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AIA Singapore and Singapore University of Social Sciences launch nation’s first insurance minor to strengthen talent pool and boost Singapore’s financial hub status

Through a holistic curriculum, AIA Singapore and Singapore University of Social Sciences seek to nurture next-generation talents and pave the way for sustainable, purposeful careers.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 August 2024 AIA Singapore and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) today launched Singapore’s first Minor in Insurance Fundamentals as part of a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties. This programme aims to cultivate and expand the pool of future-ready talent for the insurance industry. It represents the inaugural collaboration between a Singapore university and an insurer to develop a joint training programme.

Pictured from left to right: Wong Sze Keed, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Singapore, Mrs Mildred Tan, Chairman of SUSS Board of Trustees and Independent Non-Executive Director of the AIA Singapore Board, Professor Tan Tai Yong, President, SUSS
Pictured from left to right: Wong Sze Keed, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Singapore, Mrs Mildred Tan, Chairman of SUSS Board of Trustees and Independent Non-Executive Director of the AIA Singapore Board, Professor Tan Tai Yong, President, SUSS

The introduction of this programme seeks to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in Singapore’s financial services sector. Singapore’s life insurance market is poised for substantial growth, with the gross written premium projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.41% from 2024 to 2028, reaching a market volume of US$58.83 billion by 2028[1]. This growth, however, is tempered by persistent talent shortages[2]. The programme will bridge the talent gap by equipping training professionals with essential insurance principles, compliance knowledge, and financial acumen.

The programme will commence in January 2025, with registrations opening in September 2024. It will be available to:

  • SUSS full-time and part-time undergraduates.
  • Working adults, including Continuing Education and Training (CET) learners in the financial services industry and graduates from SUSS’ SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme Certificate in Personal Banking. They will receive a Certificate in Insurance Fundamentals upon completing the programme.

Enabling students to acquire theoretical knowledge and in-depth professional skills in insurance

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a robust understanding of core insurance concepts and equip them with the essential knowledge and skills for careers in insurance and related fields, including roles such as financial planners, brokers, and agency management officers. It comprises a set of courses that explore topics such as contract and agency law, customer relationship management, and financial markets.

Additionally, as part of the AIA-SUSS partnership, a six-week internship with AIA[3] will be open to all full-time SUSS undergraduates in the second year of studies. This exclusive internship programme with AIA Singapore offers students a comprehensive introduction to the insurance industry when they join either AIA’s agency or corporate arms.

During the internship, students will benefit from the guidance of seasoned mentors and dedicated professionals, gaining deeper insights into financial planning and building meaningful networks to fast-track their careers. Those seeking to obtain a deeper knowledge of the insurance field will also have the opportunity to pursue full-time employment with AIA Singapore upon graduation.

In their third year, full-time students pursuing the Minor in Insurance Fundamentals and meeting the prerequisites will have the chance to work at AIA Singapore while continuing their education, under the SkillsFuture Work-Study Degree (WSDeg). The WSDeg allows students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world industry settings, gaining valuable practical skills and professional exposure. The Work-Study and Industry Readiness component is thoughtfully integrated with their major and minor courses, ensuring a balanced and enriching educational journey.

Ms Aileen Tan, Chief Human Resources Officer of AIA Singapore, said: “Despite the rise in online platforms and digital touchpoints, we continue to see a growing demand among customers for personalised advice and guidance from financial consultants. This demand, coupled with Singapore’s shifting demographic, signals the need for a direct and formal pathway for professional development in insurance, which is currently lacking. Through this partnership with SUSS, we hope to inspire more students to explore rewarding careers in insurance and in turn, uplift the sector.”

Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, said: “This initiative is not just about academic advancement; it’s about nurturing future leaders who will elevate the financial services sector and make a meaningful impact on society. The collaboration with AIA Singapore serves as a testament to SUSS’ continued commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world skills. By opening doors to rewarding careers in the insurance industry, we hope to inspire our students to pursue fulfilling careers and support their professional trajectory.”

Job redesign and reskilling for AIA employees

Another component of the MoU involves AIA Singapore and SUSS jointly developing reskilling training to enable AIA employees to take on growth job roles, in line with Workforce Singapore’s (WSG) Information and Communications Jobs Transformation Map. Through this initiative, AIA Singapore plans to reskill about 100 of its employees in artificial intelligence (AI) and adjacent technological skills over the next few years.

This effort also aligns with SUSS’ role as one of five Training Partners working with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to develop reskilling courses with training interventions for AI professionals, supporting the national reskilling and upskilling agenda.

Ms Tan added, “As a leading life insurer and employer of choice, we recognise the important role we play in shaping the future of insurance in Singapore. This is why nurturing talent and creating rewarding career opportunities for individuals here continue to be core to our business, and we look forward to empowering leaders of tomorrow.”

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.

About Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

At SUSS, we have a singular vision to be a university that inspires learning for life and impacts lives, regardless of age, background or life path. Our university is a vibrant tapestry of ages and experiences. From recent JC and polytechnic graduates to seasoned professionals, parents seeking new horizons and individuals redefining their careers in their golden years—our diverse community comes together for one common goal: to empower themselves with an education that impacts lives and society.

We offer more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programmes, available in full- and part-time study modes which are flexible, modular and interdisciplinary, catering to both fresh school leavers and adult learners. SUSS also offers a broad range of continuing education and training modular courses for the professional skills upgrading of Singapore’s workforce.

To date, over 47,000 graduates have experienced our unique brand of education. More than 21,000 students are currently pursuing their full- and part-time studies with us.

The Institute for Adult Learning (IAL), as part of SUSS, leads in the field of research on adult and workplace learning and training of adult educators to build capabilities of the training and adult education sector in Singapore and beyond.

For more information about SUSS, please visit .

Vingroup’s Expanding Horizons: Beyond VinFast

As Vietnam becomes a magnet for foreign investment, Vingroup is at the forefront of the country’s global ascent. Beyond the electric vehicle company VinFast, the conglomerate is making waves in real estate, tourism, and technology, with initiatives like VinFuture underscoring the company’s commitment to a better world.


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 August 2024 – Vietnam’s economy is revving up, with foreign investment pouring into the Southeast Asian nation. In the first seven months of 2024, total registered foreign direct investment (FDI) surged 10.9 percent to $18 billion, while new investments soared by 35.6 percent to nearly $10.8 billion.

Vingroup is at the forefront of the country's global ascent

The World Bank has praised Vietnam’s economic resilience, noting its steady growth trajectory. The country’s per capita income has outpaced many regional rivals, a testament to its growing economic clout.

Vietnam’s economic ascent is also fueling the growth of domestic conglomerates. Vingroup, the nation’s largest private corporation, is expanding rapidly across sectors including industry, technology, real estate, services, healthcare, and education. These domestic giants, like Vingroup, the parent company of VinFast, are not only benefiting from Vietnam’s attractiveness to foreign investors but are also actively building global brands of their own.

A prime example of this transformation is the electric vehicle. VinFast’s sleek, high-tech cars are seen as symbols of Vietnam’s technological prowess and a bridge between its heroic past and its modern, ambitious future. They embody the nation’s shift from a resilient underdog to a globally integrated economic player.

VinFast’s Strategic Expansion Worldwide

The ringing of the Nasdaq golden bell in August 2023 marked a pivotal moment for VinFast and Vietnam’s business landscape. The successful listing on the U.S. stock exchange signaled the maturity of a homegrown company with global ambitions while inspiring a new generation of Vietnamese startups.

Since the Nasdaq debut, VinFast has rapidly expanded its global footprint. Beyond its presence in the U.S., Europe, Canada, and the Middle East, the automaker made strategic moves into emerging markets closer to home, including India, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

In Indonesia, VinFast has quickly gained traction. The company has launched the VF e34 and VF 5 models, opened dealerships, and broken ground on an assembly plant in Subang. These initiatives underscore VinFast’s commitment to the region and its strategy of offering high-quality, affordable electric vehicles backed by strong after-sales service.

This global push was underscored by the inclusion of VinFast’s founder and CEO, Pham Nhat Vuong, on the prestigious 2024 MotorTrend Power List. Notably, Vuong is the only honoree from Southeast Asia, highlighting his visionary leadership and the groundbreaking work underway at VinFast.

In another achievement for Vietnamese business, VinFast was named one of the world’s 100 most influential companies by TIME magazine in May 2024. The honor marked the first time a Vietnamese enterprise has been included in the prestigious list.

Beyond Borders: Vingroup’s Global Impact

VinFast has captured international headlines, but the broader Vingroup ecosystem is also gaining recognition. Subsidiaries such as VinFuture, VinAI, and Vinhomes are contributing to the group’s growing stature.

Vingroup demonstrated its commitment to society during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating billions of Vietnamese dong to pandemic relief efforts. The company also launched the VinFuture Foundation, a global science and technology award that has elevated Vietnam’s international profile. The award’s growing influence, with nearly eight times as many nominating partner scientists and 2.5 times as many nominations in its fourth year, affirms Vingroup’s role in addressing global challenges.

Vingroup’s technology division is making significant strides, offering a range of products and services in big data, artificial intelligence, healthcare AI, operational transformation, cybersecurity, data management, and more. These solutions are gaining traction in global markets.

The division is also a key contributor to VinFast’s success, developing cutting-edge technologies like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), smart services, and self-generating AI virtual assistants. These innovations provide VinFast with a substantial competitive edge in the electric vehicle market.

VinFast made history on January 8, 2024, when its MirrorSense technology was honored with the Innovation Award Honoree at CES 2024 in the Vehicle Tech and Advanced Mobility category. Developed jointly with VinAI, a Vingroup subsidiary specializing in AI research and development, MirrorSense is the world’s first AI-driven automatic mirror adjustment system.

This prestigious award recognizes the groundbreaking nature of MirrorSense and solidifies VinFast and VinAI’s position as leaders in automotive technology innovation. The system uses AI to accurately detect a driver’s head position and eye gaze, adjusting mirrors accordingly with a precision of 10 millimeters.

Vingroup’s influence extends far beyond its industrial and technological ventures. Its real estate arm, Vinhomes, has captured global attention. This year, the Ocean City complex garnered widespread acclaim from international media as one of the world’s most desirable places to live.

Since its inception in 2013, Vinhomes has redefined urban living in Vietnam. The developer has created a portfolio of world-class residential and commercial projects that have transformed the country’s skyline and set new standards for luxury living. Vinhomes’ growing collection of prestigious international awards solidifies its position as a global real estate leader.

Meanwhile, Vingroup’s foray into tourism began in 2002 with the opening of the five-star Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang, transforming the pristine Hon Tre Island into a luxurious destination and symbolizing the nascent Vietnamese tourism industry. Just four years later, the group unveiled Vinpearl Land, Southeast Asia’s largest and most unique resort and entertainment complex, complete with the world’s longest over-sea cable car at the time.

These iconic projects not only created world-class destinations but also elevated Vietnam’s global tourism profile through a series of high-profile events. Vinpearl and VinWonders have played a pivotal role in positioning Vietnam as a must-visit destination for international travelers, contributing seamlessly to Vingroup’s mission of positively impacting virtually every aspect of Vietnamese people’s lives and expanding its global reach.

Hashtag: #Vingroup #VinFast

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

2024 World Manufacturing Convention Promo: Smart Manufacturing, Creating a Better Future

HEFEI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 August 2024 – “Smart Manufacturing, Creating a Better Future” — the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention is scheduled to take place from September 20 to September 23 in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. This year’s convention will focus on the new stage of development, fully embracing new development strategies, and integrating into the global economic landscape. The convention aims to establish itself as a vital platform for promoting the growth of emerging industries, advancing future industries, and accelerating the development of innovative production capabilities. It will contribute significantly to building a stronger manufacturing sector and fostering international collaboration and success in the global manufacturing community.

Video link: https://youtu.be/0X3AvklmGFg
Video link: https://youtu.be/0X3AvklmGFg

This year, the World Manufacturing Convention will highlight the progress and achievements in manufacturing over the 75 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The event will feature several key exhibition sections, including the Prelude Hall, “Made in China” showcase, International Exhibits, Guest of Honor Province (City) Exhibition, Anhui Province’s achievements in industrial modernization, exhibitions on high-quality manufacturing development in other regions, and displays of new energy intelligent vehicles and drone demonstrations.

The convention will bring together representatives from key national organizations, industry associations, research institutions, and leading manufacturing companies from around the world. Participants will present a series of authoritative reports, innovative developments, industry indices, white papers, case studies, and application scenarios, all focused on the future of manufacturing.

This year’s convention will also leverage digital technologies to create an interactive hybrid experience. By using virtual exhibitions and smart interactive tools, the convention will stream major events online, including the opening ceremony, exhibitions, releases, and networking sessions.

Approximately 1,000 distinguished guests are expected to attend this year’s World Manufacturing Convention, including around 500 international representatives. Attendees will include foreign dignitaries, ministers, representatives from guest countries and international provinces or cities, diplomats from embassies and consulates in China; officials from various Chinese government ministries and provinces; leaders from international organizations, CEOs, and senior executives of Fortune 500 companies and multinational corporations, top executives from leading manufacturing firms, representatives from business associations and investment institutions, as well as renowned scholars and experts.

For more information visit the video link: https://youtu.be/0X3AvklmGFg
Hashtag: #WorldManufacturingConvention

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

Laos Ranks Among Top Three Travel Spots for Thai Tourists, New Survey Shows

Laos Ranks Among Top Three Travel Spots for Thai Tourists, New Survey Shows
Luang Prabang earned a spot on Time magazine's list of the 50 greatest places to visit

Laos has emerged as one of the top three destinations for Thai travelers, according to the latest Agoda’s Return Visitor Ranking. The survey highlighted that Laos, alongside Japan and Taiwan, has won the hearts of Thai tourists, who are drawn back by its local cuisine, cultural richness, and convenient accessibility.

Blue Chair Film Festival Returns to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang will once again host its biennial film festival, previously known as the Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF), now rebranded as Blue Chair.  With a rich history of connecting regional filmmakers, supporting the Lao domestic film industry, and presenting a free, curated selection of contemporary Southeast Asian film, Blue Chair has been a force in the region for more than 12 years.

This year’s festival is officially scheduled to take place from 5-9 December, across three different venues in the city. As is customary, the entire five-day event will be free-of-charge and completely open to the public for attendance, with the full program schedule to be available as a downloadable app for easy accessibility. In addition to the films presented, this year’s festival will include panels and discussions, live evening performances, as well as special screenings and discussions around these additions.

The visual theme of this year’s festival will feature the iconic gecko as a regional mascot, paying homage to the rich biodiversity of Laos.

Blue Chair Film Festival flyer 2024. (Supplied)

As always, official selections for the program were made by filmmakers and critics from across Southeast Asia and represent a curated selection of the finest contemporary films from their respective nations. This year, Blue Chair expects to showcase a slate of films from at least 10 of 11 regional countries, including Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. By working with regional expert curators with an inside understanding of their communities’ film scenes, Blue Chair presents a unique program that consistently delivers some of the strongest voices from across the region.

Once again, filmmakers will join in-person for the event. Blue Chair has become well-known as a unique forum for regional professionals to network internationally and exchange diverse ideas and experiences.

Founded in 2009, Blue Chair, originally known as the LPFF, is an annual celebration of Southeast Asian cinema held in Luang Prabang, Laos. This not-for-profit initiative promotes cross-cultural dialogue and supports the Lao film industry through cultural events, educational activities, and the Lao Filmmakers Fund, which offers grants to help Lao artists realize their film projects.

Among the festival’s supporters this year are The Asia Foundation, Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia, Laos Buffalo Dairy, and EXO Travel. The event is produced in collaboration with the Luang Prabang Department of Culture, Information, and Tourism. Longtime hotel partners across Luang Prabang are also supporting the event, in addition to local businesses, community organizations and individual donors. Blue Chair is also a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent, a US-based non-profit independent media arts organization.


Information provided by Blue Chair Film Festival

LOCA MINI Transforms Urban Mobility in Laos

Loca Mini. Photo supplied.
LOCA MINI is transforming urban mobility in Laos with its launch of a sleek, all-electric, and highly affordable ride-hailing service. This compact vehicle is not just a new addition to LOCA’s fleet but a revolutionary step towards sustainable transportation.

JustMarkets Nominated for UF AWARDS APAC 2024


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 August 2024 – A globally recognized multi-asset broker, JustMarkets is honored to be valued by clients and experts in the field and has been nominated for the prestigious UF AWARDS APAC 2024. This nomination is a testament to the company’s dedication and hard work in the online trading industry, as recognized on such a prominent platform.

JustMarkets UF Awards 2024

The UF AWARDS APAC highlights outstanding achievements in the fintech and online trading sectors, providing traders and businesses with industry examples of the best companies to trade and do business with. The shortlist of nominees is based on customer experience and partner feedback, which inspires JustMarkets to strive for higher standards and expand our offerings to meet the diverse needs of traders worldwide.

JustMarkets invites everyone to support and vote from 26.08 to 06.09 at the UF AWARDS APAC 2024:https://uf-awards.com/apac2024/

Let’s achieve this milestone together.

Hashtag: #JustMarkets #UFAwards #APAC #2024







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

JustMarkets

JustMarkets is a globally recognized multi-asset broker providing reliable and transparent trading services since 2012. The company has earned over 50 industry awards, highlighting its excellence in the financial sector. JustMarkets offers a diverse array of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, metals, energies, and cryptocurrencies, serving clients in over 160 countries.

The company is renowned for its competitive pricing, featuring low spreads and zero commissions. JustMarkets caters to both new and experienced traders by providing a wide range of services designed to enhance their trading experience.

Vizzio Technologies Awarded World’s First Patent for GeoSpatial 3D Mapping Using Satellite Images and AI


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 August 2024 – Vizzio Technologies Pte Ltd has been awarded a groundbreaking patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), marking a significant milestone in the field of 3D city mapping. This world-first patent recognises Vizzio Technologies for its innovative integration of 2D satellite imagery and state-of-the-art AI technology to produce highly detailed and geometrically accurate 3D city models.

Vizzio Technologies - First Patent for GeoSpatial 3D Mapping

The patent, granted exclusively to Vizzio Technologies, encompasses 15 novel methods and claims that outline their unique process of converting 2D satellite images into comprehensive 3D city models. This pioneering technology eliminates the need for drones or planes, establishing a new benchmark for 3D city mapping. It represents a pivotal component of Vizzio’s AI modelling pipeline, setting a new standard in the industry.

In addition to this landmark patent, Vizzio Technologies has also received a second patent, further solidifying its position as a leader in advanced 3D mapping technologies. The second patent underscores Vizzio’s commitment to delivering precise and photorealistic digital twins of urban environments. This capability was exemplified by Vizzio’s recent project where the entire city of Bahrain, covering 785 square kilometres, was modelled in under one month, demonstrating the efficiency and accuracy of their technology.

The combination of these patents signifies a major advancement for Vizzio Technologies, enabling the company to offer LIVE 3D real-time digital twins through their Polytron.AI platform. This technology enhances various applications, including urban planning, environmental sustainability, and defence. Vizzio’s innovations effectively merge physical and virtual worlds, creating a unified solution for diverse real-world applications.

These achievements by Vizzio Technologies not only highlight their past successes but also set the stage for future innovations and collaborations. The patents are a testament to Vizzio’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of 3D city mapping and digital twin technology.
Hashtag: #VizzioTechnologies #POLYTRON.AI #AITechnology #3DMapping


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

Vizzio Technologies

Vizzio Technologies leads the world in creating detailed 3D city models using satellite imagery and AI. We produce immersive digital twins of cities globally, integrating multi-resolution data and machine learning for real-time insights and modelling. Established in 2020, we have mapped over 1 million square kilometres of urban space, filed 34 patents, and saved 75% of time compared to traditional methods. Our goal is to deliver dimensionally accurate, photorealistic digital twins for every city on Earth, supporting a range of applications from urban planning to security.