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Asia Pacific Employers Lead in Health, Wellbeing Personalisation and Governance: Aon Study


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON) has released its 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study, spotlighting Asia Pacific (APAC) as a region driving innovation in employee benefits strategy. With 518 global HR professionals and 103 APAC-headquartered companies participating, the study reveals a strong regional focus on employee health, personalisation and governance—setting APAC apart from global peers.

“As organisations navigate economic uncertainty and rising employee expectations, the ability to deliver personalised, equitable and cost-effective benefits is a strategic differentiator,” said Tim Dwyer, head of Human Capital for APAC at Aon. “Our survey signals APAC is leading the way in aligning benefits strategy with workforce needs. Through innovative, data-driven analytic programmes, businesses are building resilient, future-ready programs for their workforce.”

Asia Pacific Employers Lead in Health, Wellbeing Personalisation and Governance: Aon Study

Key Findings for APAC
1. Health and productivity a strategic priority
APAC is the only region to rank “health and productivity of employees” among its top five strategic priorities. This reflects the region’s reliance on service labour and the outsized impact of workforce wellbeing on global supply chains.

2. Personalisation gains ground
Thirty-two percent of leading multinationals participating in the survey have global guidelines requiring local markets to introduce benefit choice. APAC firms, in particular, are more likely to offer flexibility in annual leave and career development, aligning with employee preferences. Moreover, 65 percent of employees at multinational firms are willing to sacrifice current benefits for better personalisation.

3. Technology-enabled benefits delivery
Sixty percent of leading multinationals (that is multinationals who have a global benefits strategy, an effective governance framework that is formally adopted and endorsed by senior management, reviewed and updated on a periodic basis and access to comprehensive data in most countries) rely heavily on technology to deliver personalised benefits experiences. APAC companies are early adopters of artificial intelligence (AI) for benefits selection and wellbeing support, with 28 percent planning to implement AI-driven solutions.

4. Cost containment remains central
Thirty-one percent of companies from the global survey are considering remarketing or changing providers, though only 37 percent are investing in wellbeing initiatives, suggesting a gap between strategic intent and execution.

5. Governance and strategy execution
Leading APAC organisations are three times more likely to have formal governance committees and senior management endorsement of their global benefits strategy and are 2.5 times more likely to have global benefit guidelines outlining preferred design and financing approaches.

“Health and productivity of the workforce are crucial, and the large size of the populations in this region means that small changes can have a large impact,” said Alan Oates, head of global benefits for APAC at Aon. “Prioritising health and productivity of employees reflects the critical importance of workforce in the region to the supply chain for many multinational organisations. Organisations across the region must continue to adapt their employee benefits strategies to meet evolving workforce expectations and economic challenges as they strive to remain competitive. This study underscores the importance of aligning benefits strategy with workforce needs while managing manage rising costs and governance complexity — especially in a region as diverse as APAC.”

About the Study: The 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study surveyed HR leaders with global responsibilities across multiple regions. The findings provide a comprehensive view of how multinational companies are evolving their benefits strategies to remain competitive in a complex global environment.

Download the full report: Aon 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study

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.

X-PM and BPG Forge Strategic Alliance to Redefine Executive Interim Management

SINGAPORE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — X-PM, a global executive interim management specialist, has partnered with BPG, an implementation-focused, problem-solving consultancy, to transform the executive interim management sector. Unlike staffing consultancies that manage the placement of executives on contract, the X-PM and BPG partnership takes accountability of the interim executives’ success by supporting the delivery of measurable results.

X-PM’s interim leaders are typically deployed in transformation roles that demand speed and operational impact. The partnership gives interim transformation leaders the competitive edge since they can tap on BPG’s proprietary methodologies and its suite of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions. With ready access to BPG’s processes, tools and resources, the executive interims can effectively fast-track the delivery of impactful solutions that yield both immediate results and sustainable long-term benefits for the organisation.

Ronald Kleer, BPG’s Chief Problem Solver explained, “Across diverse industries and technologies, we help executive interim professionals identify challenges and opportunities and resolve issues to successfully generate tangible business results. This is what fuels the X-PM and BPG strategic partnership. Thus, whether executive interims are engaged for transformation assignments or operational challenges, we collaborate closely with them and the client teams at every stage to achieve the desired goals. Our process ensures stakeholder alignment and builds the client team’s internal capabilities.”

X-PM’s Southeast Asia Managing Director, Mike Magee said, “Given the cost and time constraints amid the current climate of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, executive interim leaders offer a unique blend of specialised expertise and objective insight that a permanent hire or a traditional consultant may not be able to provide. Executive interims can seamlessly step into action, quickly assessing the situation and implementing solutions, especially with BPG’s support. Against clearly defined project goals, X-PM and BPG take accountability for the results with a percentage of our fee performance-based, which differentiates us from the competition. Together, we offer a measurable return on investment without the accompanying long-term overhead of permanent hires, who are generally more expensive, and time consuming to recruit and onboard.”

Both X-PM and BPG have their regional headquarters in Singapore, serving Asia and the Middle East. On the supply of executive interim leaders, Mr. Magee added, “Singapore has no shortage of on-demand interim executives with deep experience and knowledge across varied industries and cultures since the Republic is a talent magnet.” Drawing on insights from more than 650 interim management projects delivered globally in the last 24 months, X-PM’s data shows that over a third of its executive interims in Southeast Asia are Singaporean and/or Singapore permanent residents.

Employing executive interim professionals is part of an increasing global trend synonymous with the rise of the gig economy, fractional leaders and part-time work, as enlightened companies embrace a more flexible, cost-effective and skills-based talent approach.

About BPG

BPG is a global problem-solving consultancy that helps organisations to achieve measurable and sustainable strategic goals and performance improvements.  With deep expertise in strategy implementation, business and operating model transformation as well as crisis and performance management, BPG works alongside client teams to drive results and build long-term capability.  

BPG integrates strategic insight with hands-on collaboration. Its experienced consultants and interim managers bring in-depth understanding of industry dynamics, local cultures, regulations and market forces. Working closely with client teams, BPG fosters alignment and engagement, shifting mindsets and cultivating a culture of customer centricity, innovation, agility and continuous improvement. 

By combining people, processes and technology, BPG’s proprietary solutions in the areas of strategy implementation, performance management and the building high-performing organisations, help to efficiently unlock more effective business outcomes. 

More information can be found at www.bpg.sg

About X-PM

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Paris, X-PM is a global leader in executive interim management with international offices in Europe and Asia. It is a member of the Alixio group of companies with a turnover exceeding €200million.

X-PM addresses complex business challenges by offering seamless, cross-border solutions to companies around the world. As a specialist in executive interim management, X-PM deploys seasoned industry professionals to address crisis situations, drive transformational change and oversee strategic operational initiatives that deliver lasting impact. X-PM Asia is headquartered in Singapore, where it has ready access to a large and expanding talent pool of local and international executive interims.

As a founding member of the WIL Group, which offers world class interim and transformation management, X-PM has a unique blend of local knowledge and international experience to help businesses lead critical change, optimise performance and attain sustainable growth.

More information can be found at www.xpm.asia

Media Contact

Michele Anne Minjoot
Senior Communications Consultant
mminjoot@x-pm.sg
+65 98200075

HMLY Marks 16 Years of ISO in Packaging & Logistics Solutions


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – HMLY, an established provider of packaging and design as well as warehousing and storage solutions, has announced the renewal and continued attainment of internationally recognised certifications, marking 16 consecutive years of ISO accreditation. This milestone reflects the company’s ongoing adherence to quality, safety, and compliance standards, which are key requirements for clients operating in highly regulated sectors such as food manufacturing and medical devices.

The certifications include ISO 22000:2018 for Food Safety Management Systems, ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), SS 620:2016 (2021) Good Distribution Practice for Medical Devices, bizSAFE Level 3, and Sedex membership. Collectively, these credentials demonstrate HMLY’s compliance across packaging, logistics, and distribution activities, confirming its ability to meet international quality and safety benchmarks.

HMLY’s ability to maintain these certifications year after year reflects its systematic approach to operational excellence. Meeting the strict requirements of each standard involves detailed process management, regular audits, and a proactive safety culture embedded throughout the organisation. In addition to its packaging service in Singapore, the company offers integrated warehousing solutions, including warehouse storage for rent, ensuring safe handling and compliant distribution for industries with zero tolerance for lapses in safety or quality.

Founded in 1993, HMLY began as a provider of packaging and label printing services, quickly evolving to serve diverse industries including food production, healthcare, and consumer goods. Over the years, the company has invested in infrastructure, technology, and training to stay ahead of evolving compliance requirements. Its portfolio includes partnerships with food manufacturers, medical device distributors, and corporations seeking a single, trusted partner with proven adherence to global standards.

With its renewed certifications valid through 2026, HMLY continues to deliver packaging, logistics, and storage solutions in line with internationally recognised standards.

For more information on HMLY and its range of services, please visit https://www.hmly.com.sg/.

For enquiries, please contact request@hmly.com.sg or call +65 9661 3233.

Hashtag: #HMLY

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

Aspire Launches Yield Solution to Boost SMEs Investment Returns

Singapore SMEs gain access to institutional-grade investment returns with full liquidity and zero minimums

SINGAPORE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aspire, the all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses, today announced the launch of Aspire Yield, its new investment solution, giving small businesses access to investment opportunities within their Aspire Business Account.

Singapore SMEs gain access to institutional-grade investment returns with full liquidity and zero minimums
Singapore SMEs gain access to institutional-grade investment returns with full liquidity and zero minimums

The launch follows AFT SG 2 Pte Ltd, a company within the Aspire Group, securing its Capital Markets Services License (CMS) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in April 2025, enabling it to offer regulated investment solutions to businesses. To ensure stability and performance needed to turn idle cash into capital growth, Aspire’s affiliate has partnered with Fullerton Fund Management for both Singapore and US dollar investments.

The integrated solution addresses a long-standing challenge for SMEs, where competitive investment opportunities have traditionally remained difficult to access without substantial minimums or complex processes that favour larger corporations with established banking relationships. Now, through the Aspire platform, Singapore’s small businesses can earn up to 2.04% for SGD investments and 3.88% for USD investments[1], compared to traditional business savings rates that typically range from 0.01% to 0.25% per annum[2].

More than half the funds were previously sitting idle

Early adoption data from Aspire Yield’s clients in beta reveals a significant untapped opportunity: approximately 55% of funds now invested through Aspire Yield were previously sitting idle in traditional business accounts, earning minimal returns.

“That’s a staggering statistic and shows just how much capital small businesses have been leaving on the table,” said Andrea Baronchelli, CEO and co-founder of Aspire. “Aspire Yield changes this by giving every eligible Singapore business access to the same high-quality money market funds that are available to institutional investors, seamlessly integrated into their daily financial operations.”

“Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of Singapore’s economy, yet they’ve historically faced barriers in accessing institutional-quality investment solutions. Our partnership with Aspire group democratises access to professional fund management, enabling SMEs to optimise their working capital with the same calibre of investment solutions traditionally reserved for larger businesses. We’re proud to support Singapore’s entrepreneurial community through Aspire’s innovative platform” said Mark Yuen, Chief Business Development Officer, Fullerton Fund Management.

Zero barriers, maximum flexibility for business operations

All eligible Singapore-incorporated businesses can now open SGD and USD Yield accounts immediately. Unlike traditional investment products that often require minimums and lengthy lock-up periods, Aspire Yield offers:

  • No minimum investment requirement — businesses can start with any amount
  • Next business day liquidity, with funds remaining accessible for operational needs
  • No lock-up periods and complete flexibility to withdraw as business needs change
  • Integrated investment management within the Aspire platform.

“Aspire Yield is refreshingly simple: no minimums, no hidden terms, and no pressure to ‘invest’ in something risky. Just move cash in, and it does its thing,” said Bhavana Ravindran, founder and CEO of Earlybird AI, which uses Aspire Yield to manage its business funds.

“We designed Aspire Yield specifically for how modern businesses operate,” explained Damien Passavent, Chief Product Officer, Aspire. “Businesses need their capital to work harder, but they also need immediate access when opportunities or challenges arise. This isn’t about locking money away – it’s about making every dollar more productive while preserving complete operational flexibility.”

For more information on Aspire Yield, visit: https://aspireapp.com/yield 

About Aspire

Aspire is the all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses globally, helping over 50,000 companies save time and money with international payments, treasury, expense, payable, and receivable management solutions – accessible via a single, user-friendly account.

Headquartered in Singapore, Aspire has 600+ employees across nine countries, clients in 30+ markets and is backed by global top tier VCs, including Sequoia, Lightspeed, Y-Combinator, Tencent and Paypal. In 2023, Aspire closed an oversubscribed US$100M Series C round and announced that it has achieved profitability. Aspire Yield is provided by AFT SG 2 Pte Ltd, a company within the Aspire Group.

[1] Investment returns may vary based on market conditions

[2] Internal research conducted by Aspire in July

 

Three in Four Singaporeans Prioritise Leaving an Inheritance for Future Generations

Millennials and Gen Zs lead the charge in proactive wealth planning; Gen Zs also have the highest expectations towards receiving an inheritance


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – A new report by Etiqa Insurance Singapore spotlights growing trends in intergenerational wealth transfer, with 77% of Singaporeans prioritising leaving a financial legacy to future generations. With two-thirds of Singaporeans having either received, transferred or expect to receive or transfer their wealth, a commitment most pronounced among those aged 55 and above (74%), proactive wealth planning and management for Singaporeans is more crucial than ever.

Wealth Transfer Insights Report 2025
Wealth Transfer Insights Report 2025

78% of Singaporeans aged 55 years and above prioritise the importance of discussing inheritance matters with their families, signalling a clear cultural shift toward open and proactive legacy planning. This reflects a broader societal shift towards greater transparency and responsibility in legacy planning, as older Singaporeans recognise the importance of wealth transfer conversations before one’s passing.

Over half of Singaporeans surveyed (53%) have either received or expect to receive an inheritance. This expectation is even higher among younger Singaporeans, with 62% under the age of 24 expecting to receive an inheritance. This indicates the need for early financial literacy and planning to ensure wealth is managed effectively.

Among Singaporeans who expect to receive or give an inheritance, one in five anticipate a windfall of $1 million or more. With large sums potentially involved, financial education becomes key, and recipients need financial planning and management to manage this wealth.

Among Singaporeans who have received their inheritance, 53% believe the inheritance plays a critical role in their long-term financial stability. In contrast only 35% of Singaporeans who have yet to receive an inheritance see it as critical factor that ensures their long-term financial stability. As the true value of an inheritance often becomes clear only after it is received, proactive financial guidance is essential to help individuals integrate it effectively into their long-term financial goals.

Other key findings of the survey include:

  • Nearly half (46%) of Singaporeans have plans to or have already initiated wealth transfers during their lifetime, shifting away from solely relying on transfers upon their passing.
  • About half of Singaporeans surveyed (49%) actively use insurance as an instrument for wealth transfer, recognising it as an effective method for legacy planning beyond basic protection.
  • Most Singaporeans preparing to pass on wealth involve their family in financial planning conversations (42%) and instilling values of responsibility and diligence (41%). A notable 18% still lack a plan for successor readiness.
  • Wealth transfer comes with complexities. Key worries for Singaporeans regarding wealth transfer include family conflict (36%), maintaining their own financial security (34%), and fears of mismanagement of wealth (31%).
  • One in three Singaporeans now involve a financial advisor in their wealth transfer planning, reflecting a growing recognition of the critical need for expert guidance in navigating complex legacy decisions.

“Our Wealth Transfer Insights Report findings indicate that wealth transfer is increasingly viewed not just as a financial event, but as a purposeful act of next generation empowerment,” said Raymond Ong, CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore. “It is heartening that Singaporeans are having conversations about wealth planning through open family dialogue and meticulous planning, fundamental to ensuring financial well-being of their families.”

“While Singaporeans demonstrate a strong commitment to securing their family’s financial future through wealth transfer, potential challenges such as wealth mismanagement and preserving this wealth for next generation need to be addressed,” Mr. Ong emphasised. “More strategic and informed legacy planning to bridge existing gaps and fostering continuous open dialogue are essential steps to ensure that legacies not only endure but truly empower future generations.”

Etiqa Insurance Singapore supports the community through financial planning literacy workshops and activities designed to empower individuals across all age groups. These initiatives, that will be rolled out in phases in coming years, aim to equip participants with the essential knowledge to protect, grow, and manage their wealth effectively. Find out more at: www.etiqa.com.sg

Etiqa Insurance Singapore Wealth Transfer Insights Report

The Etiqa Insurance Singapore Wealth Transfer Insights Report was conducted in collaboration with Kantar in June 2025, surveying 1,008 Singapore citizens and permanent residents across four age groups: Gen Z (18 to 28 years old), Millennials (29 to 43 years old), Gen X (44 to 59 years old), and Seniors (60 and above). This study delves into the attitudes, expectations and strategies around both receiving and passing wealth to the next generation.
Hashtag: #EtiqaInsurance

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

Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd.

Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (EIPL) is a life and general insurance company licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. Having protected customers in Singapore since 1961 under the name United General Insurance Co. Sdn. Bhd., the company transitioned into the Singapore branch of Etiqa Insurance Berhad in 2009. Today, EIPL in Singapore stands as the pivotal operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group, a leading insurance and takaful provider in ASEAN.

EIPL offers a comprehensive range of life and general insurance products accessible through its diverse distribution channels, including bancassurance, agents, brokers, financial advisers, partnerships, direct and online sales via Tiq by Etiqa. Etiqa is rated ‘A’ by credit rating agency Fitch for the group’s ‘Favorable’ business profile. EIPL is owned by Maybank Ageas Holdings Berhad, a joint venture combining local market expertise with international insurance knowledge, with 69% ownership by Maybank, the fourth largest banking group in Southeast Asia, and 31% by Ageas, an international insurance group operating across 13 countries.

Unilink Credit Supports Communities to Redefine Industry Perceptions


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Licensed moneylenders in Singapore often contend with an enduring set of negative stereotypes: predatory practices, exorbitant rates, and a focus on exploiting the vulnerable. But Unilink Credit is quietly working to challenge these perceptions. Instead of publicity drives, the company focuses on ongoing support for corporate social responsibility in Singapore, reaching some of the most vulnerable local communities.

A Zeno Group survey of over 7,000 consumers, including 1,000 in Singapore, found that nearly 8 in 10 Singaporeans consider a brand’s engagement with social issues when deciding what to buy or recommend. This highlights the growing business impact of corporate social responsibility.

Quiet Contributions to Community Welfare

The company has supported initiatives that provide elderly residents and low-income families with practical assistance, such as school materials for children, festive meals, and nutritious care packages during the Lunar New Year. Although these corporate social responsibility contributions are acknowledged by partner organisations in Singapore, Unilink Credit has chosen not to publicise them widely.

“We did all these with heart and not for any marketing purpose,” said Daphne, Director of Unilink Credit. “You don’t have to be very wealthy to do charity. Every bit counts, and it doesn’t always need to be monetary. The corporate social responsibility effort comes from the heart.”

A Different Side of Lending

For Unilink Credit, the connection between lending and giving is not contradictory. Both are guided by the same principles: trust, responsibility, and social impact. The company believes that a licensed moneylender’s role in Singapore extends beyond simply providing loans. It can also involve offering regulated, transparent credit services and channelling resources toward community support.

Impact Beyond Numbers

The most rewarding outcomes from their corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore, they say, are the moments that statistics can’t capture: the smiles of elderly residents at a community lunch, the gratitude from families receiving care packs, and the excitement of children awarded for their academic achievements.

Looking ahead, Unilink Credit plans to continue supporting causes that serve the elderly and low-income children, even when the organisations fall outside of its cultural or religious background. “We’re open to helping as long as it reaches those who need it most,” Daphne, Director of Unilink Credit added.

In an industry where public perception is slow to change, the company hopes its example will offer a more balanced perspective. It aims to show that lending and corporate social responsibility in Singapore can exist side by side.

Hashtag: #UnilinkCredit

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

OutSystems Transforms Scoot’s Disruption Management System to Elevate Customer Travel Experience

Using AI-powered low-code, Scoot more than doubles the development speed of its internal communications application, enhancing operational response time during flight disruptions

SINGAPORE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), has selected OutSystems, a leading AI-powered low-code development platform, to modernise its flight disruption management capabilities and boost operational efficiency. Leveraging AI-powered low-code, Scoot now unifies its various communications systems onto a centralised platform for flight operations management, facilitating effective cross-department coordination and better decision-making during flight disruptions.

In the commercial aviation industry, swift and accurate communication is essential for maintaining customer trust and delivering smooth customer travel experience, particularly during unexpected events. Recognising this, Scoot identified a critical need to modernise its flight disruption management system, which relied heavily on fragmented, text-based group chats that manually distributed over 600 notifications daily to various teams. This manual system, however, significantly hindered operational efficiency, as crucial updates on flight status could take some time to reach the necessary stakeholders, delaying decision-making and impacting customer satisfaction.

By cutting development time from eight months to two-and-a-half months with OutSystems, Scoot developed the Virtual Operations Command Center (vOCC) application at more than twice the speed compared to traditional development. The application integrates multiple internal communication systems to coordinate notifications and eliminate communication bottlenecks between stakeholders during operational disruptions, including:

  • Direct Connection with Scoot’s Operations Command Centre: Enables real-time access to critical information about delayed flights and other disruptions, where updates are automatically shared across departments, including operations, public relations, and customer service teams.
  • Integration with Downstream Commercial Applications: Allows for timely delivery of updates to affected passengers through various channels, including email and text messages.

Scoot’s Virtual Operations Command Centre App Developed using OutSystems. Screenshots are for illustration purposes only.
Scoot’s Virtual Operations Command Centre App Developed using OutSystems. Screenshots are for illustration purposes only.

The adoption of OutSystems has yielded significant outcomes for Scoot, including a 90% increase in data visibility across all stakeholders and a reduction of over 60% in manual processing time. Additionally, teams can now track quantifiable disruption metrics such as flight retiming metrics and number of connecting passengers, allowing for more data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency.

Mr Jaya Balaji MV, Vice President Information Technology of Scoot, said, “As a digital-first airline, we believe modern technology is essential to enhancing customer satisfaction while maintaining cost efficiency. Digital innovation is key to unlocking these possibilities at Scoot, and our vOCC application reflects this vision. By transforming our operations control centre — the ‘nerve centre’ of the airline — with data and AI-driven insights, we have strengthened real-time decision-making, improved cross-team collaboration, and accelerated our response during disruptions such as flight delays or cancellations.”

He added, “Few industries demand agility and adaptability like commercial aviation, where the ability to react and pivot quickly, especially during unexpected events, can make all the difference in maintaining service continuity and customer trust. In this high-stakes environment, clear, real-time communication for information exchange and collaboration isn’t just helpful – it is an imperative. Adopting AI-powered low-code is a reflection of Scoot’s commitment to meeting these exacting standards with speed, precision, and innovation. Our partnership with OutSystems has significantly accelerated the delivery of a key communication solution, driving more efficient resource allocation and enhancing operational excellence, ultimately elevating the customer experience.”

“The impact of low-code and AI today goes beyond operational optimisation and efficiency; these combined technologies are actively reshaping the way industries function at their core. Scoot’s breakthrough in developing its first disruption-handling mobile application, alongside the clear business results it achieved, exemplifies how AI-powered low-code is a true game-changer for building mission-critical solutions that fuel resilience and strategic advantage in a fast-evolving business landscape. Collaborating with Scoot has been a privilege – we are proud to power their vision for smarter, more connected travel while setting new standards for service excellence in aviation,” said Leonard Tan, Regional Director, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and Greater China Region at OutSystems.

Looking ahead, Scoot will further enhance its vOCC application by integrating AI capabilities via OutSystems Mentor, enabling automated, personalised communication with passengers. These enhancements will strengthen Scoot’s commitment to delivering reliable, quality services and elevating customers’ travel experiences.

Discover more about OutSystems AI-powered low-code.

About OutSystems 

OutSystems is a leading AI-powered low-code development platform, 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 gen AI 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 production 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 850,000 community members, over 500 partners, and active customers in 75+ countries across 20+ industries. Learn more at www.outsystems.com.

Autohome Launches 2025 818 Car Shopping Festival, Delivering Smarter, Immersive Experiences for Car Buyers

BEIJING, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As August begins, Autohome, a leading online destination for car buyers, has kicked off the seventh edition of the 818 Car Shopping Festival under the theme “20 Years of Trust, Smart Future with AI, Powered by Love.” This year’s festival, running from August 1 to September 30, focuses on the core promise of “real benefits and real subsidies,” blending immersive digital experiences, multi-tiered purchase incentives, and enhanced smart services to offer a more efficient and engaging car buying journey.

Autohome 818 Car Shopping Festival 2025
Autohome 818 Car Shopping Festival 2025

It comes at a time when new energy vehicle sales are surging, Chinese automakers are accelerating their global expansion, and AI is reshaping the automotive industry, making the festival a valuable platform for automotive enthusiasts, consumers, and industry partners to connect and explore. It also reflects the automotive industry’s rapid shift toward smarter, more connected, and experience-driven mobility.

Since its debut in 2019, the Autohome 818 Car Shopping Festival has grown from a domestic promotion into a global stage where technology, entertainment, culture, and the automotive world meet, giving automakers, dealers, and consumers a vibrant space to connect and share meaningful experiences.

Marking its 20th anniversary, Autohome is showcasing two decades of technological expertise and industry insight through three major highlights at this year’s festival:

  • Seamless online–offline experience: From online access through Ping An, Alipay, and Amap to the “Help Buy a Car” livestream, buyers can explore, compare, and choose their cars with ease, while a 100-city offline network offers exclusive side-by-side model comparisons and on-the-spot test drives for a true “see it, drive it” experience.
  • Genuine benefits and subsidies: Four layers of incentives, including RMB 30 million in exclusive Autohome funding, make buying or replacing a car more affordable. The August 18 “Car Buying Carnival Night” featured live broadcasts nationwide with prize draws and interactive giveaways to keep the excitement high.
  • AI-driven decisions: Showcasing its “ALL in AI” strategy, Autohome spotlights its Cangjie large language model along with AI Assistant and AI Buyer tools. These technologies help users compare models, check prices, and match financing options quickly and accurately.

Other complementary activities include a Hundred-City Auto Show blending music, esports, and automotive showcases, and a Used Car Fair with live bargaining, expert guidance, and exclusive deals.

The 2025 festival goes beyond promotions to reinforce consumer confidence, drive industry innovation, and set new benchmarks for experiential marketing. It expands the reach of the 818 IP as China’s most renowned automotive festival brand, deepening engagement between consumers and the global automotive ecosystem. By combining AI-powered solutions with dynamic on-site experiences, Autohome continues to position itself at the forefront of smart mobility trends.  

Autohome’s AI leadership has been further validated by its self-developed “Cangjie Model”, which recently ranked first in the authoritative SuperCLUE-AutoQA benchmark, underscoring its leadership in vertical AI capabilities. Building on 20 years of expertise and unique data assets, Autohome has developed a full-stack AI ecosystem: for consumers, this includes the in-app AI Assistant, offline AI Buyer, and the world’s first AI-powered VR automotive film experience. AI and ecosystem synergies are helping to upgrade the automotive industry, with AI embedded across the entire “view–choose–buy–use–replace” journey to deliver end-to-end empowerment, setting new standards for intelligent automotive internet services.

Looking ahead, Autohome is also accelerating its global expansion. In June 2025,it launched its global English-language platform featuring 57 Chinese auto brands and over 2,000 models, covering vehicle specs, configurations, prices, and local dealer networks. Coupled with official presences on global social media platforms, and upcoming offline experience hubs, Autohome is helping Chinese automakers lower costs, increase visibility, and build stronger global recognition.

“Our mission has always been to make car buying easier, smarter, and more enjoyable,” said Song Yang, CEO of Autohome. “The 818 Car Shopping Festival is designed to do two things: stimulate automotive consumption and bring the industry’s technology and culture closer to everyone. This year, we have brought in more partners, offered consumers greater benefits and subsidies, and put a spotlight on our AI capabilities. From our industry-leading Cangjie large language model to the AI Assistant in our app, the AI Buyer in our nationwide offline network, and AI toolkits that help the industry reduce costs and improve efficiency, we are reshaping how both consumers and businesses experience smart mobility.”

About Autohome

Autohome Inc. (NYSE: ATHM; HKEX: 2518) is a leading online platform for automobile consumers. In March 2025, its average mobile daily active users reached 76.92 million, up 10.8% year-over-year (QuestMobile). Autohome offers professionally generated, user-generated, and AI-generated content, a comprehensive automotive database, and an extensive marketplace covering the entire car ownership cycle. Its advertising, subscription, and transaction services help automakers and dealers expand reach, enhance efficiency, and drive sales.

For more information, please visit global.autohome.com & www.autohome.com.cn

Media Relations:
Autohome_pr@autohome.com.cn