Category: What’s News Asia

Wins 28 Awards in Collaboration with Esteemed Clients and Partners, Showcasing Cross-Platform Marketing Strength

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – The Spark Awards 2026, organised by Hong Kong’s leading marketing publication MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, recently held its awards ceremony. The ceremony recognised brands, agencies and media organisations that have demonstrated excellence in media, advertising and marketing over the past year.

TVB Limited (TVB), together with its clients and partners, jointly won a total of 28 awards, comprising 13 Gold, 10 Silver and 5 Bronze awards. In addition to sweeping Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for “Best Creative Campaign” and “Best Event / Experiential Activation”, TVB once again garnered the “Media of the Year” award, one of the highest honours of the event, taking centre stage at the ceremony. The recognition reaffirms TVB’s excellence in content creation, media integration, brand partnerships and cross-platform marketing.

This year’s winning campaigns span diverse sectors including food and beverage, finance, health and medical services. Partners and clients include McDonald’s Hong Kong, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Hang Seng Bank, Herbalgy Pharmaceutical Limited and Dingzhi Dental. The winning campaigns successfully integrate TVB’s high-quality content, artiste resources, television platforms, digital media and innovative marketing strategies — supported by the production team and corporate communications strategies — to amplify brands’ communication impact and create market value.

Mr. SIU Sai Wo, General Manager (Business Operations) of TVB Limited, said, “Receiving the ‘Media of the Year’ award once again is a tremendous encouragement for the TVB team. It also recognises our ongoing commitment to a content-first approach and client needs at the core. Winning 28 awards together with partners across different industries fully reflects that TVB is not only a media platform, but also a comprehensive partner that combines content creation, artiste resources, TV and digital platforms, and integrated cross-platform marketing capabilities.”

He added, “We sincerely thank all clients, agencies and partners for their trust, which enables our team to co-create influential campaigns. Going forward, TVB will continue to create more effective communication solutions for brands through creativity, quality content and digital innovation—helping clients connect with audiences, build brand value and unlock further business opportunities.”

Award list:

TVB Limited

1) Media of the Year

McDonald’s Hong Kong — Winning Campaign: Back to the beginning in 1975
Partners: OMD Hong Kong, BBDO Hong Kong

2) Best Creative Campaign – Gold
3) Best Custom Execution – Gold
4) Best Event / Experiential Activation – Gold
5) Best Localised Media Offering – Gold
6) Best Original Content Creation – Gold
7) Best Sponsorship or Partnership Offering – Gold
8) Best Branded Content Strategy – Gold
9) Best Digital Media Strategy – Gold
10) Best Integrated Media Strategy – Gold
11) Best Original Content Strategy – Gold
12) Best Use of Storytelling – Gold
13) Best Viral Campaign – Gold
14) Best Launch / Rebranding Media Strategy – Silver
15) Best Media Partnership Strategy – Silver
16) Best Public Awareness Media Strategy – Silver
17) Best Social Media Amplification Strategy – Silver

Bank of China (Hong Kong) — Winning Campaign: BOCHK Wealth Management Expo 2025

18) Best Event / Experiential Activation – Bronze
19) Best Sponsorship or Partnership Offering – Bronze
20) Best Media Partnership Strategy – Bronze
21) Best Targeted Audience Strategy – Bronze

Dingzhi Dental— Winning Campaign: Redefining Cross-Border Dental Excellence

22) Best Creative Campaign – Bronze

Hang Seng Bank — Winning Campaign: Hang Seng Anti-Fraud Band
Partners: Mill Milk, WPP Media Hong Kong, BYFA Consultancy

23) Best Video / Streaming Offering – Gold
24) Best Creative Campaign – Silver
25) Best Event / Experiential Activation – Silver

Herbalgy Pharmaceutical Limited — Winning Campaign: Heroes in White
Partner: Sortie Agency

26) Best Original Content Creation – Silver
27) Best Video / Streaming Offering – Silver
28) Best Creative Use of Media – Silver
29) Best Original Content Strategy – Silver

Hashtag: #TVB #TelevisionBroadcastsLimited #電視廣播有限公司

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Marking the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery’s 10th anniversary, the three-day conference will bring together around 120 participants from 23 cities across 13 countries and regions.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Organised by the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery (the Gallery) of City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), 10AFEST 2026 will be held from 8 to 10 October 2026. Marking the Gallery’s 10th anniversary, the inaugural conference focuses on “Asian Art-Tech & Cultural Innovations,” convening museum leaders, artists, scholars, and innovators to explore cross-disciplinary collaboration and the real-world impact of Art-Tech on Asian culture.

The three-day festival will welcome around 120 participants from 23 cities across 13 countries and regions. The programme features four East–West Plenary Dialogues and six Network Presentation tracks, alongside performances, installations, exhibitions, and networking activities across CityUHK and local partner venues.

Connecting Knowledge, Art, and Technology

Across Asia, technologies like artificial intelligence, extended reality, and data science are transforming how culture is preserved and experienced. Art-Tech is shifting rapidly beyond conventional gallery walls into education, research, entrepreneurship, conservation, and direct community engagement.

Mr Charles Chin Ying-on, Council Treasurer of CityUHK, said, “International collaboration lies at the heart of our mission to address global challenges. For this inaugural edition of 10AFEST, we are honoured to bring together participants from 13 countries and regions and 23 cities. Through intercultural dialogues and interactive networking events, I am confident that participants will forge lasting friendships and lay the groundwork for future collaboration. As CityUHK continues to advance its mission of innovating into the future, 10AFEST exemplifies how art and technology can come together to inspire new ideas and create a positive impact on society.”

Building on this vision, 10AFEST connects established cultural leaders with a new generation of practitioners to share perspectives, showcase emerging practices and develop relationships across disciplines and borders. 10AFEST aims to inspire new ideas and lasting partnerships that will contribute to the continued development of Art-Tech and cultural innovation in Asia.

Four East–West Dialogues on Culture and Innovation

The sessions pair distinguished global cultural leaders from contrasting institutional and geographic backgrounds to explore how organisations navigate technological shifts and evolving public expectations.

The four key plenary sessions will focus on:

• (De)globalisation and (Re)connectivity: Explore how cultural institutions navigate shifting geopolitical landscapes and changing global networks. Professor Kyong Park (Seoul/Store Front Gallery New York) and Professor Matthias Böttger (Basel Academy of Art and Design) will examine the changing impact of globalisation and cross-border engagement, focusing on how institutions can stay relevant to a new generation of digital natives while considering whether traditional intercultural diplomacy remains vital today.
• Legacy, Diversity, and Interdisciplinarity: Focusing on the evolution of historical collections, this panel highlights the intersection of diverse cultural narratives and multi-disciplinary research. Professor Lu Xiaobo (Tsinghua University) and Monsignor Alberto Rocca (Pinacoteca Ambrosiana) will discuss how institutional structures and traditions both support and limit the pursuit of new knowledge, offering insights on bridging curation with contemporary practices.
• University Museums and Experiential Learning: Centering on the evolving role of academic museums as active spaces for immersive learning, Professor Jin Jun (Central Academy of Fine Arts) and Doctor Luke Syson (Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge) will look at the changing role of university galleries, and its contribution to campus living and whole-person education at large.
• Digital Museology and Intangible Collection: Addressing the digital transformation of heritage, this session investigates the future use of advanced technologies like XR and AI in conservation. Mr Hing Chao (Hong Kong Cultural Festival) and Ms Cora Würmell (State Art Collections Dresden) will explore the relationship between physical artifacts and living archives, looking at new methods to bridge the traditional museum divides between science, art, and history.

Celebrating a Decade of Interdisciplinary Exchange

Since its inception in 2016, the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery has served as a dynamic platform for bridging the humanities and sciences through transformative exhibitions.

Mrs Indra Banga, Founding Patron and Honorary Chairperson of the Gallery’s Advisory Committee, concluded: “Over the past decade, Harry and I shared a vision with CityUHK to support a pioneering platform that brings together art, culture, technology and research. Today, the Gallery has grown into a vibrant hub for learning and discovery, connecting talent and ideas from Hong Kong and around the world. We are delighted to reaffirm our continued support for the Gallery and the University.

Hashtag: #CityU

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About 10AFEST

10AFEST is an Asian interdisciplinary platform for Art-Tech and Cultural Innovation, bringing together participants from 13 countries/regions and 23 cities to exchange ideas, present projects and build future collaborations.

10AFEST Programme

• 10APLENARY — Plenary Dialogues of Cultural Leaders
• 10ANETWORK — Network Presentations of Emerging Talents
  • TRACK 1A — Translational Research in Art-Tech
  • TRACK 1B — Cultural Entrepreneurship
  • TRACK 2A — Deep Engagement & Interactive Learning
  • TRACK 2B — Inter-Cultural Collaboration
  • TRACK 3A — Asian Heritage & Digital Museology
  • TRACK 3B — Art for Social / Environmental Impact
• 10ADEMO — Performances and Exhibitions
• 10AGALA — Networking and Matching for Future Collaboration

Participating countries include China, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK and Vietnam.

Participating cities include Bangkok, Basel, Beijing, Cambridge, Cavite, Dresden, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jinan, Macao, Makati City, Manila, Milan, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Tianjin, Ulaanbaatar, Yangon and Yogyakarta.

About the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery

Located on the CityUHK campus, the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery serves as a vibrant platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural innovation, translational research, and community education since its inception in 2016. The Gallery has garnered recognition for its distinctive exhibitions, including Leonardo da Vinci: Art & Science, The Atlas of Maritime Buddhism, Central African Art – Invocation of an Unseen World, Zodiac Heads from the Yuanmingyuan and Important Treasures, On the Road: Young Media Artists in China, Prototyping: , The Power of Play, and more.

Information and photographs of past exhibitions are available on the Gallery’s official website: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/bg/

Top ranking reflects exceptional career outcomes, a world-leading alumni network and a truly global executive learning experience

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – The Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA (KH EMBA) Program has secured the No. 1 position globally in the Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking 2026, released today, marking an unprecedented 13th time the Program has attained the top position. Jointly offered by the HKUST Business School and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the Program has consistently been recognized among the world’s leading Executive MBA programs for its outstanding impact on participants’ careers, leadership development, and global business perspectives.

The latest ranking reflects KH EMBA’s continued excellence across key performance indicators, including career progression, alumni outcomes, international student body, and the strength of its global network. The achievement reinforces the program’s unique position at the intersection of East and West, equipping senior executives with the strategic insight and leadership capabilities required to navigate an increasingly complex global business environment.

The ranking also underscores the exceptional strength of the KH EMBA alumni community. RankedNo. 1 globally in the Alumni Network category, the program continues to cultivate a powerful international community of senior executives, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Spanning geographies and sectors, this lifelong network facilitates business opportunities, strategic partnerships, professional exchange and career advancement.

Further validating the program’s transformative career impact, KH EMBA graduates reported an average “Salary Today” of USD 607,684 (over HKD 4.7 million) and an average 69% salary increase following graduation. The program also achieved an outstanding overall satisfaction score of 9.73 out of 10, reflecting alumni confidence in the quality of the learning experience, the achievement of career goals and the enduring value of the global KH EMBA network.

Prof. Frederik ANSEEL, Dean of HKUST Business School, said, “Thirteen No. 1 rankings over nearly two decades demonstrate the consistency with which this program has delivered value to senior executives around the world. Our participants are accomplished leaders, and the depth of experience they bring to the classroom is a defining part of the learning journey. They engage with world-class faculty who challenge conventional thinking, translate cutting-edge research into practical insights, and help them navigate the complex decisions they face as leaders. Equally important are the lifelong connections formed through the program, extending into a global alumni community where members continue to mentor, support and learn from one another long after graduation.”

Prof. Francesca CORNELLI, Dean of Kellogg School of Management, noted, “For more than two decades, Kellogg School of Management and HKUST Business School have fostered a close and fruitful partnership, bringing together outstanding faculty from around the world to deliver a world-class global management education. We will continue to deepen our collaboration to nurture forward-looking and responsible leaders who create long-term value for Hong Kong, Asia, and the global community.”

The Financial Times ranking evaluates the world’s leading EMBA programmes through a rigorous assessment framework covering alumni career outcomes, faculty research excellence, diversity, international exposure, and other key indicators of programme quality and institutional impact. The KH EMBA’s position at the top of the global ranking reflects its longstanding commitment to academic excellence, transformative leadership development, outstanding career outcomes, and the cultivation of a truly global network of senior executives.

The full FT Executive MBA Ranking 2026 is available at: https://rankings.ft.com/rankings/3048/emba-2026

According to the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance, the Kellogg-HKUST EMBA program is an exempted course. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead.

Hashtag: #HKUST

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About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university renowned for its excellence in innovative education, research, and impactful knowledge transfer. Adopting a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to education, HKUST was ranked 33rd globally and 6th in Asia in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and QS Asia University Rankings 2026, respectively. It was also ranked 20th worldwide in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, placing first among universities in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland for the third consecutive year. Eleven HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. In addition, HKUST’s Computer Science discipline, which encompasses areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, was ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong for the tenth consecutive year in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Its graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In research and entrepreneurship, more than 80% of HKUST’s research was rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” in the University Grants Committee’s Research Assessment Exercise 2020. As of September 2026, HKUST members have founded more than 2,000 active start-ups, including 11 unicorns and 23 successful exits through initial public offerings (IPOs) or mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Marking two decades of inspiring minds and shaping leaders, Creative Secondary School (CSS) invites prospective students, parents, and community members to its annual Open Day 2026 on Saturday, 31 October 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Grounded in the school’s guiding ethos—“Through this place, we thrive, we serve, and find our place in the world”—this milestone celebration, themed “World of Possibilities,” will showcase how CSS empowers young learners to become thoughtful, adaptable global citizens. Visitors will experience first-hand the school’s inquiry-based learning model across its IB MYP, IB DP, and HKDSE pathways, designed to cultivate critical thinking, academic excellence, and international-mindedness.

Throughout the event, attendees will enjoy a vibrant campus experience featuring live student music and arts performances, academic showcases, interactive student-led charity booths, and opportunities to connect directly with CSS teachers, parents, students, and support teams. To gain deeper insight into academic life, families can attend the Admissions Talk (1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.) at the School Hall to learn about the educational philosophy and admissions process, or register upper-primary learners for specialized P5 & P6 Classroom Taster Sessions (held at 12:00 nn and 2:15 p.m.) to experience CSS’s dynamic teaching approach firsthand.

Join us as CSS celebrates 20 years of transformative education and looks toward a future of limitless possibilities.

Sign Up & Enquiries
If you are interested in joining our CSS Open Day 2026, please fill in the Online Form here or scan the QR code below.

Contact Us: +852 2336 0233 / admin@css.edu.hk

Hashtag: #CreativeSecondarySchool

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – An international university education no longer has to begin with a move to the United Kingdom, Australia or the United States. Qualifications delivered in Singapore now sit alongside local universities and traditional overseas study.

Global Education No Longer Means Studying Halfway Around the World

Choosing a college can be a challenging decision for prospective students and their parents. A university name and destination tell only part of the story; parents also need to examine the awarding institution, programme structure, cost, student support and possible routes after graduation.

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) provides one such regional route. It offers more than 140 full- and part-time programmes, with university partners including institutions in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. Students can obtain qualifications from these overseas universities while studying on SIM’s Singapore campus.

The Regional Advantage: Why Pursue Global Degrees at SIM in Singapore

For Asian families considering overseas education, Singapore offers access to international qualifications within the region. SIM GE’s full-time student body is also international: approximately 41% are international students from around 50 countries.

International students in Singapore can also receive all-round support at SIM. SIM’s International Student Office provides onboarding information, Student’s Pass application guidance, accommodation information, a buddy programme and orientation activities.

Support continues after arrival. SIM’s Learning Development department provides resources, workshops and consultations on academic writing, essay structure, referencing and presentation skills, while Student Care and wellness services offer further assistance.

Career preparation is another part of the offer. Career Connect services include workshops, résumé reviews, mock interviews, career guidance, internship and job listings, employer events and CareerSense.

International students should confirm their eligibility for any Singapore-based internship or employment opportunity with SIM and the relevant authorities. Access to career services does not itself confer permission to work in Singapore.

Exploring UK, Australian and US Qualifications at SIM

SIM GE’s university-partner model covers different academic systems and programme structures.

UK options include programmes from the University of London and the University of Birmingham. The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Finance, for example, is awarded by the University of London, with academic direction from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Australian partners include RMIT University and the University of Wollongong. Examples include Bachelor of Business and the Bachelor of Computer Science in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. Programme length and entry routes vary, and some applicants may receive exemptions or advanced standing for prior qualifications.

For students considering a US qualification, SIM works with the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. Current options include programmes such as the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Communication, as well as selected double-major and double-degree combinations. These qualifications are awarded by the University at Buffalo and delivered at the SIM campus in Singapore.

How Parents Can Guide Their Child in Choosing the Right International Qualification

1. Match the Programme to Your Child’s Strengths and Future Goals

The first question should be academic: what does the student want to study, and what type of curriculum suits their strengths?

Parents can compare compulsory modules, electives, assessment methods and specialisations, as well as whether the qualification provides an appropriate basis for further study. A programme in business, computing or communication from different university systems may vary significantly in curriculum and assessment even when the degree titles appear similar.

2. Compare Programme Structure, Entry Requirements and Study Pathways

Entry routes deserve the same scrutiny. SIM advises applicants to meet the relevant academic and English-language requirements by the application closing date; requirements vary by programme and prior qualification.

Some programmes accept students into a standard three-year route, while others offer exemptions, advanced entry or top-up structures for applicants with relevant prior study.

3. Assess the Full Cost, Scholarships and Financial Commitment

Tuition is only one part of the financial calculation. Families should also account for accommodation, living expenses, insurance, travel, application costs and other programme-specific fees.

Scholarships should be treated as potential financial assistance. SIM’s Diploma Scholarships, for example, are open to eligible new international diploma students. Other awards have separate eligibility rules, so applicants should check current terms before incorporating scholarship funding into a financial plan.

4. Review Student Support, Career Preparation and Long-Term Opportunities

Finally, parents should consider what happens beyond lectures and examinations. Academic support, international-student onboarding, career guidance, internships, student activities and access to alumni networks can all contribute to the overall university experience.

The same caution applies to exchange, transfer, placement and further-study opportunities. Eligibility may depend on academic performance, nationality, student status, capacity, regulation and separate applications. An option available in one programme should not be assumed to apply across SIM GE.

For families comparing universities across several countries, the central question is therefore not simply whether to study locally or overseas. The better test is whether a particular qualification offers the right academic structure, cost and support environment for the student’s goals, and whether its conditions are clearly understood.

Parents who want to explore these considerations in greater detail can find further guidance on choosing the right degree pathway from SIM.

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #GlobalDegrees #StudyInSingapore

https://www.sim.edu.sg

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About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries. SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world. For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg.

• Medical cost growth is projected to slow for a second consecutive year, but continue to significantly outpace general inflation
• Cardiovascular disease, ENT/lung disorder and cancer remain the leading drivers of medical claims
• Material opportunities to beat average trend for organisations applying design, operational and technological innovation

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released its 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report, which projects that medical costs in Asia Pacific will increase by 9.7% in 2027, compared with 11.3% in 2026.

The projected medical trend rate remains substantially above the forecast for APAC general inflation rate of 2.5%. After accounting for inflation, the net medical trend rate is expected to decline from 8.9% in 2026 to 7.2% in 2027. Globally, the medical trend rate for 2027 is projected to decrease from 9.8% in 2026 to 9.0% in 2027.

“While medical trend growth is slowing, it remains more than three times the rate of inflation,” said Tim Dwyer, Head, Human Capital, Asia Pacific, Aon. “Employers need to manage rising costs while protecting the value of employee benefits. To outperform average medical trend rates, organisations should use workforce and claims data to evaluate plan design, provider networks and financing strategies that can help improve long-term outcomes.”

Medical Cost Trends Vary Across APAC Markets

The outlook varies considerably across markets. The decline in the regional trend rate is driven largely by China and India, which are projected to see medical trend rates decrease by 1.8 and 1.4 percentage points, respectively. Medical trend rates are also expected to moderate in Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, although five of those markets are still projected to record double-digit trend rates in 2027.

These declines are partly offset by higher projected trend rates in Singapore and Taiwan, while Hong Kong is expected to remain flat at 9%. Across the region, ageing populations and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions continue to influence healthcare utilisation and costs.

“The moderation in the region’s medical costs should not be interpreted as uniform relief for employers,” said Alan Oates, Head, Global Benefits, Asia Pacific, Aon. “Medical trend varies significantly across markets, reflecting different healthcare systems, supply and demand factors, demographic and disease patterns. Employers must analyse their own workforce insights alongside locally relevant data and market benchmarks to make informed decisions about benefits, design and where to invest. Insurers are investing at different rates in new technologies to understand and manage utilisation and employers should ensure they compare the fast-developing capability to deliver value.”

* Projections as of October 12, 2026

Chronic Conditions Continue to Drive Claims

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading condition driving medical claims in the region, followed by ENT/lung and respiratory diseases, and cancer or tumor growth. Hospitalisation, clinics and laboratories remain the most costly elements of medical plan costs, while prescription medication has moved into third place compared to last year. Gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and back conditions are also becoming more prevalent in the region.

In APAC, the principal risk factors contributing to future claims are high blood pressure, physical inactivity and poor nutrition, while high cholesterol and blood glucose are also increasing in prevalence.

Wellness initiatives remain the most widely expected approach to managing rising medical plan costs in the region, retaining the top rank for the third consecutive year with 95% of employers expected to use this approach. Plan design changes ranked second at 70%, followed by cost containment and financing strategies at 65%. Fifty five percent of employers are expected to undertake access and delivery restrictions and flexible benefit plans to curb medical cost escalation and promote a healthy workforce. While both increased slightly over the past year, the prevalence of flexible benefit plans has risen by 10 percentage points over the past two years, indicating the emphasis that employers are placing on flexible benefits on managing overall costs.

About the 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report

The 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report is based on insights from over 100 Aon offices that broker, administer or advise on employer-sponsored medical plans. The findings reflect the expectations of Aon professionals based on their interactions with clients and carriers across the region. Medical trend represents the anticipated annual percentage increase in the cost of treating patients and providing healthcare services. A lower trend rate means that healthcare costs are increasing more slowly, not that total costs are decreasing.

Hashtag: #Aon #MedicalTrendRates #APAC

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About Aon

Aon plc (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 help 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.

The robotics and industrial automation group closes one of the largest funding rounds of 2026, which strengthens the infrastructure behind ProKitchens across France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and the Netherlands

PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Atoms, the robotics and industrial automation company founded by Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick, has raised $1.7 billion in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with participation from Uber, Bain Capital, Fifth Wall, and other institutional investors.

Revolutionising the Kitchen

The funding round also brings a16z co-founder Ben Horowitz onto the Atoms board, and positions the group to accelerate development across food, mining, and transport industries. For ProKitchens, this investment strengthens the resources behind the network of commercial kitchens in Marseille, Lille, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Lisbon, Warsaw, and Amsterdam. As part of the Atoms Food pillar, alongside CloudKitchens and hardware projects, ProKitchens stands to benefit directly from the growing focus across Atoms on reducing kitchen labour friction and improving operational efficiency for operators of every size.

Empowering Local Brands

For food entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and R&D teams across Europe, the support from Atoms brings a clear advantage. ProKitchens gives operators certified, ready-to-fit kitchen spaces with flexible contracts. This removes much of the capital burden traditionally associated with opening new locations.

Brands that want to test a single market or expand across borders gain infrastructure built around their needs from day one, with facilities across France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and the Netherlands. As Atoms channels new investment into hardware automation and physical workflow management, local F&B brands that use ProKitchens can improve in efficiency, reliability, and the pace at which they are able to scale.

Hashtag: #ATOMS #ProKitchens

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

About Atoms

Atoms Food incorporates CloudKitchens and related food-tech hardware projects designed to reduce labour friction in kitchens. Autonomous haulage and machine systems fall under Atoms Mining, after the acquisition of autonomous vehicle company Pronto. Heavy industries are served by Atoms Transport, which focuses on robotic wheelbases and autonomous movement technology.

About ProKitchens

ProKitchens provides flexible commercial kitchen spaces designed for food businesses of every size, from ambitious entrepreneurs to high-volume manufacturers and R&D teams. Operators can start with a single production unit or scale to a full cross-border footprint.

Lightweight Nubi bags crafted in Japan, a Singapore-inspired new design and a limited gift with purchase arrive on Orchard Road from 13 to 31 October 2026.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – pionunnal, the Japanese bag brand known for turning traditional Korean Nubi quilting into elegant everyday accessories, will open its first overseas pop-up at Takashimaya Department Store from 13 to 31 October 2026. The event brings together signature styles and the debut of bonbon, a new two-way bag inspired by Singapore’s Chinese New Year tradition of exchanging mandarin oranges.

With bags priced from S$106, the pop-up offers Singapore shoppers an opportunity to discover the brand in person: feel the soft quilting, compare sizes and colours, and find a bag for work, family outings or weekends away. Customers purchasing at the event will also receive a complimentary, non-retail mirror, while stocks last.

From a Japanese favourite to an everyday companion in Singapore
Nubi is a traditional quilted fabric long used in Korea for bedding and household textiles. Recognising its durability, ease of washing and lightweight comfort, pionunnal gave the fabric a new purpose as a bag. By combining this traditional textile with fine stitching by Japanese artisans and refined design, the brand created a new category of “Nubi bags” with a distinctive appeal beyond the conventional tote.

Following the brand’s launch, social media brought attention to a fresh style: lesson bags designed for adults. Traditionally associated with children carrying supplies to classes and activities, the lesson bag became a fashion accessory for adults through pionunnal’s high-quality materials and clean, simple designs, which complement everything from casual looks to more polished outfits.

The brand’s first department store pop-up at Isetan Shinjuku drew a strong response, with customers queuing outside the department store on opening day. Through subsequent pop-ups at major department stores across Japan and collaborations with brands and companies, pionunnal helped establish a new culture of enjoying a second bag as part of an outfit, becoming a driving force behind the second-bag trend and opening up a new fashion category.

A new bag with a Singapore connection
The event’s new release, bonbon (S$172), takes its inspiration from the mandarin oranges exchanged during Chinese New Year visits as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. It introduces an organza drawstring closure and velvet cord to pionunnal’s Nubi designs, giving the softly rounded bag a more decorative finish.

An adjustable, detachable strap allows bonbon to be carried as a shoulder bag or a compact mini bag. Measuring 280 mm wide, 120 mm deep and 150 mm high, it can carry mandarin oranges for festive visits, while also fitting into everyday outings and meals with friends. The Singapore event offers advance sales of bonbon, with a launch in Japan planned to follow.

Styles for different parts of the day
Alongside bonbon, visitors can explore MILK (S$106), a compact companion for essentials; PIANO (S$112), a clean-lined tote that accommodates B4 documents, magazines and a laptop; and GARDEN (S$235), a roomy, rounded bag with two handle lengths and two deep interior pockets.

MOANA (S$192) and MOANA mini (S$166) pair a clear PVC outer bag with a Nubi tote. Each can be used separately or together, offering three carrying arrangements for city outings, pool visits and holidays. For those drawn to a structured silhouette, LADY (S$252) combines a square silhouette, satin lining and a base insert.

The brand name means “a rainy day” in Korean and expresses the idea that rainy days can still be enjoyable. In Singapore, the pop-up gives that philosophy a new setting, with designs intended to accompany the many different moments of everyday life.

Event information
pionunnal
POP UP STORE from Tue 13 Oct to Sat 31 Oct 2026
Available at Ladies’ Accessories, Level 1 (near main entrance), Takashimaya Department Store

Customers purchasing at the pop-up will receive a complimentary mirror, while stocks last. Gifts cannot be reserved. For the product line-up and further information, visit the official website.

Hashtag: #pionunnal

https://pionunnal.shop
https://www.instagram.com/pionunnal/

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

About pionunnal

pionunnal is a Japanese bag brand founded in Kobe in 2019. Led by representative and Director Cha Kumson, it combines traditional Korean Nubi fabric with bags crafted in Japan. Its simple designs, versatile colours and practical approach to everyday carrying have attracted repeat customers, particularly among mothers in Japan.

LONDON, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – De Beers Group today published its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting significant progress across its Building Forever sustainability framework, with advances in livelihoods, nature conservation, climate action and diamond provenance.

Key achievements during 2025 include:

• Reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 14% since 2021, progressing towards De Beers Group’s science-based target to reduce its carbon footprint by one third by 2030.
• Supporting 2.6 jobs offsite for every one job created onsite, as the Group works towards its ambition to support four offsite jobs for every onsite role by 2030.
• Managing 375,000 acres of land for conservation across Southern Africa, alongside continued investment in nature-positive initiatives and biodiversity conservation.
• Supporting the designation of Angola’s first Ramsar Wetland, helping protect the source of 95% of the water flowing into the Okavango Delta through the Okavango Eternal partnership with National Geographic.
• Achieving the safest year in De Beers Group’s history, with a 19% reduction in Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate compared with 2024 and zero work-related fatalities.
• Passing the milestone of five million rough diamonds individually scanned on Tracr, strengthening transparency and traceability across the natural diamond value chain.
• Training a further 500 women through EntreprenHER, delivered with UN Women and government partners, taking the total number of women trained through the programme to more than 3,900 since 2016.
• Committing to invest US$70 million to the Diamonds for Development Fund in Botswana, supporting the country’s ambition to accelerate long-term economic diversification.

These achievements are detailed in the Group’s 2025 Sustainability Report, published here today.

Al Cook, Chief Executive Officer of De Beers Group, said : “At De Beers, we believe natural diamonds can do more than sparkle. Through the natural diamond value chain, they can support jobs, skills development, nature conservation and climate action in diamond-producing countries. During 2025, De Beers Group sharpened its focus on a set of ambitious sustainability targets where the business can make the greatest difference, aligned with partner country priorities, global standards and UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are proud of the progress we are making to ensure every diamond we recover creates lasting impact for people, communities and the environment, but we also understand that this requires sharp focus, deliberate action and constant monitoring. As the pace of change around us increases, and as the risks and opportunities ahead of us become clearer, so must our commitment to progress grow.”

Sandrine Conseiller, CEO, De Beers Brands, added, “We’re pleased to share our 2025 sustainability achievements, demonstrating that our ambitions can lead to real, impactful change. Consumers increasingly expect the brands they choose to consider their wider impact, not as something exceptional, but as a matter of course. This report is about showing what De Beers’ sustainability commitments mean in practice, sharing openly the actions we are taking and the impact we are having, so customers can choose natural diamonds with confidence, knowing the value they create reaches far beyond the diamond itself.”

Other achievements in the Group’s Building Forever focus areas include:

Nature
De Beers has managed nature reserves in Southern Africa for more than 130 years, and our sites have biodiversity management programmes to avoid, reduce or restore our impact on nature.

• Today, De Beers’ conservation efforts are helping to protect vast swathes of land and keystone species across Southern Africa. Overall, De Beers Group manages 375,000 acres of land for conservation, and continues to explore scalable, nature-positive models across its conservation properties.
• The Okavango Eternal partnership with National Geographic reached a major milestone with the designation of Angola’s first Ramsar Wetland, helping protect the source of 95% of the water flowing into the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta and one of the most biodiverse areas in Africa.
• With Debswana, a joint enterprise between the Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers Group, De Beers celebrated the birth of the 70th rhino calf born safely on our nature reserves in Botswana since our rhino conservation efforts began in 2012, while the Group also successfully translocated 31 rhinos to support wider rewilding efforts in the region.

Looking ahead, De Beers Group aims to secure three times more land for nature than we impact and fund partnerships that aim to safeguard a further 13 million acres by 2030, through our continued partnership and support with Debswana, National Geographic and local organisations delivering our nature conservation ambitions.

Climate
By aiming to reduce the climate impact of our operations and developing partnerships to accelerate the energy transition, De Beers is working towards a lower carbon future that benefits everyone.

• De Beers Group has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 14% since 2021, progressing towards the Group’s SBTi-approved targets to reduce its carbon footprint by a third by 2030.
• As part of its focus on reducing carbon emissions, De Beers Group is proud to support Envusa, which brings 520MW of renewable energy to southern Africa, from solar and wind. Envusa forms part of a broader portfolio of climate initiatives designed to reduce emissions across the natural diamond value chain in a transparent and responsible way.
• Other examples of this work include advancing trials to create ‘drop in’ biofuels, progressing pioneering tyre circularity initiatives with Anglo American and Sasol, and supporting Kelp Blue, an award-winning startup that grows Giant Kelp on a large-scale off the coast of Namibia, to help sequester carbon, support the re-wilding of oceans and create a range of jobs and products that support the local economy.

Priorities for the next phase of progress include accelerating the reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions through further expanding renewable energy capacity, focusing on the electrification of mining equipment and enhancing supplier engagement to address Scope 3 emissions.

Livelihoods
Natural diamonds have an inherently human story to tell – through jobs they create, communities they build, and societies they support. For over a century, natural diamonds have acted as an engine for economic growth. Today, the diamond industry continues to play a role in supporting the economic diversification of the countries we operate in.

• The Stanford Seed programme, which focuses on providing leadership training, management coaching and networking tools to help SMEs in De Beers’ southern African diamond producing partner countries grow, has now supported 128 businesses since launch.

• The EntreprenHER programme, run in partnership with UN Women to support opportunities for female entrepreneurs in diamond producing partner countries, trained a further 500 women in 2025, taking the total number of women trained since 2016 to 3,900.
• Overall, for every job that we created onsite, De Beers supported 2.6 jobs offsite in 2025, continuing towards the Group’s commitment to support 4 jobs offsite for every 1 job onsite by 2030.

The recent establishment of the Diamonds for Development Fund in Botswana in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Botswana carries the ambition to support the country’s emerging knowledge-based economy and accelerate its long-term economic diversification. De Beers Group has committed to make an initial investment to the value of BWP1 billion (approximately USD70 million) to deliver a transformative positive impact in the country.

This priority is also reflected in De Beers’ ambition and ongoing support through programmes such as Stanford Seed, EntreprenHER and the Diamond Entrepreneurship Programme, an incubation initiative designed to help local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) scale in cutting, polishing, jewellery design, and trading.

Provenance
Every natural diamond goes on a unique journey, from deep in the earth to its polished form, touching countless lives along the way. De Beers Group continued to strengthen industry standards and diamond traceability during 2025.

• The Group marked the 20th year of its Best Practice Principles programme, a rigorous set of standards, compliance with which is third-party audited.

• The programme covers around a quarter of a million people across more than 70 countries – including all De Beers Group operations globally, as well as all Sightholder customers and their diamond-related contractors.

• The Group also ensured 100% of its precious metal suppliers met rigorous sourcing standards to supply gold, platinum, and silver to its De Beers London and Forevermark retail brands.

• With regards to traceability, Tracr passed the milestone of five million rough diamonds being individually registered on the blockchain-backed diamond traceability platform
  
  • Tracr also established a new partnership with Sarine to integrate rough diamond source registration with advanced scanning data, helping to create an end-to-end, cost-effective traceability solution to verify a diamond’s journey.
  • The Tracr platform also provided the traceability backbone for the De Beers London capsule collection using GemFair diamonds developed in 2025, demonstrating that artisanally mined diamonds can be purchased ethically and transparently by luxury brands.
  • These developments help provide greater confidence to consumers, retailers and industry partners in a diamond’s provenance and journey through the value chain.

The expansion of the Tracr platform’s reach represents the key area of future focus for the work on provenance. While the platform has continued to scale, with the onboarding of suppliers such as the Okavango Diamond Company, there remains the potential for the platform to expand to other production sources and bring on more midstream participants.

The full De Beers Group 2025 sustainability report can be found at: https://www.debeersgroup.com/sustainability/sustainability-report-2025.

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup

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 recovers diamonds 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 London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore, today highlights its elevated positioning as a refined city retreat, blending modern residential-style comfort with the architectural heritage of Bugis and Bras Basah district to meet the evolving demands of today’s discerning global travellers.

Set within a historic cultural hub, Frasers House stands as a house of ateliers designed for global travellers and the city’s creative minds. Through its curated house of ateliers experiences, guests connect with local craftsmanship at The Maker’s Serambi, indulge in heritage flavours via Epicurean Moments, and explore neighborhood history through guided Destination Discoveries.

The hotel is also home to distinctive dining experiences, including the award-winning Man Fu Yuan, LUCE Buffet Restaurant, and The Lobby Lounge, alongside over 1,000 sqm of versatile event spaces, including an elegant pillarless Grand Ballroom and the distinctive Library, ideal for intimate celebrations, business gatherings and refined social occasions.

Prioritising Comfort, Space and Thoughtful Design

A refined city stay requires accommodation that supports both rest and everyday routines. Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore offers 406 rooms and suites crafted with residential ease, featuring plush bedding, custom furnishings, and carefully considered details. Guests can choose between light-filled rooms in the Main Tower and the more intimate Heritage Wing, whose interiors reference authentic Singapore shophouse traditions.

Travellers comparing accommodation can explore Frasers House – luxury hotel room Singapore on the official hotel website. The 38-square-metre Classic Room is available with King or Double bedding and includes a bathtub and separate walk-in shower. For additional space, the 52-square-metre Junior Suite adds a distinct living room that accommodates quiet work as well as relaxation.

Amenities That Support the Modern Travel Style

Practical features make a noticeable difference for travellers combining meetings, sightseeing, and downtime in the same trip. The rooms and suites provide high-speed internet, dedicated work desks, and coffee- and tea-making facilities, supplemented by essential services such as laundry and shoeshine.

Beyond the room, guests have access to a 24/7 fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool to maintain routines or unwind between plans, ensuring a balanced and rejuvenating stay.

A Location Integrated with Local Culture

A luxury room is most useful when the hotel also functions seamlessly as a base for exploration. Located at 80 Middle Road, Frasers House places guests steps from the Bugis MRT and close to cultural landmarks like Arab Street and Kampong Glam.

For broader trip planning, readers exploring where to stay in Singapore will find that Frasers House offers a strategic, culturally immersive base.

• Address: 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966

• Transit: 20 minutes from Changi Airport; steps from Bugis MRT Station

• Dining Destination: Man Fu Yuan, LUCE, The Lobby Lounge

• Event Space: 8 event rooms including the pillarless Grand Ballroom

Advance booking is recommended for preferred room categories, dining reservations and event planning.

Hashtag: #FrasersHouse

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sinlb-frasers-house-a-luxury-collection-hotel-singapore/overview/
https://www.facebook.com/FrasersHouse/
https://www.instagram.com/frasershousesingapore

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

Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore

Situated at 80 Middle Road in the vibrant Bugis and Bras Basah cultural precinct, Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore, is a refined city retreat designed as a living ‘house of ateliers’. The property features 406 residential-style guest rooms and suites divided between a sleek Main Tower and a Heritage Wing that honors traditional shophouse architecture. The hotel is home to celebrated dining destinations, including the award-winning Cantonese restaurant Man Fu Yuan, LUCE, and The Lobby Lounge, alongside over 1,000 sqm of flexible event space anchored by a pillarless Grand Ballroom. Blending rich local heritage with bespoke Luxury Collection hospitality, Frasers House serves as an immersive sanctuary for discerning global travelers.