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Prudential Singapore tops global MDRT Culture of Excellence (COE) Awards with 29 agency leaders recognised in 2026

Agency leader Bryan Phang is the sole COE (Diamond Agency) winner to achieve four consecutive award wins; Prudential’s solid showing underpinned by its strong knowledge sharing and mentorship culture SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) achieved the strongest showing globally in the 2026 Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Culture of Excellence (COE) Awards, with 29 agency leaders recognised out of 68 winners worldwide. This was up from 13 winners in 2025, reflecting the strong progress made by Prudential’s agency force. Accounting for more than two in five award recipients this year, Prudential had the highest number of MDRT COE Award winners globally. The MDRT COE Award recognises agency leaders who deliver strong outcomes across six dimensions of agency management1: production, retention, recruitment, persistency, whole person, and MDRT or MDRT Academy membership. Mr Rom Lee, Chief Agency Officer, Prudential Singapore, said: “Having 29 agency leaders recognised on the global MDRT Culture of Excellence Awards, up from 13 last year, is a strong affirmation of the standards our leaders set for themselves and their teams. Beyond individual achievement, it reflects a culture grounded on discipline, a strong MDRT sharing culture and a deep commitment to helping customers make confident financial decisions. “We have worked to create an environment where financial representatives can grow their careers, perform at a high level and be recognised for their achievements. As customer needs continue to evolve, this culture of excellence will remain central to how we develop a trusted, future-ready agency.” MDRT COE Award winner Mr Bryan Phang, Financial Services Director, Prudential Singapore, is the only Diamond Agency recipient globally to achieve this distinction for a fourth consecutive year. This year, the agency went a step further by achieving all six criteria of the Award. Said Mr Phang: “Earning this recognition for a fourth consecutive year is meaningful. The best teams make each other better. For us, it’s about developing people, building leaders and creating a culture that can sustain success over time. We hope this recognition raises the bar for what strong agency culture and high standards can achieve.” New MDRT COE Award winner, Ms Chiam Shu Yi, Wealth Director, Prudential Financial Advisers Singapore, Platinum Agency, is recognised for developing the careers of young and mid-career financial representatives. Said Ms Chiam: “Success is never built alone. The greatest fulfilment in leadership is investing in people, helping them discover hidden confidence, and reach milestones which they thought were out of reach. By supporting others, you empower them to grow, succeed, and build lives and careers they are proud of.” Agency leaders awarded the MDRT Culture of Excellence Award include: Diamond Agency (five out of six criteria met) Ang Wei Boon, Financial Services Manager Augustine Seah, Senior Executive Wealth Director Bryan Phang, Financial Services Director Dexter Goh, Financial Services Director Han Chi Teng, Financial Services Director Joyce Chan, Financial Services Director Nicole Ng, Senior Financial Services Manager Shalyn Lee, Senior Executive Wealth Director Tan Chin Sian, Financial Services Director Wesley Ee, Associate Wealth Director Yugi Toh, Senior Executive Wealth Director Platinum Agency (four out of six criteria met) Chiam Shu Yi, Wealth Director Diana Ng, Financial Services Director Joe Goh, Financial Services Director Jaslyn Ng, Financial Services Director Kenny Siew, Financial Services Director Thomas Lee, Senior Executive Wealth Director Tricia Tan, Senior Financial Services Director Zinc Goh, Executive Wealth Director Gold Agency (three out of six criteria met) Alvis Thor, Group Financial Services Director Andrew Ang, Financial Services Director Gerald Wu, Executive Wealth Director Jaden Wang, Executive Wealth Director Jeffrey Yen, Senior Financial Services Manager Jocelyn Kau, Senior Wealth Director Josephine Ho, Financial Services Director Ng Ling Hoong, Financial Services Manager Shannon Loke, Group Financial Services Director Tracy Chia, Financial Services Director Three-time consecutive Award winners Augustine Seah, Senior Executive Wealth Director Joyce Chan, Financial Services Director Han Chi Teng, Financial Services Director Jaslyn Ng, Financial Services Director Jaden Wang, Executive Wealth Director Prudential’s agency force has continued to deliver strong results and a consistently growing number of qualifiers. In 2026, it had 1,425 MDRT qualifiers, including 186 Court of The Table (TOT) and 73 Top of the Table (COT) qualifiers, as well as 29 MDRT COE Award winners. Prudential continues to invest in capability building across its agency force through training and professional development pathways. These include the Financial Consultant Induction Programme (FCIP) for new joiners, which leads to an Institute of Banking and Finance Qualified (Level 1) certification, as well as leadership development tracks such as the Chartered Insurance Agency Manager designation. The company also equips financial representatives to serve affluent and high-net-worth customers through its in-house High Net Worth Skill Up Series and external programmes including the Certified Affluent Wealth Adviser and Advanced Affluent Wealth Adviser courses by the Wealth Management Institute. In 2024, Prudential also enhanced its Management Associate Programme (MAP) to support fresh graduates and young professionals pursuing a career as financial representatives2. Prudential has 5,400 financial representatives with its tied agency and financial advisory arm, Prudential Financial Advisers Singapore, as of 31 December 2025. 1 For more information on criteria for MDRT Culture of Excellence Awards, please visit: https://www.mdrtcenter.org/culture-of-excellence-awards 2 For more information about the enhanced Management Associate Programme, visit: https://www.prudential.com.sg/about/newsroom/press-release/2024/prudential-ramps-up-hiring Hashtag: #Prudential #PrudentialSingapore #MDRTCOE #MDRTCultureofExcellenceAward https://www.prudential.com.sg/https://sg.linkedin.com/company/prudential-assurance-company-singaporehttps://www.facebook.com/PrudentialSingapore/https://www.instagram.com/prudentialsingapore/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore) Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life and health insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 95 years. As at 31 December 2025, it has S$66.3 billion funds under management. The company has an AA Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s and delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of 5,400 financial representatives. About MDRT Center for Field Leadership The MDRT Center for Field Leadership was created exclusively for financial services field and home office leaders.

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Shanghai – New York: to Become a Benchmark for China-U.S. Subnational Cooperation

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – On June 30, 2026, New York time, the launch ceremony and New York Forum for OUR WATER Season 3 were successfully held at Bloomberg Headquarters in New York. This event, themed “Rivers of Opportunities“, focused on the shared certainties of Shanghai and NYC, anchoring growth through open cooperation and reshaping the future through innovation and resilience. Co-hosted by Bloomberg L.P., the Forum was attended by Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies; Tang Zhiwen, Minister, Embassy of the People’s Republic in the United States of America; Ma Xiaoxiao, Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in New York; Chen Yiqun, Director-General of Information Office of Shanghai Municipality, and Hu Minghua, President of Shanghai United Media Group and over 200 guests from the political, business, finance and cultural sectors of China and the United States. The forum is dedicated to exploring the openness and similarities between Shanghai and New York to identify a shared framework of certainties among global hub cities. Caption:OUR WATER III held in New York. Photo: Shuran HUANG The two cities share distinct advantages in sectors such as finance and trade, while also facing common challenges in urban renewal, low-carbon development, and digital transformation. Candid and open dialogue is essential for mutual learning, and it will also inject stability into China-U.S. relations. On the topic of how global capital understands the Chinese market, a panel titled “Investing in China, Winning the Future” featured Chinese and international guests discussing how the appeal of Chinese assets is shifting from traditional growth narratives to AI, high-end manufacturing, financial opening-up, and institutional market development. As a hub for financial opening-up, an asset allocation center, and a cluster for innovative enterprises, Shanghai has become a crucial gateway linking international capital with opportunities in China. Consumption is one of the most dynamic topics between China and the U.S. At the second panel of “Opportunies in emerging Consumer Markets“, moderated by Bloomberg Television host David Westin, panelists observed that the consumer vitality of Shanghai and New York stems not only from market size but also from their ongoing ability to create experiences, understand people, and activate urban spaces. Besides the forum, the New York series of events for OUR WATER Season 3 also includes: West Meets East·Shanghai & New York 2026 – A Polaroid 20×24 Special Exhibition; Chinese Opera: A Century of Dreams – An Exhibition of Art Design and Technology; An Exhibition themed Shanghai’s “One River, One Creek” and Jing’an CAZ China-U.S. Business Leaders Dialogue in New York. These events shape a tangible and immersive waterfront narrative, allowing Shanghai and New York—two super metropolises that have thrived on water—to resonate in harmony through dialogue. As Minister Tang Zhiwen stated in his address, Shanghai and New York, are expected to become benchmarks for subnational cooperation between China and the United States, and to make new contributions to fostering a “constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability.” Hashtag: #ShanghaiEye The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Transformation World 2026: The Best Data for Business AI

New Kyano® product innovations: Agentic AI for data migrations and unstructured data solutions Kyano Lorna supports customers with AI-powered project intelligence SNP and Palantir accelerate secure SAP transformations through strategic partnership High-profile keynotes from SAP’s Thomas Pfiester and Stefan Steinle, football legend and former Germany national team goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, and bestselling author Sebastian Wernicke SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – SNP welcomes a record 2,000 industry experts from around the world to their flagship event, Transformation World, on July 8-9 at Heidelberg’s SNP dome. Under the motto “Shaping Tomorrow,” the leading provider of software for AI-enabled digital transformation, automated data migration and data management in the SAP environment, will present an exceptionally diverse program. Attendees can look forward to three innovation focus areas led by SNP’s new agentic AI layer Kyano Lorna to refine data transformation on top of the proven Kyano platform. In addition, SNP will demonstrate how they will expand their capabilities with a newly built AI-powered solution through a new strategic partnership with Palantir. Existing partner CDQ will showcase how their solution, seamlessly integrated into Kyano, delivers automated data quality and governance for SAP master data. A third innovation focus area expands Kyano with capabilities to process unstructured data through the new solution, Kyano Oros. Across more than 100 customer presentations, international organizations will demonstrate how they successfully manage transformation projects such as SAP Cloud ERP moves, data archiving, system decommissioning, and carve-outs and integrations. “We are looking forward to the biggest and most innovative Transformation World. With new AI-powered solutions, intelligent agents and strong partnerships, we are bringing our vision for the next generation of SAP transformations to life. Together with our customers and partners, we are redefining how these projects will be delivered in the future. Our ambition is to equip organizations with the most intelligent tools to unlock their best data for the AI era,” said Jens Amail, CEO of SNP. The Best Data for Business and Agentic AI One of the highlights at the conference is a series of innovations for SNP’s Kyano software platform. Under the theme “The Best Data for Business AI,” SNP will introduce the new solution Kyano Oros that further automates complex data migrations and extends the platform with the ability to process unstructured data. This type of data accounts for approximately 80% of enterprise data volumes and has largely remained inaccessible to traditional transformation tools. This provides a critical foundation for preparing enterprise data landscapes for modern AI applications. With Kyano Lorna, SNP introduces an agentic AI layer for their proven Kyano platform that amplifies and scales decades of transformation expertise. Available 24/7, able to communicate in multiple languages and continuously applying best practices, Lorna supports organizations throughout the entire transformation lifecycle. It helps reduce manual effort, accelerate decision-making and deliver real-time insights across every phase of a transformation project. By bringing decades of transformation knowledge and best practices directly into every project, the agentic AI layer also enables customers and partners to deliver SAP transformation projects with Kyano faster, more efficiently and with greater predictability. New partnership accelerates secure AI-powered SAP transformations Another highlight is the announcement of a strategic partnership with Palantir, a global leader in AI and data platforms. This partnership will deliver new AI-powered solutions to SNP’s customers. Further details will be announced during Transformation World. High-profile customer presentations and keynote speakers Renowned companies from a wide range of industries and regions will share their experiences with complex transformation projects. For the German-speaking market, presentations will include projects from BMW, Coop Pronto, Deutsche Bahn, E.ON, Festo, Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen, Nestlé, Lufthansa, and Volkswagen. International companies taking the stage include Ferrero, TotalEnergies, Brazilian financial cooperative Sicredi, Chilean industrial group Sigdo Koppers, U.S.-based chemicals and medical technology company PerkinElmer, and Australian infrastructure services provider Ventia. The event is supported by a total of 20 sponsoring partners. This year’s premium sponsors are Accenture, Deloitte, and IBM. Keynote speakers Thomas Pfiester, Head of Customer Engagement & Adoption and member of the Extended Executive Board of SAP, and Stefan Steinle, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Customer Support at SAP, will provide insights into the latest developments in SAP transformations and innovation. Additional keynote speakers include bestselling author Sebastian Wernicke (“Data Inspired”), who will explain how data can be turned into successful business ideas, and Oliver Kahn, goalkeeper legend, entrepreneur and sports investor, who will discuss the relationship between peak performance, decision-making under pressure, and resilience. “The combination of hands-on customer presentations, product innovations and high-caliber networking is driving record attendance at Transformation World this year,” said Jörg Petzhold, Vice President Global Marketing & Communication (CMO) at SNP. “With around 2,000 attendees, we expect an exceptional international customer presence and look forward to welcoming SAP user groups from Germany, the UK, the U.S., and China to the SNP dome for the first time.” The Transformation World 2026 agenda, registration details, and further information are available here. Hashtag: #SNP The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About SNP SNP (ticker: SHF.DE) is the global technology platform leader and trusted partner for companies seeking unparalleled data-enabled transformation capabilities and business agility. SNP’s Kyano® platform integrates all necessary capabilities and partner offerings to provide a comprehensive software-based experience in data migration and management. Combined with the Bluefield® approach, Kyano sets a comprehensive industry standard for restructuring and modernizing enterprise data faster and more securely while harnessing AI-driven innovations based on over 30 years of experience. The company works with more than 3,000 customers of all sizes and in all industries in over 80 countries, including numerous DAX 40 and Fortune 500 companies. The SNP Group has more than 1,600 employees worldwide at over 34 locations in 22 countries. The company is headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, and generated revenues of around EUR 297 million in the 2025 fiscal year. More information is available at www.snpgroup.com

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As EVs Become the Majority of New Car Registrations in Singapore, Allianz Highlights a Shift in Ownership Mindset

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – Electric vehicles (EVs) have reached a defining milestone in Singapore. Allianz Insurance Singapore says the national EV conversation is evolving beyond adoption towards a fundamental shift in how drivers think about vehicle ownership, as EVs now account for the majority of new car registrations. This shift coincides with enhanced national EV charging safety standards that took effect in April 2026, reflecting growing attention on the operational, safety and ownership implications of electric mobility as EV usage scales across the island – from where and how vehicles are charged, to how they are repaired, supported and protected over time. “As electric vehicles become more popular, the conversation is moving beyond adoption to ownership,” said Hicham Raissi, Chief Executive Officer, Allianz Insurance Singapore. “Drivers are no longer just choosing EVs for their technology, but are increasingly focused on what it takes to protect, maintain and support them over time.” Electric vehicles differ fundamentally from conventional petrol cars. They rely on high-voltage battery systems, electric drivetrains, electronic control units and increasingly software‑enabled driving features, all of which represent a significant proportion of vehicle value. These differences introduce ownership considerations that are distinct from internal combustion vehicles, particularly as EVs become the default choice for many drivers. In response to these evolving ownership realities, Allianz Insurance Singapore became one of the first general insurers in the market to introduce an insurance solution specifically designed for electric vehicles, with the launch of Allianz Electric Motor Protect in 2021. The coverage is built around how EVs are used and supported in practice, including considerations for electric and electronic components such as high-voltage systems and batteries, protection linked to private home charging setups, and risks associated with increasingly connected vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems. It also reflects real-world usage scenarios such as charging-related incidents and portable charging equipment, alongside the need for consistent repair quality over time. “As EV adoption transitions into everyday ownership, insurance plays a foundational role in supporting this shift in mindset,” added Raissi. “Our focus is on ensuring protection frameworks evolve alongside mobility, so drivers can navigate electric vehicle ownership with clarity and confidence.” Allianz Electric Motor Protect is currently available to electric vehicle owners in Singapore. Coverage terms and conditions apply. To find out more about Allianz Electric Motor Protect, visit: https://www.allianz.sg/individual-solutions/allianz-electric-motor-protect.html Protected up to specified limits by SDIC. Hashtag: #AllianzInsuranceSingapore https://www.allianz.sg/https://www.linkedin.com/company/allianzinsuressg/https://www.facebook.com/allianzsghttps://www.instagram.com/allianz.sg/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Allianz Insurance Singapore At Allianz Insurance Singapore, we aim to secure the future and create a positive impact on society and the environment by leveraging our expertise in risk management. As we work toward strengthening our position as one of Singapore’s leading risk solutions providers, we deliver innovative and customer‑focused protection solutions for individuals, SMEs, and mid‑corporate clients – spanning Motor, Home Content, Travel, Personal Accident, Cancer, Hospital Income, and a comprehensive suite of commercial insurance offerings.

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AEON Bank Biz Powers Up Business Growth with Term Financing-i and Working Capital Financing-i

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, has expanded its business banking financing facilities with the introduction of Term Financing-i and Working Capital Financing-i, anchored by its Business Banking vertical, AEON Bank Biz. Introducing the Term Financing-i and Working Capital Financing-i by AEON Bank Biz Designed to provide timely and flexible capital, these two business financing facilities were developed to enable Shariah-compliant businesses in navigating shifting market demands. Both products are aligned with the Shariah finance principle of Murabahah via Tawarruq concept, delivering transparent, ethical banking solutions to the Malaysian market. Term Financing-i: Business Growth and Strategic Expansion Engineered to fund medium to long term growth projects, asset purchases and infrastructure expansion while maintaining a healthy cash flow. AEON Bank Biz’s Term Financing-i offers this flexibility: Zero collateral required No hidden charges on financing application or utilisation Flexible repayment tenure of up to 60 months Approved fund disbursed directly into customer’s AEON Bank Biz Business Current Account-i *Terms and conditions apply Working Capital Financing-i: Empowering Business with Liquidity Agility This financing facility provides a flexible credit line for short term cash flow needs, designed to bridge operational budget gaps and manage financial cycles. With AEON Bank Biz’s Working Capital Financing-i, customers can gain access to the following: High value liquidity and multiple disbursement options, within approved financing facility limit up to 3-year tenure Flexibility to pay your principal and refresh approved limit, without the hassle of repeated financing applications Up to 12-months disbursement period Disbursement managed fully online, deposited straight into customer’s AEON Bank Biz Business Current Account-i *Terms and conditions apply A Dynamic Business Banking Experience Beyond credit line disbursement, AEON Bank Biz serves as a holistic 360-degree, Shariah compliant banking partner for business owners across Malaysia. It enables businesses to manage assets, liabilities, operational financial needs and merchant operations, through a simplified banking process. At the core of it all is the Business Current Account-i with a dynamic business banking functionality to support businesses to thrive : Integrated cash management capabilities for payments and collections: Seamless processing for DuitNow and RENTAS, as well as instant settlement and notification for DuitNow QR Smart cash management: Maximize idle capital yield via Biz Term Deposit-i, offering competitive profit optimization rates up to 3.20% p.a. on customizable tenures as short as 1 day, with an entry baseline of just RM500 Governance controls: Multi-user level access authorizations and structured approval workflows engineered to mirror corporate governance standards safely *Terms and conditions apply Empowering Businesses to Scale Sustainably This latest rollout by a digital bank in Malaysia aligns directly with the national goal to supercharge SME contributions to the domestic Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to 50% by 2030. In order to achieve that, access to financing, including digital banking solutions remains a key enabler for business growth. In fact, this is where banking institutions and fintech catalysts such as AEON Bank play an important role in achieving that target. Click on the links to find out more about AEON Bank Biz and discover a #BetterBusinessBanking experience to scale your growth. Hashtag: #AEONBank #digitalbank #islamicbank #digitalislamicbank #AEONBankBiz #BusinessBanking #TermFinancing #WorkingCapitalFinancing https://www.aeonbank.com.my/businesshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/aeonbankmy/?viewAsMember=truehttps://www.facebook.com/share/1EqAqfTFLp/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.instagram.com/aeonbankmy?igsh=dnNwYnNjb2Z4N3ky The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ABOUT AEON BANK (M) BERHAD AEON Bank (M) Berhad is Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services for the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz) customers. Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible online via the AEON Bank app, where customers can activate and access the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pot, DuitNow QR, Zakat, Takaful, JomPay, utility bill payments, as well as a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants. Moreover, AEON Bank has developed the Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme and ‘Neko Sensei’, the AI-powered personal financial coach. On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially introduced AEON Bank Biz with the integrated cash management capabilities anchored by the Business Current Account-i, alongside Biz Term Deposit-i, Biz QR, Term Financing-i and Working Capital Financing-i. AEON Bank Biz focuses on streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for businesses in Malaysia. For eligible deposit-based products under AEON Bank and AEON Bank Biz, such as the Savings Account-i, Savings Pot, Term Deposit-i, Business Current Account-i and Biz Term Deposit-i, the deposits are protected up to RM250,000 per depositor. AEON Bank is a member of Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) and the deposit protection is automatic and free. Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses. AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognisable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience. Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah finance DNA, Malaysian tenacity and Japanese roots are our distinguishing factors, while the integration across the AEON ecosystem

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New Ogilvy Study Reveals a Crisis of Brand Belief in Hong Kong

Over 90% Take Punitive Action Against Brand Doubt, While 61% Have Walked Away HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Hong Kong consumers have very low tolerance for brands and organisations that are deemed not believable, responding with rapid and decisive backlash when corporate promises trigger doubt. According to a new study on “The Believability Economy” by Ogilvy and YouGov, local residents quickly escalate from questioning claims to complaining on social media, switching to competitors, and fully disengaging. Part of a seven-market Asia Pacific initiative, the Hong Kong SAR edition of Ogilvy’s “Believability Index: The Power of Proof” reveals how critical proof has become to maintaining brand survival. Believability Index HK Infographics Silent Disengagement Directly Threatens Revenue When believability falters, consumer action is almost universal. Of the 1,032 Hong Kong residents aged 18 and over surveyed between late April and early May 2026, 94% stated that they take punitive action once they harbour doubts about a brand or organisation, leaving only 6% with their behaviours unchanged. The local backlash is only slightly below the APAC average of 96%. This belief-triggered disengagement also inflicts immediate financial consequences: 61% of Hong Kong respondents (70% in APAC) have stopped engaging with or purchasing from a brand or organisation over the past 12 months due to a lack of belief in its claims. More importantly, silent forms of disengagement dominate the Hong Kong market. Nine in 10 Hongkongers (89%) opt for “silent disengagement”, walking away without saying a word. This quiet exit also carries a severe commercial penalty: it includes 46% who stop purchasing altogether and 32% who migrate to a competitor. “The research findings are a stark wake-up call for brands and organisations, and show believability makes or breaks consumer decisions in immediate and severe ways,” said Clara Shek, President, Ogilvy Public Relations Hong Kong. “The Hong Kong findings reflect a broader trend in the Asia Pacific region: disengagement often combines quiet withdrawal with more visible signals. Brands and organisations must recognise that what they see publicly is only part of the picture — the quieter, unseen behaviours are dangerous and could be the silent killers of an organisation’s success.” Vocal punishment is common. Over half (58%) of the respondents say they would take public or semi‑public action, such as: Telling friends, family or colleagues not to support the brand or organisation (30%) Reporting or flagging organisational content as misleading (17%) Leaving a negative review or public comment (15%) Actively and publicly avoid their content (14%) Contacting them directly to express concerns (12%) Posting personal experiences directly on social media (10%) Lack of Competence and Ethics Triggers Consumer Disengagement When consumers abandon a brand or organisation due to a breakdown of belief, the top reasons that prompted them to stop engaging or stop purchasing in the past 12 months tie directly to operational execution: Products and services didn’t deliver what was promised (34%) The brand or organisation handled an issue or mistake poorly (29%) Poor business ethics (27%) Communication missteps also erode foundational belief. A quarter of consumers (25%) state that exaggerated or misleading communications have prompted them to disengage, and 24% disengage when a brand or organisation is unresponsive to issues they raise. In contrast, influencers and spokespeople play a smaller role in believability-driven disengagement — only 15% of respondents report that they would stop engaging with a brand or organisation because a spokesperson or influencer loses credibility. Drivers of Believability In Hong Kong, believability is driven far more by the credibility of the source than by the creative style of the content, and people rely primarily on their own judgement or official sources, rather than influencers or highly-polished content. Three quarters (76%) of Hong Kong residents rely on credibility-related influences (such as credible sources and multiple sources), 62% rely on personal perception (whether information aligns with existing knowledge), 59% turn to reviews, and 43% turn to peer validation. Across all ages, the top drivers of belief are consistently rooted in familiarity and prior experience: A source they already find credible (43%) Information that aligns with their own knowledge or experience (34%) Official or institutional sources (30%) Conversely, the signals that dominate digital and social media culture — polished and professionally produced content (8%), the amount of people engaging with or sharing the information (16%), and “authentic” creator content (12%) — sit at the bottom of the list as factors that influence whether they believe new information about a brand or organisation. The Channel Paradox – Where Belief and Scepticism Collide The Ogilvy Believability Index 2026 finds that mainstream media and official brand channels remain the most influential sources of increased belief in Hong Kong. Almost two-thirds (58%) of Hong Kong residents say information from mainstream media increases their belief in brands and organisations that matter to them, and half (50%) say official brand channels improve belief. Both sources were greeted with relatively minimal scepticism (7% and 8% respectively). Influencer content and private messaging apps tell a more complex story. The study shows that 30% of Hong Kong consumers say information from social media influencers and KOLs increase their belief, but 26% express heightened scepticism. Private group chats such as WhatsApp show the same near‑equal split: 30% say these channels strengthen their belief, while 26% say they make them more doubtful. In these environments, brands and organisations aren’t generating belief alone — they’re generating belief and doubt in almost equal measure. “Social media channels may be influential in reach and visibility for brands and organisations, but they are far less effective at strengthening belief,” Ms. Shek said. “In fact, they often create a mix of belief and doubt – a paradox that organisations need to navigate carefully. Traditional tracking tools can create a blind spot for senior leadership as organisations run the risk of over-indexing spending on the exact platforms that are triggering scepticism.” The importance of mainstream media echoes the latest findings in South China Morning Post’s (SCMP) Intersection of Influence study released on June

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Singapore Team Crowned Champion at the Inaugural Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 in Vietnam

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Outperforming 439 teams and nearly 1,500 participants from 22 countries and territories, Team Helios, comprising two participants, Pratham Ranjan and Alok Vernekar from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, has been crowned champion of the Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026, a competition dedicated to developing technology-driven solutions for a sustainable future. Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Chair of the Competition’s Judging Panel, Vice Provost for Graduate Education at VinUniversity, and Chief Scientific Officer at VinUniversity’s Center for AI Research (right), and Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation, Vingroup, present the First Prize to Team Helios. Photo: Organizing Committee. The competition was jointly organized by three not-for-profit entities under Vingroup: the “For Green Future” Foundation, VinUniversity, and the Vingroup Young Technology Talent Club (VinTechTalent). It is the first pan-Asian environmental hackathon exclusively for undergraduate and master’s students to be held in Vietnam. The Final Round and Awards Ceremony took place on July 4 at VinUniversity, Hanoi. With the project titled “An Urban Simulation Platform for Low-Carbon Infrastructure,” Team Helios won the First Prize, worth USD 8,000. The team’s solution addresses a critical challenge facing many cities today: how to determine whether a green infrastructure project will truly be effective before committing significant resources to its implementation. The team developed a district-level urban simulation platform that enables users to test options such as EV charging stations, public transportation, solar energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure, while assessing their expected impacts on travel behavior, emissions, costs, and the power grid. The solution helps city authorities identify projects worth investing in, avoid wasting resources on ineffective initiatives, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon cities. The Second Prize, worth USD 5,000, was awarded to Team VFluxion, comprising four participants, Nguyen The Anh, Vu The Vinh, Tran Hung Vi, and Do Thi Nhu Y, from the University of Information Technology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. VFluxion’s solution addresses an increasingly important need in the transition to green mobility: how to effectively connect and coordinate electric vehicles with urban energy systems. The team proposed a platform that coordinates bidirectional charging and discharging, enabling electric vehicles not only to consume energy but also to serve as distributed energy storage resources that can help balance electricity demand when needed. The solution aims to optimize energy use, enhance power grid stability, reduce the need to deploy high-emission backup power sources, and protect battery longevity. Two Third Prizes, each worth USD 3,000, were awarded to two teams from Vietnam: Future Greener and ALT F4. Team Future Greener, comprising Nguyen Nguyen Tam Nhu, Truong Dong Hung, Pham Ho Kim Ngan, and Bui Hoai Ngoc from UEH.ISB Honours College, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, and FPT University’s Ho Chi Minh City campus, developed a project addressing the challenge of managing the life cycle of electric vehicle batteries amid the rapid growth of electric mobility, which brings with it the risk of used batteries being stored, discarded, or handled unsafely. The platform tracks battery information throughout its life cycle, supports battery health assessment, and helps determine whether a battery should be repurposed or sent for recycling. The solution aims to reduce environmental risks from discarded batteries, increase transparency in the used EV market, and promote a circular economy in the battery industry. Team ALT F4, comprising Nguyen Tuan Minh, Nguyen Thanh Vinh, and Tran Phi Anh Nhat from the University of Science, Vietnam National University Hanoi, British University Vietnam (BUV), and Hanoi University of Science and Technology, won a Third Prize for its early warning system for saltwater intrusion. The system monitors water conditions in estuarine areas, forecasts the risk of saltwater intrusion 24 to 72 hours in advance, and sends alerts in Vietnamese directly to the phones of farmers and local officials. This early warning window can enable timely action to close sluice gates, preserve freshwater supplies, and adjust irrigation practices, thereby reducing crop losses, protecting farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthening resilience to climate change. The Organizing Committee also awarded five Consolation Prizes, each worth USD 1,000, to Project Gaia from Vietnam, AVERTIX from India, ReRootSG from Singapore, Forust from Hong Kong, China, and Seekers from India. To reach the Final Round, the 30 finalist teams underwent a selection and training journey lasting nearly three months. From 439 teams that entered the Preliminary Round with project proposals and introductory videos, the Top 30 teams advanced to a month-long online training program with multidisciplinary experts to sharpen their problem-solving approaches and prepare for the final challenge. At VinUniversity, the finalist teams took part in an intensive 36-hour hackathon, during which they analyzed real-world challenges, developed solutions, built functional prototypes, and refined their final presentations under the guidance of expert mentors from Vingroup’s technology companies. Reflecting on the competition’s outcome, Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation, Vingroup, said: “What makes us proud is that the Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 has shown that Vietnam can truly become a regional hub for Asia’s young talent in the journey of innovation for sustainable development. Here, cross-border ideas are not only shared, but also tested, refined, and transformed into practical solutions capable of creating lasting value for communities.” From energy and transportation to climate, water resources, and agriculture, the environmental challenges facing Asia increasingly transcend national borders and demand regional collaboration. By bringing together young talent from diverse countries and disciplines, the Asian Hackathon for Green Future aims to foster a regional space for collaboration, where knowledge, technology, and diverse perspectives can converge, complement one another, and develop into solutions with the potential to create real-world impact. Following the success of its inaugural edition, the competition will return for a second season in 2027 with an expanded scale and geographical reach, aiming to attract more young talent from across Asia and other regions of the world to jointly develop solutions for a green and sustainable future. Hashtag: #Vingroup The issuer is solely responsible for the

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Hong Kong Icon Anson Lo Celebrates July Birthday, Propelling Cantopop Toward New Frontiers

Marking a historic milestone, the MAMA-winning icon celebrates a year of regional breakthroughs and a defining leap into the global spotlight. HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – This July, celebrating his birthday month, Anson Lo marks a decisive leap into the global spotlight. Defined by his philosophy of “Adventure and Limitless,” the MAMA award-winning artist over the past weekend brought his solo concert tour to Macau, delivering a highly acclaimed, two-night engagement that drew an overwhelming response. This milestone is further amplified by the highly anticipated release of his new English single “Helicopter” and his high-profile appearance in the English drama The Season. Known for his razor-sharp choreography, Lo has transcended his status as Hong Kong’s premier idol to become a defining figure of a new, international generation. The Rise of “Lo-Phenomenon” Anson Lo’s trajectory over the last few years has been defined by a series of professional breakthroughs that have solidified his status as a regional powerhouse: Cross-Cultural Collaborations: From headlining Waterbomb Singapore to a viral collaboration with Japan’s Avantgardey, Lo has proven his ability to electrify massive international crowds and bridge creative gaps across Asia. A Landmark Fashion Milestone: In a historic international collaboration, Lo became the first Hong Kong artist to co-design a capsule collection with Italian luxury legend Giuseppe Zanotti. This partnership, alongside his work with luxury houses, cements his status as a definitive global fashion icon. Industry Recognition: Since winning Best New Asian Artist (Mandarin) at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), Lo recently marked a significant turning point by performing on South Korea’s MBC Show Champion and The Fact Music Awards (TMA) stage, bringing Cantopop to major music platforms in South Korea. Global Screen Ventures: Lo expanded his international television footprint with a high-profile guest appearance in the elite ensemble English drama The Season. The series premiered worldwide on major streaming platforms like Hulu and Viu, underscoring his growing global versatility. A New Frontier: Crafting English Hits and Lyrics Lo’s global evolution shines through his self-penned English rap lyrics across nearly all his dance singles. Expanding his creative control, he wrote his two full English tracks, “Trippin’ Up” and the newly released “Helicopter.” “Helicopter” just dropped to an overwhelming global response, solidifying his international musical footprint. About Anson Lo Anson Lo (born July 7, 1995) is a multifaceted Hong Kong singer, dancer, and actor. Since his 2018 debut with the group MIRROR, he has evolved into a record-breaking soloist, headlining multiple solo concerts and releasing chart-topping hits such as “Megahit,” “Mr. Stranger,” and “Hey Hey OK!”. Today, he stands as a versatile artist working across music, fashion, and film. Instagram @ansonlht | Facebook @ansonlht | YouTube: @AnsonLoHonTing Hashtag: #AnsonLo #盧瀚霆 #AnsonLo盧瀚霆 https://www.facebook.com/ansonlhthttps://www.instagram.com/ansonlht/https://www.youtube.com/@AnsonLoHonTing The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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DKSH Enters Strategic Partnership with Lilly in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR

DKSH entered a strategic partnership with Lilly to sell, promote and distribute Lilly’s pharmaceutical products in Hong Kong and Macau. Building on the successful collaboration in Singapore and Vietnam, DKSH will expand the access to reliable healthcare in the region. HONG KONG SAR – EQS Newswire – 6 July 2026 – DKSH Business Unit Healthcare, a leading integrated end-to-end commercialization platform and leading provider of market expansion services for pharmaceutical, over-the-counter (OTC), consumer health and medical device companies, has entered into a distribution and promotion agreement with global healthcare leader Eli Lilly Export S.A. (“Lilly”). Through this agreement, DKSH will hold the rights to sell, promote, and distribute Lilly’s current pharmaceutical portfolio in Hong Kong and Macau, further strengthening and expanding the longstanding partnership in Singapore and Vietnam. Building on new momentum and recognized for delivering sustainable growth for partners, DKSH has been chosen to implement an alliance market business model for Lilly, providing end-to-end solutions prioritizing healthcare access to patients. With DKSH’s deep expertise in integrated commercial and medical affairs capabilities, proven engagement with healthcare professionals, and robust distribution infrastructure this collaboration prioritizes the continued access to Lilly’s pharmaceutical products for patients in Hong Kong and Macau. DKSH Healthcare will ensure continued access to Lilly’s medicines, with patient support programs remaining fully operational. The high-quality medical, scientific, and educational engagement that healthcare professionals rely on will continue to be maintained. DKSH Healthcare’s commitment to safeguarding patients remains unwavering, with rigorous global standards for product quality, safety monitoring, and pharmacovigilance fully upheld. Andy A. Abarquez, Executive Director-South Asia Alliance General Manager, Lilly, said: “Lilly has served patients and healthcare professionals through Lilly Hong Kong and Lilly Macau since 1984, and that commitment is unchanged. Through the collaboration with DKSH, this strategic partnership allows us to extend our reach and bring our medicines to more patients in the Hong Kong and Macau market.” Wai Ting Fong, Vice President, Healthcare, Hong Kong & Macau at DKSH, said: “DKSH and Lilly share the vision and values to work together in bringing an innovative pipeline of products to more patients. With our in-depth knowledge of the local market as well as marketing and sales capabilities, DKSH will expand the access to reliable healthcare in Hong Kong and Macau.” The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About DKSH For more than 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, e-commerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services, following its purpose of enriching people’s lives. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 35 markets with 26,840 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2025. DKSH Business Unit Healthcare distributes pharmaceuticals, consumer health, over-the-counter products and medical devices. With around 7,580 specialists, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 5.8 billion in 2025. www.dksh.com/hec

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Pak Tak Credit Pioneers FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System —— Committing to Zero Credit Rating Impact, Redefining Tier-1 Financial Standards with “Technology + Empathetic Service”

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – In direct response to the rapid evolution of digital finance, profound transformations in the credit market, and the escalating demand from clients for personal privacy and asset security, Pak Tak Credit, a premier licensed money lender in Hong Kong, proudly announces the launch of its newly upgraded FinTech “No-Trace Loan Query” System. This milestone innovation is specifically engineered to address a critical pain point in the traditional lending market: the compromise of a client’s credit rating (TransUnion/TU score) with every single financing inquiry. By leveraging cutting-edge financial technology to streamline processes and combining it with “1-on-1 empathetic, human-centric service,” Pak Tak Credit enables Hong Kong citizens and SME owners seeking a premium financing experience to explore optimal financial solutions with zero burden and zero risk. The company firmly states that rather than engaging in blind interest rate price wars, it will redefine the service benchmarks for tier-1 financial companies through its core values of “integrity, absolute confidentiality, and a premium client experience.” Addressing Market Pain Points: Traditional Inquiries Penalize Credit Health In today’s complex and volatile economic environment, maintaining an excellent credit rating is paramount to securing financing, whether for personal wealth planning, property mortgages, or enterprise working capital. However, market observations reveal that traditional financial institutions or banks frequently perform a “Hard Inquiry” on a client’s credit bureau profile during the preliminary inquiry or quotation stage. This conventional approach leaves a permanent footprint on the client’s credit report. When clients attempt to shop around and compare rates across multiple institutions within a short period, these inquiries accumulate rapidly, leading to a sharp decline in their credit score (commonly known as a “damaged credit profile”). This not only erodes the credit health that clients have meticulously maintained over the years but can also severely jeopardize future bank mortgage approvals or commercial loan applications. Pak Tak Credit firmly believes that a tier-1 brand’s duty lies in prioritizing the client’s peace of mind and anticipating their needs. The newly introduced “No-Trace Loan Query” system dismantles these traditional barriers. By utilizing advanced financial technology to conduct “Soft Evaluations,” clients can obtain highly accurate credit evaluations and interest rate proposals with absolutely zero impact on their credit ratings and full peace of mind. Technical Analysis: What is the FinTech “No-Trace” Soft Evaluation Mechanism? Unlike traditional institutions that immediately request a formal credit report at the outset, Pak Tak Credit’s “No-Trace Loan Query” system utilizes an advanced big data risk control model. During the preliminary evaluation and pre-approval stage, the system only conducts a “Soft Inquiry” using partial information authorized by the client alongside proprietary internal algorithms. The distinct advantage of this mechanism is twofold: it empowers the risk management team to accurately assess repayment capabilities and deliver genuine quotes, while guaranteeing that absolutely no footprint visible to other financial institutions is left on the individual’s TransUnion (TU) report. In other words, whether or not the client ultimately proceeds with the application or accepts the approved credit line, their credit rating remains 100% intact and perfectly protected. Four Core Advantages: Smart Big Data Fused with Personalized Human Service The launch of this new service represents more than just a technological upgrade; it is a revolution in “human-centric” financial experience, featuring four key pillars: “No-Trace” Soft Inquiries to Safeguard Credit Assets: We guarantee zero adverse impact on the client’s credit rating during the preliminary consultation and pre-approval phases, making the process of exploring financing options as worry-free as online shopping. Big Data Intelligent Pre-Approval for Instant Quoting: By integrating modern FinTech, clients simply input basic information online. The system automatically performs a multi-dimensional risk assessment, bypassing the traditional, tedious submission of preliminary documents to deliver instant reference credit lines, significantly accelerating capital turnover. Rejecting Cold AI Responses for 1-on-1 Empathetic Service: Pak Tak Credit firmly believes that while technology drives efficiency, the core of financial service remains human connection and understanding. We refuse to rely solely on cold, automated responses. Every client inquiring through the system is assigned an experienced, dedicated account manager for “1-on-1 personalized follow-up,” crafting the most flexible and customized repayment structures tailored to the client’s true circumstances and pain points. Ultimate Privacy Protection to Eliminate Industry Nuisances: The dignity of a tier-1 institution is built upon its respect for clients. Pak Tak Credit strictly enforces the highest standards of data encryption and privacy protection regulations. We pledge that all inquiry data is strictly restricted to internal evaluation purposes, will never be disclosed to third parties, and completely eliminates any form of telemarketing nuisance, restoring financial experiences to true prestige and confidentiality. Application Scenarios: Meeting Diversified High-Value Asset Allocation Demands This system upgrade comprehensively strengthens support for large-scale financing scenarios, precisely covering premium client segments: Property Owners & Investors: Prior to initiating property first mortgages, second mortgages, or refinancing for cash-out purposes, owners can utilize the no-trace system to evaluate property appreciation space and loan-to-value ratios without affecting subsequent bank mortgage refinancing approvals. SME Owners & Startup Founders: Facing market operational turnovers, short-term payroll obligations, or expansion needs, business owners can rapidly test large commercial loan approval limits without jeopardizing their personal credit lines. High-Net-Worth Individuals: For clients possessing diversified asset portfolios (such as precious metals or marketable securities), we provide professional, customized financing consultations featuring cross-asset synergy. Strategic Vision: Winning the Market Through Integrity and Professionalism over Price Wars Financial experts at Pak Tak Credit point out that the Hong Kong lending market is currently flooded with promotional slogans advertising “exceptionally low interest rates.” However, such schemes often conceal hidden handling fees, expensive consulting charges, or highly restrictive application thresholds that are practically unattainable for average applicants. Pak Tak Credit refuses to engage in blind, malicious low-price competition. We deeply believe that true “tier-1 service” is anchored in absolute transparency of fees and the impeccable integrity and compliance of the process. Through “No-Trace Queries,” savvy borrowers no longer need to run into walls or risk a drop in their

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