, we are not just improving hospital efficiency but also contributing to the overall health of the Sumedang people. The integration of Dx into RSUD Umar Wirahadikusumah Sumedang’s medical reference system is expected to set a new benchmark for regional hospitals in Indonesia, enabling doctors to provide better, faster, and more accurate medical care.”

About Docquity, http://docquity.com/

Docquity is Southeast Asia’s largest community of verified healthcare professionals (HCPs). Our platform and services leverage data science to strengthen healthcare knowledge and interactions. 

The Docquity vision is to connect HCPs to build healthier lives around the world at scale. Our platform helps HCPs learn, connect, and grow, while our deep network insights enable healthcare enterprises to understand, engage, and educate HCPs. 

We are trusted by more than 410,000 HCPs across Southeast Asia, with offices in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan region, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

Docquity is available for download on Apple and Android devices.

About Sumedang

Sumedang is a regency in West Java, Indonesia, known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. The regency has been making significant strides in improving public health and education, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its residents. The partnership with Docquity marks a significant step forward in leveraging advanced technology to address critical health issues and improve healthcare services. Sumedang is committed to adopting innovative solutions and collaborating with leading organizations to achieve its goals of better health outcomes and sustainable development for its community.

For further information, please contact:

Reisha Nagrani 
Head of Communications, Docquity
reisha@docquity.com 

Therese Panganiban
Virtusio PR
+63 917 8210312
therese@virtusio.com

Tonik Surpasses 1 million Loans, Redefining Consumer Lending in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tonik has crossed 1 million cumulative loans disbursed since inception, cementing its status as the Philippines’ leading credit-led digital bank and propelling a new era of credit inclusion.

Tonik surpasses 1 million disbursed loans and counting!
Tonik surpasses 1 million disbursed loans and counting!

While traditional banks continue to emphasize corporate credit, Tonik zeroes in on a $40 billion latent unsecure consumer credit market—tackling one of Southeast Asia’s most overlooked lending opportunities with a credit-first strategy powered by AI-driven underwriting and alternative data.

In just two years, Tonik has expanded its loan portfolio by 7x, while at the same time slashing unit operational service costs by 5x. This dynamic growth and cost focus helped the bank hit contribution margin breakeven in Q4 2024, paving the way for cash flow breakeven within the next 9-12 months.

Tonik also leads in average revenue per user (ARPU) and average margin per user (AMPU) across digital banking—showcasing a more robust monetization model than its payments-led peers.

“Reaching one million loans marks a major stride in our mission to deliver fast, accessible mass-market consumer credit across the Philippines,” said Greg Krasnov, Founder & CEO of Tonik. “We’re scaling rapidly while turning an operational profit—a rare combo in fintech—and we see much more upside ahead.”

Consumer lending in the Philippines comprises just 5% of GDP, far below the 21% regional average. Armed with a digital-only bank license, Tonik secures low-cost deposit funding, strongly outperforming fintech lenders forced to rely on more expensive wholesale capital.

With a diverse product lineup—payroll loans, shop instalment financing, AI-powered digital cash loans, and upsell loans—Tonik is poised for accelerating its impact in 2025 due to aggressive deployment of AI across the organization.

By marrying data-powered innovation with genuine consumer need, Tonik is ushering in a new era of technology-driven lending—one that combines high-volume growth with sustainable profitability, all in service of bringing much-needed credit to millions of Filipinos.

About Tonik

Tonik is the first digital-only neobank in the Philippines, providing loan, deposit, and payment products to consumers on a highly secure digital banking platform. The neobank operates based on the first digital bank license issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Tonik is led by a team of retail finance veterans who have previously built and scaled multiple retail banks and fintechs across global emerging markets. It is backed by top international investors, including Sequoia India, Point72 Ventures, and Mizuho Bank. Tonik’s tech stack is integrated in partnership with world-class banktech vendors including Mastercard, Finastra, Amazon Web Services, Google, Genesys, and Daon. Tonik operates out of hubs in Singapore (HQ), Manila, and Chennai.

For media contact:
Nix Policarpio
pr@tonikbank.com

TRACR and Sarine Technologies Sign Agreement for Pioneering Diamond Traceability Solution

The collaboration enables a scalable and cost-effective diamond traceability solution in support of transparency and trust across the supply chain

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – Tracr™ Limited (“Tracr”), the world’s first fully distributed diamond blockchain platform enabling the registration of rough diamonds at source, and Sarine Technologies Limited (“Sarine”), a global leader in precision technologies across the diamond pipeline, have announced the signing of a collaboration agreement that enables each party to offer scalable, cost-effective and enhanced verification services for tracing diamonds from their source.

Tracr and Sarine Technologies Sign Agreement for Pioneering Diamond Traceability Solution

The collaboration will enable algorithmic matching of diamonds at scale, starting from the source. Both parties will use their respective capabilities to increase process efficiency and reduce the need for duplicate processes by existing participants. Utilising Tracr’s blockchain technology, Sarine’s diamond scanning solutions, and both companies’ sophisticated diamond identification and matching algorithms, the collaboration will create an interface between Tracr’s platform and Sarine’s cloud, which will facilitate, if enabled by participants, the seamless matching of diamond data across different stages of a registered diamond’s journey.

A key benefit of the arrangement will be the ability to offer objective verification of a diamond’s journey from a producer’s rough supply to a manufacturer’s polished production using verifiable diamond scanning information. Introducing a new objective verification capabilitythrough a robust algorithmic matchingprocess will help Tracr and Sarine participants benefit from enhanced provenance assurance, in turn enabling them to offer customers, diamond brands and consumers enhanced confidence in the provenance of a diamond.

By enabling the option of registering their diamonds’ data, including diamond scans, to the Tracr platform using Sarine software, participating diamond businesses will be able to have their diamonds benefit from objective verification as the data is algorithmically checked against the corresponding existing diamond data. This includes diamonds from De Beers Group supply uploaded to Tracr, which currently number more than three million. With De Beers now registering single country of origin for all rough diamonds larger than one carat, the solution also has the potential to function as a customs service to facilitate the traceability of a diamond’s origins as it crosses international borders, in line with the requirements of the G7 Diamond Protocol.

With the new traceability solution being based on Tracr’s and Sarine’s existing infrastructure, which is widely used in the industry, the solution is expected to have minimal impact on participants’ supply chains, supporting its ability to be scaled quickly and effectively. Furthermore, Tracr’s and Sarine’s matching processes will be conducted using data from a variety of existing diamond scanning technologies and enabling businesses to benefit from enhanced provenance assurance. This will help to reduce operational complexity and make the matching process more efficient and scalable.

Wesley Tucker, CEO of Tracr, said: “We believe this collaboration will deliver a step change in traceability and provenance assurance in the diamond industry. By enabling the connection between our blockchain technology and Sarine’s advanced precision technology, we are creating a new, cost-effective and highly scalable solution that can be implemented at pace. It has been great to work with Sarine on developing a solution that is both innovative and practical, and we see huge potential for it – both for meeting rapidly evolving consumer expectations and in support of the fast-changing regulatory landscape.”

David Block, CEO of Sarine Technologies, said: “We believe that this cooperation will greatly enhance the much-needed ability to trace diamonds to their source, providing the industry with greater transparency and the consumers with heightened confidence. It has been a pleasure working with the Tracr team on this initiative, and we look forward to supporting our customers in implementing these capabilities to enhance their operations.”
Hashtag: #Tracr #DeBeersGroup #NaturalDiamonds





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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneeringsolutionssuch as diamond sourcingandtraceabilityinitiatives TracrandGemFair.De BeersGroup also provides leadingservicesandtechnology to the diamond industryin the formof education andlaboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit .

COSRX Snail Mucin Essence Claims #1 on Amazon Australia’s Beauty Best Sellers List

SEOUL, South Korea, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — COSRX, a highly-rated Korean beauty brand known for its effective skincare innovations, continues to dominate the global beauty scene. Famous for its acne patches and viral snail mucin product line, COSRX is making waves in Australia, with its Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence securing the #1 Best Seller in Beauty and Personal Care and #1 in Serums on Amazon Australia’s Beauty BSR (Best Sellers Rank).

COSRX Snail Mucin Essence Claims #1 on Amazon Australia’s Beauty Best Sellers List
COSRX Snail Mucin Essence Claims #1 on Amazon Australia’s Beauty Best Sellers List

Beyond the essence’s top ranking, other COSRX favorites have also entered the charts, further proving the growing influence of the brand in the beauty stratosphere:

Discover why these products have been such a game changer!

  • Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence: This lightweight, deeply hydrating essence plumps, firms and soothes the skin. Users have also praised its versatility, with many claiming it works wonders for soothing skin irritation, such as sunburn, or mixing into foundation for a natural, dewy look. One shopper shared, “I have struggled for years with redness and inflammation due to rosacea. …I have finally found the holy grail for my skin. My skin is clear and sooooo soft with an amazing texture and clarity I have never had!”
  • Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream: A rich, nourishing moisturizer that locks in hydration and strengthens the skin barrier, leaving the skin plump and healthy. It also doubles as a makeup primer, ensuring your look remains flawless throughout the day.
  • Acne Pimple Master Patch: The COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, made from 100% hydrocolloid, offers an effective yet gentle solution for breakouts. Available in three different sizes, the patches seamlessly adhere to the skin, absorbing excess sebum and calming inflammation before blemishes worsen. Suitable for overnight use, these patches work their magic in less than 24 hours, making them a must-have for effortless, on-the-go acne care.

Celebrating the viral success of COSRX hero products in Australia, a COSRX representative stated, “The charm of COSRX products is endless. We are thrilled to see our products taking the top spots in Australia. We hope more skincare lovers experience the benefits of our Snail line and Acne Pimple Master Patch and fall in love with the magic of COSRX.”

With its science-backed formulations and viral social media presence, COSRX continues to shape the future of skincare worldwide. For more information, visit the COSRX store at Amazon.

About COSRX: With its powerful yet affordable skincare solutions, COSRX has quickly become one of world’s favorite skincare brands. Using a minimal number of highly effective natural extracts in concentrated doses, COSRX products deliver visible results by treating the skin with only the essentials it needs and nothing it doesn’t. Find its best-selling skincare solutions at retailers nationwide, including Amazon.com.au. COSRX is also on Instagram + TikTok.

 

Smartpay Announces Japan’s First “Embedded Insurance Service” in BNPL in Partnership with Chubb

~ Launching New Insurance Experience Integrating Payments and Insurance in Summer 2025

TOKYO, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Smartpay Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Sam Pemberton-Ahmed, CEO and Founder of Smartpay; hereinafter “the Company”), provider of the “Smartpay” Buy Now Pay Later service, announces the launch of embedded insurance products in the Japanese market, following one year of partnership with Chubb Insurance Japan (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Edward Kopp; hereinafter “Chubb Japan”), the Japanese subsidiary of Chubb Group, a world leader in insurance.


Current Challenges in the Insurance Industry

The traditional insurance industry faces challenges in meeting the evolving needs of modern consumers. Insurance contracting still largely relies on paper-based analog processes, leaving significant room for improvement in digitalization, personalization, real-time capabilities, and security.

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry survey[1], cashless payments now account for approximately 50% of consumer monthly spending, with widespread adoption of diverse payment methods including credit cards and electronic money. The insurance industry has an opportunity to enhance consumer experience by embracing digitalization to capitalize on this trend.

Changes in the insurance industry are becoming evident across various sectors. For example, Japan’s travel insurance market reached $678 million (approximately ¥101.7 billion) in 2023 and is projected to grow to $1.523 billion (approximately ¥228.5 billion) by 2028[2]. Furthermore, post-pandemic surveys indicate that 47% of Japanese travelers are seeking new ways to purchase travel insurance that differ from traditional methods[3].

Additionally, Generation Z consumers tend to prioritize convenience and speed in payment experiences and dislike complicated procedures[4]. These changes in young consumers’ behavior are driving the demand for embedded insurance that can be completed with simple operations.

What is Embedded Insurance?


Embedded insurance is a mechanism that provides insurance seamlessly integrated into the payment process when consumers purchase products or services. For example, this includes options to purchase travel insurance simultaneously when buying airline tickets online. This method simplifies the insurance application process and enables appropriate coverage to be provided at the optimal timing for consumers.

Through its partnership with Chubb Japan, Smartpay is bringing innovation to the insurance industry. By providing solutions at the moment of need, we are transforming the nature of insurance. Our embedded insurance technology is seamlessly integrated into the payment process, providing appropriate coverage instantly when customers need it.

Growth Outlook for the Embedded Insurance Market

The global embedded insurance market size is projected to grow CAGR of 11.6% from 2024 to 2030, reaching approximately $175.25 billion (about ¥26.3 trillion) by 2030[5]. Another report predicts the embedded insurance market will grow at an annual rate of 4.8% from 2025 to 2032[6].

By region, the Asia-Pacific region is the largest market, accounting for approximately 39% of share. This is followed by Europe at 32% and North America at 21%. By product type, life insurance is the largest segment, accounting for 51% of share. By application, the automotive sector is the largest, accounting for approximately 26% of share.

These data suggest that the embedded insurance market will continue to show steady growth.

Fusion of Technological Innovation and Customer-Centric Design

Embedded insurance goes beyond simply incorporating insurance at the point of payment, achieving comprehensive fintech innovation. It combines the following:

Real-time Risk Assessment and Dynamic Pricing – A system that provides optimal coverage and pricing for each customer, often making it possible to keep insurance premiums lower

Highly Secure Complex Infrastructure – Integration of Smartpay’s payment system and Chubb’s insurance infrastructure

Seamless Customer Experience – Eliminating complicated procedures, enabling appropriate insurance enrollment at the time of purchase with intuitive and user-friendly experience.

Strategic Partnership with Chubb

Chubb is a global company with a track record of successful partnerships with major financial institutions worldwide. In 2018, it partnered with Grab, Southeast Asia’s largest super app, to provide insurance products to millions of Grab users. Additionally, it has led digital transformation and technological innovation in the insurance industry, such as partnering with Nubank, Brazil’s largest digital bank, to provide fully digitalized life insurance.

In this context, Chubb’s selection of Smartpay as its first embedded insurance business partner in Japan demonstrates strong confidence in our innovative approach, technological capabilities, and market potential.

Smartpay to Launch First Embedded Insurance Product in Summer 2025

Smartpay and Chubb Japan plan to provide their first embedded insurance product in BNPL in partnership with Fútbol Opción, a soccer cultural exchange program provider operated by Actif LLC, in summer 2025.

While soccer cultural exchange programs represent a significant investment for families, Smartpay’s installment payment option makes it possible to realize children’s dreams while reducing the burden on household finances. Additionally, having insurance coverage during international travel is a crucial element for parents’ peace of mind. Through this partnership, families can now handle both program fee installments and insurance enrollment in one process, making soccer exchange opportunities accessible to more young people.

Additionally, Smartpay announced details of this initiative at the “Global Financial Technology Network Forum” held in March 2025.

About Smartpay

Smartpay is a fintech company that develops and provides smart solutions to help consumers manage their daily expenses and improve their financial well-being. In addition to realizing Japan’s first one-click credit card-based BNPL solution, Smartpay was the first in Japan to introduce “Smartpay Bank Direct” enabling immediate withdrawals from bank accounts[8].

Through Smartpay Bank Direct, developed in partnership with the Japan Electronic Payment Promotion Organization (JEPPO), we provide payment services accessible to 90% of the population with bank accounts, partnering with 20 major banks including megabanks and over 200 credit unions in Japan. For more information, please visit https://smartpay.co/.

In addition, Smartpay is also focusing on unprecedented initiatives, such as being the first BNPL solution in Japan to establish processor agreements with both Adyen and Stripe[9], in order to pursue convenience for both businesses and consumers.

About Chubb Japan

Chubb Japan provides innovative property and casualty insurance products to both individuals and corporations, based on innovative thinking and Chubb Group’s global network. With a history in Japan reaching its 100th anniversary in 2020, it has the longest presence among foreign property and casualty insurance companies. It has received an “AA-” rating for both insurance financial strength and issuer credit rating from U.S. rating agency Standard & Poor’s (as of March 2025).

About Chubb Group and Chubb Limited

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. The company is 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 employs approximately 43,000 people worldwide.

1: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Commerce and Service Group Cashless Promotion Office, “Consumer Survey Analysis Results” https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/mono_info_service/cashless_future/pdf/005_05_00.pdf

2: Japan Travel Insurance Market (2023-2028) https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5566829/japan-travel-insurance-market-2023-2028-by

3: Research shows Japanese travelers desire embedded protection and improved claims experiences in a post-pandemic world https://covergenius.com/embedded-insurance-travel-japan/

4: Deloitte Tohmatsu Group, “2024 Domestic Generation Z Awareness and Purchase Behavior Survey” https://www2.deloitte.com/jp/ja/pages/consumer-business/articles/cp/generationz-behavior-survey.html

5:Global Embedded Insurance Market Size, Share, and Trend Analysis Research Report 2024-2030 https://newscast.jp/news/5752394

6: Global Embedded Insurance Market Research Report 2024 https://www.reliableresearchtimes.com/embedded-insurance-r1837378

7,9: As a BNPL service in Japan that utilizes credit card’s credit limit (as of November 2021)

8: As a “BNPL service that connects with Bank Pay and allows for immediate withdrawal from bank accounts in Japan” (as of December 2022)

 

Transforming Sales: 6D Technologies Empowers Filipino Mobile Services Provider Smart

BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 6D Technologies announces the successful deployment of Ventas, its advanced Sales & Distribution solution, for Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the wireless unit of PLDT Inc. (PLDT), the Philippines’ largest integrated telco. This implementation optimizes the supply chain, vendor purchases, and channel distribution, ensuring efficiency and scalability.

Empowering Sales Transformation: 6D Technologies Fuels Growth for Smart, the Leading Filipino Mobile Provider
Empowering Sales Transformation: 6D Technologies Fuels Growth for Smart, the Leading Filipino Mobile Provider

Ventas modernizes Smart’s legacy system with advanced automation, reducing sales costs, accelerating time-to-market, and streamlining operations. Key components include Sales Partner Management, Order Management, Logistics Tracking, Advanced Commissions Management, and Sell-Through Capabilities.

Gilbert Gaw, FVP Head of IT for PLDT and Smart, said: “Our collaboration with 6D Technologies is vital to our Sales and Distribution transformation. Their seamless execution and innovation have enabled us to begin migrating partners from legacy systems to Ventas, with completion targeted early this year. This transition will enhance efficiency, accelerate time-to-market, and position us for future growth, reinforcing our commitment to agility, innovation, and excellence.”

Howard Atienza, IT AVP for Application Delivery of PLDT and Smart, added: “Transforming our legacy trade systems to an all-in-one modern system was a big task and we are happy to work hand-in-hand with 6D Technologies in this initiative. Our Sales and Key-Account partners will greatly benefit from the automation and modernized tools that this new system brings.

Manish Arora, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer of 6D Technologies, stated, ”The ‘Digital-First’ partnership between Smart and 6D Technologies leverages intelligent technology to drive innovation and growth. Ventas enhances operational excellence by optimizing supply chains, improving distribution, and increasing business visibility. We remain committed to helping our partners unlock their full potential.”

Kunal Nidhi, Vice President Sales of 6D Technologies added, “We are thrilled to see the successful deployment of Ventas, our Sales & Distribution solution, a testament to our commitment to empowering businesses with Smart PLDT.

About Smart:

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly owned subsidiary of PLDT, the Philippines’ largest integrated telco. Covering 97% of the population, Smart delivers 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G services, providing mobile connectivity, high-speed internet, and digital access to support the country’s growing digital economy and enhance customer experience.

About 6D Technologies:

6D Technologies is a global leader in telecom, digital transformation, and sales & distribution solutions. It empowers businesses with innovative, tailor-made solutions to drive operational excellence, enhance customer experiences, and foster sustainable growth in an evolving digital landscape. For more information, visit https://www.6dtechnologies.com/

 

Wahed, an Islamic robo-advisor, appoints Shahril Hamdan to its Board of Directors

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Wahed, a global Shariah-compliant fintech has appointed Shahril Hamdan to its Board of Directors.

Wahed, an Islamic robo-advisor, appoints Shahril Hamdan to its Board of Directors.
Wahed, an Islamic robo-advisor, appoints Shahril Hamdan to its Board of Directors.

Shahril Hamdan built a multi-sector career in the public, private, and digital media spaces over the last 15 years.

He notably held the position of Economic Director in the Prime Minister’s Office and was a member of the National Economic Action Council. He was a consultant at McKinsey and Company and later became the CEO of Destini Oil, a Malaysian oilfield services company.

Shahril was recently appointed Head of Southeast Asia and Managing Director at GP Bullhound, a global tech advisory and investor with over USD1 billion in AUM and 13 offices across Europe, US and Asia.

This built on his previous VC and private markets experience syndicating angel and venture investments into Malaysian tech startups and later on founding a consultancy firm Watchtower Advisory where he advised international investors, asset managers and entrepreneurs with an interest in Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region.

His more public profile also includes co-hosting and co-owning Keluar Sekejap, a Malaysian digital media company anchored on its main podcast covering policy, politics and current affairs.

Shahril holds a MSc in Race, Ethnicity, and Postcolonial Studies from the London School of Economics, where he was the recipient of the 2011 Hobhouse Memorial Prize. Prior to this, he gained a BA in Economics from the University of Manchester.

On this appointment, Shahril commented, ”I am delighted to join the board at Wahed. Wahed’s mission of furthering financial inclusion through creating best-in-class and values-based financial products is one I resonate with deeply and I look forward to supporting its growth ambitions.

Mohsin Siddiqui, Wahed CEO said, “We are pleased to welcome Shahril to Wahed. His unique understanding of the financial landscape in Southeast Asia, in particular the private markets, is valuable to us. We have always envisaged the region to be a global hub for Wahed and we are excited to bring Shahril’s expertise in realizing this vision and continuing to grow our presence.

About Wahed

Founded in 2015, Wahed is a financial technology company that is advancing financial inclusion through accessible, affordable, and values-based investing. The company has made significant inroads in the world Shariah compliant investing by creating an easy-to-use digital platform that provides portfolio options to clients that align with their risk appetite. Wahed’s services have already attracted over 400,000 customers globally.

For more information, visit: www.wahed.com

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