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Bank Islam and Mastercard unveil Shariah-compliant debit card

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (Bank Islam) and Mastercard, a leading payment technology company, today announced the launch of Shariah-compliant Bank Islam Mastercard Debit Card-i. This new offer provides cardholders with exclusive benefits and rewards. As part of a 4-day event at MyTOWN Shopping Centre to celebrate the launch, Bank Islam Mastercard Debit Card-i and Al-Awfar investment account holders can enjoy 1% cashback on eligible purchases until 31 August 2025, mainly on health and wellness. Along with getting access to Al-Awfar’s prize pool of over RM18 million a year, including RM1 million in cash, luxury vehicles such as the BMW 320i M Sport and Honda HRV, a Harley Davidson Road Glide Special motorcycle, a 1kg gold bar and additional cash prizes. Winners will be selected through regular lucky draws.   Exclusive to Bank Islam, the Al-Awfar program is more than just an investment account. Built on the Mudarabah (profit-sharing) concept, this Shariah-compliant model allows customers to earn returns based on shared profits from the bank’s investments, rather than receiving fixed interest. This structure ensures ethical financial growth while offering customers a meaningful and spiritually aligned way to invest.   This collaboration reflects Bank Islam and Mastercard’s shared commitment to providing faith- compliant financial products tailored to the evolving needs of Malaysians. The Bank Islam Mastercard Debit Card-i offers online and contactless payments, with robust security and global acceptance at more than 100 million locations.   To make a positive impact on the community, Bank Islam will also donate RM2 to Sadaqa House for every Bank Islam Mastercard Debit Card-i issued from 13 February 2025. Sadaqa House, a globally recognized social platform, mobilizes philanthropic funds from sadaqah (voluntary charity), waqf (endowment), and zakat (tithe) to support meaningful initiatives within Malaysia’s inclusive Islamic economic ecosystem.   Mizan Masram, Group Chief Business Officer, Group Retail Banking of Bank Islam, expressed the significance of this milestone, “The Al-Awfar program embodies Bank Islam’s vision of empowering customers to achieve their aspirations while promoting financial inclusivity. By partnering with Mastercard, we are able to offer innovative solutions that blend rewards with convenience. The introduction of the Bank Islam Mastercard Debit Card-i is another step forward in providing our customers with exceptional benefits, a secure payment experience, and opportunities to contribute to sustainability initiatives.”   Beena Pothen, Country Manager, Malaysia and Brunei, Mastercard, said: “The launch of the Bank Islam Mastercard Debit Card-i reflects Mastercard’s commitment to providing Shariah-compliant payment solutions that enhance banking experiences for Malaysians. It also demonstrates a shared vision with Bank Islam to co-create meaningful banking products that align with consumer values and needs reinforcing a collective aim to drive innovation and make a positive contribution to the community.”   During the launch, new customers who open an Al-Awfar account, deposit a minimum of RM1,000 in new funds, and apply for a Bank Islam Mastercard Debit Card-i will receive a mystery gift.   For more information on Bank Islam’s Al-Awfar investment program, visit here. Terms and conditions apply.

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Honda, Nissan scrap merger plan as negotiations collapse

TOKYO: Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. said Thursday they have scrapped a historic realignment plan to merge into what would have become the world’s third-biggest auto group by volume, as negotiations collapsed less than two months after its announcement. But Honda and Nissan, Japan’s second and third largest automakers, will continue their strategic partnership in developing software and other fields, together with Mitsubishi Motors Corp., Nissan’s alliance partner, they said. The two companies had said in December that they hoped to conclude negotiations in June 2025 and establish a holding company in 2026 under which the two brands would operate. The two carmakers had sought to cut costs by sharing the growing financial burden of developing electric vehicles and software to better compete with global rivals such as U.S. Tesla Inc. and China’s BYD Co. When they revealed their plan to begin merger talks at a press conference in December, Honda said struggling Nissan would need to boost its turnaround efforts as a condition for the deal. In November, Nissan said it would cut 9,000 jobs worldwide and reduce its global production capacity by 20 percent. But Nissan’s plans failed to convince Honda that the slumping carmaker is on track for a successful turnaround, sources familiar with the matter have said. Honda recently proposed to make Nissan its subsidiary, fearing that slow progress in the automaker’s revamp could jeopardize the future path of the merger. The move, however, riled Nissan’s board and caused it to tilt toward scrapping the plan, according to the sources. Honda and Nissan initially said they would unveil the details of their tie-up plan by the end of January but pushed it back to mid-February.–KYODO NEWS

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Energea presents premium, travel-ready tech kits tailor-made for life on the go

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2025 – Energea has introduced three tech kits to keep you powered for life in motion: the Essential Kit, Travel Kit, and Voyager Kit. Offering a powerful arsenal of tech solutions for digital nomads, these three uniquely tailored packages are perfect for content creators, globe-trotters, as well as business professionals. Encompassing a wall charger, cable, and an option between a power bank or a wireless charger, each kit is thoughtfully selected with convenience, functionality, and portability as its top priorities. Energea introduces premium tech kits, specially curated for digital nomads. (Left: Essential Kit, Right: Voyager Kit) In this launch, Energea redefines tech with a sharp focus on aesthetics. These curated kits bring together utility and sophistication with stylish designs that surpass ordinary expectations of tech products. Each kit features a soft, coordinating pouch designed to match the products it contains whilst keeping them well-protected for travel. The Essential Kit is the ideal starting point for occasional adventurers and everyday users. In it, you’ll find the MagTrio Plus, a bestselling 3-in-1 magnetic fast wireless charging station, lauded for its slim 18mm profile and foldable, portable design. Complementing it is the Helix magnetic charging cable, offering a clutter-free and time-saving charging experience. The AmpCharge GaN35 wall charger efficiently powers the MagTrio Plus, providing sufficient power to all three devices for fast charging, even when used simultaneously. Leveraging on GaNSmart Technology, it optimizes charging efficiency by minimizing heat loss and ensuring safety for worry-free usage. These practical and versatile items ensure you stay powered and connected with ease, so you will never miss a moment of productivity or collaboration. The Essential Kit is available in sleek gunmetal black. As you embark on a more rigorous travel routine, the Travel Kit is your ultimate companion. Leading the charge is the AluPac10K, Energea’s latest wireless powerbank. It boasts an impressive 10,000mAh capacity and a PD20W wired output, all elegantly encased in a sleek aluminum profile. The magnetic wireless power bank, finished in luxurious gold, synergizes flawlessly with the GoCharge AluCable (15cm), recognized for its four swappable connectors, accommodating a wide range of charging ports and data transfer needs. Completing the mix is Energea’s vacation-approved TravelWorld Adapter 25, an ultra-portable PD25W adapter with interchangeable plugs, smart power identification technology, and worldwide compatibility in over 150 countries. These products are crafted to help you navigate your journey with confidence, allowing for instant content sharing on the go to fuel your creative process. Leading the lineup, the Voyager Kit perfectly blends the Essential and Travel Kits into the most advanced, comprehensive bundle. Most remarkably, it features the AluPac10K magnetic wireless power bank, which allows users to charge up to two devices simultaneously with the flexibility of both wireless and wired charging. The familiar Helix fast charging cable offers a streamlined charging experience along with a magnetic snap for tangle-free storage. Capping off the bundle is the TravelWorld Adapter 25, delivering an exceptionally portable and featherlight design as a universal travel adapter. With enduring power, exceptional compatibility, and a rugged design built to withstand the toughest conditions, these selections guarantee you’re always charged and prepared for any challenge, wherever your adventures lead. Similar to Travel Kit, the Voyager Kit comes in a lustrous gold finishing for a touch of luxury and full metal housing for added durability, combining style and resilience for every trip. Recognizing the evolving trends in the tech accessories market, Energea strives to inspire modern nomads to embrace their adventures, while ensuring their devices are well cared for. Combining functionality and style, these newly unveiled tech kits are designed to perfectly complement various on-the-go lifestyles. Energea’s tech kits are designed for effortless grab-and-go usage, removing the guesswork from travel and ensuring you never have to worry about charging, syncing, or compatibility. Created for the discerning digital nomad, these kits allow any individual to focus on the journey, and not the tech. Order the Essential Kit, Travel Kit, and Voyager Kit on Energea’s website now—to experience worry-free travel at its absolute best. Check out the individual products and their specially curated collections, which can be ordered and delivered through Energea’s website. These products are also available in selected stores across the globe. To keep in the loop on the latest tech releases, follow Energea on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Hashtag: #Energea #TechKit https://goenergea.com/https://www.facebook.com/goenergeahttps://www.instagram.com/energea_official/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgUifv2gGPmQ_KUpVXduHAA The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Energea Dedicated to designing products of enhanced functionality, refined aesthetics, and versatility, Energea defies the perception that tech accessories are purely practical and uninspired. With an established presence across Asia, Middle East, Europe and South Africa, Energea advances in delivering not only top-tier power solutions but also streamlined electronics on a global scale.

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Blue Cross Survey: 74% of Young People Travel for Unique and Exciting Experiences One-third Lack Protection Awareness

Preference for Spontaneous Travel, Grabbing Cheap Flights and Travelling on a Whim HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited (“Blue Cross”) today announced the results of a survey1 of young people’s travel habits and preferences, as well as their level of protection awareness. The survey found that young people love to travel, with nearly 70% planning to travel2 twice or more a year. 74% of the respondents hope to explore and try unique, novel and exciting experiences during their travels. However, one-third would not purchase travel insurance, implying a lack of awareness of risk management and protection. Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross (2nd from left), Ms. Sylvia Chow, Director of Marketing of Blue Cross (2nd from right), Mr. Aiden Hung, young Hong Kong singer (left), and Ms. Akina Fong (right) at Blue Cross’s Press Conference The survey was conducted by Blue Cross earlier through online questionnaires. The key findings are as follows: New Generation Loves to Travel, Prefers Novel and Exciting Experiences 69% of the respondents plan to travel twice or more in the next 12 months; 22% plan to travel three times or more. In other words, one in five young people plans to travel three times or more in the coming year. 74% of the respondents aspire to explore and try unique, novel and exciting experiences during their travels, and about one-third (32%) prefer to explore lesser-known destinations. Preference for Spontaneous Travel, Travelling on a Whim after Grabbing Cheap Flights, Following Travel KOLs Suggestions for Itinerary, “Checking in” and “Happy Sharing” on Social Media Nearly 60% (58%) of the respondents prefer improvised travel to planning an itinerary in advance. Two-thirds (66%) of the respondents’ travel plans depend on the availability of cheap flights. As for planning their itinerary, 70% of the respondents said they would refer to the suggestions and recommendations of travel KOLs 62% of young people travel to “check in” and are keen on “happy sharing” on social media, highlighting the close connection between their offline and online activities. Most Worried about Flight Delays, Cancellations or Lost Luggage, Yet Lacks Protection Awareness When asked about travel-related concerns, 71% of the respondents cite flight delays or cancellations as their top worry; half (50%) of the respondents are concerned about lost or damaged luggage. These are common risks that travellers occasionally face. Two-thirds (66%) of the respondents said they would purchase travel insurance to protect themselves and their families, of which 80% considered premium and promotional offers as the key factor when choosing travel insurance. One-third (34%) would not acquire insurance, of which 42% considered it unnecessary, showing that the new generation has inadequate awareness of their protection needs. Blue Cross to Actively Tap the Youth Market in Line with its Young and Dynamic Brand Image Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross, said, “Today’s young people love to travel, seeking out fresh and exciting experiences. They are fearless, innovative and willing to take on challenges. However, their lack of protection awareness is concerning. In addition to common travel disruptions such as flight delays and lost luggage, comprehensive travel insurance provides crucial protection and mitigates the risks against accidents, injuries, and illness during the journey. “We hope to inspire the new generation to balance living fully with protecting themselves and their families. As young people grow and progress through different stages of life, their priorities, concerns, and aspirations evolve, and a thoughtful awareness and understanding of risk management becomes increasingly important.” Blue Cross values the youth market. Its business data reflect a growing base of younger customers, with a 108% increase in policyholders aged 18 to 29 and a 164% increase in the number of policies. Moreover, the number of policyholders and policies for the age group 18 to 22 jumped 150% and 191% respectively. Ms. Tse said, “This market research is focused on local university students. This new generation has huge market potential and matches Blue Cross’s young and dynamic brand positioning. The survey results help us further understand young people’s preferences, consumption patterns, habits and protection awareness, and enable us to enhance our product design and marketing strategy. For example, we will introduce more flash sales and collaborate with travel platforms and KOLs that meet the preferences and lifestyles of young people. We will tailor our offerings to the needs and pain points of the new generation, providing better value for money, and creating ‘Just Right’ protection for them.” In addition, today’s young people are growing up in a digital environment. Blue Cross has been keeping up with the pace of digital life. For example, it has optimised its company website to create a one-stop, seamless digital insurance service experience. It has also established affinity partnerships with different digital platforms to connect with young customers at various touch points across their daily activities, from online shopping and travel bookings to payment systems and financial management services. This year, Blue Cross plans to launch a series of marketing activities catering to young people, further engaging the young customer segment online and offline. Blue Cross Business Performance in First Three Quarters of 2024 Surpassed Market Average Blue Cross also announced its business performance for the first three quarters of 2024. Its overall performance showed a 22% rise compared with the same period in 2023, which is significantly higher than the market’s 2% increase3. Its non-medical insurance business soared by 33%, while the market fell4 by 6% during the same period; of which, travel and personal accident insurance business surged by 44%, more than twice the market’s 21% increase5. Blue Cross’s medical insurance also outperformed the market, with a 19% increase over the same period, higher than the market’s 16% increase6. Note: Blue Cross conducted a survey from 9 December 2024 to 19 January 2025 through online questionnaires. A total of 823 Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above who are currently receiving post-secondary education were interviewed to understand the travel preferences,

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VinFast launches VF 3, offers free charging for its EV in Indonesia

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – At the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2025, VinFast officially opened for sales for its mini-SUV VF 3. The company also announced a special policy providing free charging for all VinFast electric vehicles at VinFast charging stations operated by V-GREEN across Indonesia, reaffirming its commitment to delivering smart, accessible, and sustainable mobility solutions. VinFast announces the launch of VF 3 and a free charging policy for its electric vehicles in Indonesia. At IIMS 2025, VinFast announced listed price for VF 3 as 227,650,000 IDR, applied for battery purchase only. In particular, VinFast also applies an attractive incentive program of 7,850,000 IDR in cash for the first 1,000 VF 3 cars. Deliveries are expected to begin in April 2025. Notably, together with V-GREEN, VinFast also help lower the total cost of ownership by eliminating charging expenses by introducing a free charging policy at VinFast charging portals operated by V-GREEN across Indonesia, applicable for VF 3 users until March 1, 2028, and for VF e34 and VF 5 users until December 31, 2027. Additionally, V-GREEN is unveiling its plan to develop 30,000 VinFast charging portals across the country by the end of 2025. This will enhance convenience for users, make electric mobility more accessible and cost-effective and further accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation in Indonesia. Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said: “With the launch of the right-hand drive VF 3, VinFast is thrilled to offer Indonesian consumers more exciting and smart green mobility options. The VF 3 will unlock endless possibilities for urban commuting, making electric transportation more accessible. For Indonesia’s tech-savvy younger generation seeking practicality and personalization, we believe the VF 3 will be the ideal companion in the global green mobility revolution.” VinFast’s booth attracts a large number of visitors. As a mini-SUV, the VinFast VF 3 is meticulously designed to meet the urban commuting needs of consumers with its compact dimensions of 3,190 x 1,679 x 1,652 mm. Equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and a ground clearance of 175 mm, the VF 3 offers exceptional maneuverability across various terrains. In addition to the four standard exterior colors – Jet Black (exclusive to the Indonesian market), Infinity Blanc, Crimson Red, and Zenith Grey – VinFast will also offer four premium two-tone options: Summer Yellow, Urban Mint, Sky Blue, and Rose Pink, all featuring a white roof. With a range of 215 km on a full charge and a rapid charging capability from 10% to 70% in just 36 minutes, this vehicle offers impressive performance. It accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in 5.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 100 km/h. Despite being in the mini-SUV segment, the VF 3 boasts a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, similar to luxury cars, providing a comfortable and impressive user experience. Similar to other VinFast electric vehicles, the VF 3 comes with a comprehensive warranty of up to 7 years or 160,000 km for the vehicle (whichever comes first) and an 8-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery. On February 15, at IIMS 2025, Indonesian customers can take the VF 3 for a test drive and experience firsthand the most accessible model in VinFast’s smart and modern product range. Within just one year of its presence in the market, VinFast has successfully broken ground for its new EV assembly plant, delivered two models – the VF e34 and VF 5, and continuously expanded its sales and service network. VinFast is actively contributing to the green transition in Indonesia through pioneering sales policies and building the “For a Green Future” ecosystem with partners such as Xanh SM and V-GREEN. Hashtag: #vinfast https://vinfastauto.id/en The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About VinFast VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.id/en

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HKCriminalLawyers.com Officially Launched to Provide Professional Legal Support in Criminal Cases

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – The HKCriminalLawyers.com platform has officially launched, providing Hong Kong citizens with a dedicated resource for criminal legal information and professional lawyer-matching services. Specializing in a wide range of criminal cases—including theft, fraud, assault, drug-related offenses, money laundering, and illegal gambling—the platform aims to assist individuals facing legal trouble by offering clear guidance and access to experienced lawyers. A One-Stop Criminal Law Information Platform Being charged with a criminal offense can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. HKCriminalLawyers.com is designed to help defendants and their families better understand their legal situation by providing: Detailed Explanations of Criminal Offenses – The platform offers in-depth explanations of common offenses such as drug trafficking, theft, and fraud, covering legal definitions, relevant laws, sentencing guidelines, and possible defenses. Sentencing Standards and Case Analysis – Based on previous court cases, HKCriminalLawyers.com provides sentencing benchmarks to help individuals understand how penalties are determined. For instance, in money laundering cases, penalties can reach up to 14 years of imprisonment, with factors such as transaction amounts and intent influencing the severity of the sentence. Plea Strategies and Defense Tactics – Those seeking to reduce penalties can find useful resources on writing a mitigation letter, including examples of successful plea letters and key points that courts consider during sentencing. Professional Lawyer Matching Services Beyond legal information, HKCriminalLawyers.com offers a lawyer-matching service, helping individuals connect with experienced criminal defense lawyers suited to their case type, financial situation, and legal needs. The platform ensures that all partner lawyers are licensed professionals with extensive experience in handling criminal cases. For cases such as drug offenses or assault charges, which may involve police arrests and bail applications, the website provides step-by-step guidance on applying for bail, understanding bail conditions, and preparing for court appearances. Additionally, it features a police statement guide to help individuals understand their rights when being questioned by the police. 24/7 Legal Consultation and Emergency Support Criminal cases can happen unexpectedly, and HKCriminalLawyers.com ensures that individuals receive immediate legal assistance when needed. The platform offers a 24/7 emergency support service, allowing individuals to contact legal professionals in urgent situations such as police arrests, house searches, or urgent court hearings. Those in need of urgent legal consultation can use the platform to connect directly with experienced lawyers for immediate support. Future Expansion and Services HKCriminalLawyers.com plans to continuously expand its services by covering a broader range of criminal offenses and introducing interactive features such as a criminal case Q&A tool, which will allow users to obtain preliminary legal advice without revealing personal details. Additionally, the platform is exploring partnerships with more Hong Kong-based law firms to improve its lawyer-matching service and provide faster, more effective legal assistance. With the launch of HKCriminalLawyers.com, individuals in Hong Kong now have access to a professional and user-friendly platform for understanding criminal law and connecting with experienced defense lawyers. Whether someone is searching for legal representation or simply seeking to understand their legal rights, HKCriminalLawyers.com provides a reliable and trustworthy resource. For more information, visit HKCriminalLawyers.com for immediate assistance. Hashtag: #HKCriminalLawyers The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Media OutReach

AIA Singapore celebrates opening of Rainforest Wild Asia with Tapir adoption and AIA Vitality Bounce sponsorship

Sponsorship aims to create new avenues for individuals of all ages to make meaningful connections, improve wellbeing and inspire a love for nature and wildlife. SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – AIA Singapore is proud to announce its partnership with the newly opened Rainforest Wild Asia at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, as the naming sponsor of AIA Vitality Bounce and sponsor of Tapir habitat. This collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to community engagement, wildlife conservation and healthier living, exemplifying the AIA One Billion initiative to empower one billion people to live healthier, longer, better lives by 2030. Officially opening on 12 March, visitors to Rainforest Wild Asia can experience this, among other activities: AIA Vitality Bounce, a nature-immersive high-element net playground, providing a fun and dynamic play opportunity for visitors of all ages. This unique play space encourages physical activity, while fostering social interaction and connection with nature, and supporting mental wellbeing. AIA-sponsored Tapir habitat, home to two resident Malayan tapirs, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures. This further demonstrates AIA Singapore’s commitment to raising awareness of wildlife conservation[1]. AIA employees and insurance representatives are invited to an exclusive preview of Rainforest Wild Asia on 1 March. This private event offers a unique opportunity for team building and connection with colleagues in a natural setting. “AIA Singapore is delighted to be a part of the exciting opening of Rainforest Wild Asia, through the sponsorship of the AIA Vitality Bounce and the habitat of the two beloved Malayan tapirs. In our increasingly digital world, taking time to immerse ourselves in nature is more important than ever. We hope that through this initiative, we provide everyone with a space to disconnect, cultivate deeper relationships with nature and loved ones, and to be inspired to protect our wildlife,” said Ms Wong Sze Keed, Chief Executive Officer, AIA Singapore. This sponsorship demonstrates AIA Singapore’s continued investment in fostering healthier lifestyles and reinforces our commitment to creating positive social and environmental impact within the community. From 12 March, AIA customers can enjoy discounted admission tickets to Rainforest Wild Asia during selected periods, which will be announced on AIA+— your dedicated app and portal for all your financial, health and wellness needs. Customers and the community can also look out for upcoming activities via our social media channels. [1] AIA Singapore. Media Release: AIA Singapore pledges $5 million to support Nparks’ OneMillionTrees movement. 28 April 2021. Available at: https://www.aia.com.sg/en/about-aia/media-centre/press-releases/2021/aia-singapore-pledges-five-million-to-support-nparks-onemilliontrees-movement 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.

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Japanese 7-Eleven owner seeks help from CP Group

TOKYO: The founding family of Seven & i Holdings is asking Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group to invest in a management buyout of the Japanese retailing giant, the Japanese broadcaster NHK reported on Thursday. The Seven & i subsidiary Seven-Eleven Japan owns 100% of 7-Eleven Inc, which has about 85,000 stores worldwide. CP is the major shareholder of SET-listed CP All Plc, which has about 15,000 7-Eleven branches in Thailand. The Japanese family is in talks to take the 7-Eleven operator private through a management buyout to fend off a $47-billion takeover from Alimentation Couche-Tard, a Canadian convenience store chain. CP is the latest candidate approached by the family to support its takeover effort, which values the sprawling convenience store conglomerate at $58 billion and would be the largest management buyout in Japanese history should it go ahead. The investment by CP would be in the order of hundreds of billions of yen, Japan’s national broadcaster said. Seven & i declined to comment on the report. A representative for CP Group said they do not comment on speculation. The US investment firm KKR was earlier reported to be considering taking a stake in a proposal by the Seven & i Holdings founding family. Led by the Ito family and Itochu Corp, the operator of FamilyMart convenience stores in Japan, the management buyout proposal would involve about ¥4 trillion ($26 billion) in equity stakes with the rest to come from bank financing. The original proposal envisioned a valuation of as high as ¥9 trillion for Seven & i — trumping the offer of ¥7.5 trillion by Couche-Tard — though this may be lowered as the company’s market valuation hovers well below either figures. —BANGKOK POST

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EPF denies claims regarding MAHB investment

KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has refuted allegations of misconduct or regulatory breaches in the buying and selling of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) (KL:AIRPORT) shares and the purported losses incurred from the transaction. In a statement on Wednesday, EPF said that these claims are unfounded. “In adherence to EPF’s Chinese Wall Policy, there is a strict boundary between teams that have access to material non-public information and teams that deal in the public markets, ensuring that no privileged information crosses between them. “The public markets team operates independently, making trading decisions solely based on publicly available information,” it said. The EPF added that it welcomes any review and investigation regarding its investment in MAHB and is fully committed to transparency and accountability.–BERNAMA

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SIBUR Expands Range of Polymer Products for Automotive Industry

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – SIBUR, the largest Russian manufacturer of synthetic materials, plans to increase the use of polymers in the production of components for the automotive industry. In February 2025, SIBUR signed an agreement with the auto parts manufacturer DIPO for the joint development of polymer-based body parts, exterior and interior components, structural frames, and lighting components. Earlier, SIBUR developed a polyethylene grade for fuel tanks and two new grades of polycarbonate for automotive headlight diffusers that are used in Lada vehicles. According to industry experts, up to 160,000 tonnes of polymer materials are used annually in Russian automotive production, with potential for increased demand. The polymers produced by SIBUR are already used in the production of trunk doors and soundproofing materials, and, in the future, they could be used to manufacture seals, brackets, and fasteners. Polymer materials are approximately 30% lighter than metal, which helps reduce vehicle weight and, in turn, lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Thanks to their deformability, polymer components can absorb impact energy, enhancing safety. Furthermore, unlike metals, polymers are not susceptible to corrosion. According to SIBUR, the use of Russian synthetic materials in the country’s automotive industry increased by 24% over the past year. The outlook for further growth is strong, driven by the company’s robust scientific and production capabilities for polymer development and manufacturing. Hashtag: #SIBUR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About SIBUR SIBUR is one of the fastest-growing companies in the global petrochemical industry and the largest producer of polymers and rubbers in Russia. The Company’s unique vertically integrated business model enables it to produce highly competitive products used across various economic sectors worldwide, including construction, food production, medicine and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, automotive manufacturing, and more.

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