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Balance of payments and international investment position: June 2025 quarter – update
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Quarterly current account deficit $3.4 billion – Balance of payments and international investment position: June 2025 quarter – Stats NZ news story and information release
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QS World University Rankings 2026: NUS Business School MBA ranked No. 1 in Asia for third consecutive year
Source: Media Outreach
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – The National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) is ranked first in Asia for the third year in a row in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Global MBA Rankings 2026.
The NUS MBA programme rose two places to 23rd worldwide, achieving its highest-ever global position in an evaluation pool that expanded by almost 15 per cent from last year. It now ranks among the top 6 per cent of 390 MBA programmes assessed globally by QS.
The 2026 edition of the QS Global MBA and Business Masters Rankings evaluates programmes based on key performance indicators, including Employability, Return on Investment, Entrepreneurship and Alumni Outcomes, Thought Leadership, as well as Class and Faculty Diversity.
In the latest rankings, the NUS MBA achieved an overall score of 87.0 out of 100. The programme excelled in key indicators such as Thought Leadership (82.5), Employability (83.9), and Return on Investment (94.2). It scored at least 30 per cent above the global average for each of these indicators.
Employability remains a standout as the programme led the rankings in Asia with an improved employment rate of 95.0 per cent for the Class of 2024, compared with 83.3 per cent in the previous year. Class and Faculty Diversity also advanced, with the programme improving 27 places to 56th globally with greater representation of women and international members across both faculty and student cohorts.
The latest results underscore the NUS MBA programme’s educational rigour, commitment to global competitiveness, and definitive impact on its graduates’ professional development and long-term career success.
Distinguished Professor Andrew Rose, Dean of NUS Business School, said, “Our position as Asia’s top MBA for the third consecutive year, alongside our historic rise to 23rd globally, reflects the School’s commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and developing dynamic, adaptive leaders who can navigate complexity in a rapidly evolving global economy. While rankings are just one measure, they demonstrate the tangible positive impact our faculty, students, and alumni are having on business and community worldwide.”
The NUS MBA offers a transformative experience designed to equip future leaders with a global toolkit and cross-cultural insight to thrive in a fast-changing world. Anchored in the dynamic business environment of Singapore, the programme delivers a rigorous yet highly customisable curriculum, with a deep focus on Asia, coupled with strong global exposure through international study trips and exchange opportunities with top partner universities worldwide.
Students can tailor their learning journey by choosing from over 50 electives across nine areas of specialisation. Through experiential learning, industry engagement, and a diverse international cohort, NUS MBA students gain the tools and perspectives needed to lead with impact, within Asia and beyond.
More information on the QS Global MBA rankings can be found at: https://www.topuniversities.com/
https://bschool.nus.edu.sg/
http://www.linkedin.com/company/nus-business-school
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Hashtag: #NUS #NUSBiz #MBA #Education #QSglobalrankings #NUSBusinessSchool
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Singapore residents seek purpose, not just rest, but many unprepared for the journey: AIA Live Better Study
Source: Media Outreach
AIA Live Better Study highlights a critical gap between retirement aspirations and readiness, with social connections emerging as an unsung hero for a fulfilling later life.
However, a significant disconnect exists between these evolving aspirations and the practical steps Singapore residents are taking to prepare, according to the latest findings. The study reveals a slight dip in overall holistic wellness (from 61.5% to 60.3%) compared to last year, highlighting persistent challenges for Singapore residents across mental, social, financial, and physical well-being. This gap underscores the urgent need for greater support and education, a sentiment that resonates with Singapore’s broader efforts to strengthen social safety nets and enhance community resilience.
Conducted in May 2025, the AIA Live Better Study[2] continues to investigate the current state of wellness and goal-setting behaviours across physical, financial, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of Singapore residents. This is set against the backdrop of significant uncertainties in the global economy in 2025[3] as consumers navigate these challenging times.
The traditional view of retirement as a period of passive rest is rapidly evolving, aligning with the national call for seniors to remain engaged and contribute meaningfully,” said Irma Hadikusuma, Chief Marketing and Healthcare Officer, AIA Singapore. “Singapore residents are increasingly envisioning a purposeful and active post-career life, yet our study reveals many are not adequately preparing for this new reality. This highlights critical areas where more support and education are needed – particularly around financial readiness, physical health, and crucially, the often-overlooked power of social connections – all vital pillars for the holistic well-being the government also champions.”
Retirement in Singapore: Purpose over leisure
While consumers envision retirement as a period to enjoy, only 1 in 2 (47%) feel optimistic about achieving their desired lifestyles. A striking insight is the motivation for post-retirement work:
- 1 in 2 (55%) Singapore residents plan to work upon retirement (part-time, full-time, or starting a business).
- Less than 3 in 10 (28%) are doing it purely for financial reasons.
- 27% seek a sense of purpose, 26% aim to cure boredom, and 18% desire to try something new.
This signals that retirement is increasingly being seen as a phase for personal growth and continued contribution, echoing the government’s vision of an active and contributing senior population, and not just a cessation of work.
Financial and physical health are the cornerstones of a happy retirement
Unsurprisingly, financial concerns remain a major pain point:
- Only 1 in 2 (50%) Singapore residents claim to be financially stable, with those in their 40s expressing the most negativity towards retirement (29% negative outlook).
- Key worries include managing cost of living (62%) and healthcare expenses (54%).
- Physical wellness is also paramount, with 46% ranking it as the #1 factor for a happy retirement – a finding that underscores the government’s focus on preventative health and robust healthcare infrastructure for an ageing population.
- However, 2 in 5 (40%) foresee spending time managing healthcare conditions, particularly among young seniors[4] (45%).
These findings reinforce the importance of the government’s enhancements[5] early this year to healthcare and long-term care schemes such as MediSave and CHAS to address the needs of the ageing population and to ensure accessible, affordable healthcare for all.
Social wellness: The unsung hero of a fulfilling retirement
Beyond financial and physical health, the study illuminates the critical, yet often unaddressed, role of social wellness:
- A happy retirement is strongly linked to spending time with family (61%) and friends (41%).
- However, only 2 in 5 (37%) have thought about social wellness and taking steps to prepare for it
- Marital status plays a significant role: More married individuals (53%) have a positive outlook towards retirement than their single counterparts (36%), suggesting the inherent support families provide.
- Single individuals face unique challenges, expressing greater worry about lack of caregiving arrangements (34% vs. 23% married), becoming isolated (29% vs. 20% married), and cognitive decline (44% vs. 35% married). This leads them to plan more actively for part-time work, social activities, and community engagement in their retirement years to maintain independence and connection.
The findings highlight that social connections are a fundamental pillar of a fulfilling retirement, echoing the government’s recent unveiling of Age Well Neighbourhoods[6] and continued emphasis on community and social infrastructure as key components of holistic well-being for seniors. This is a powerful insight for individuals, families, and companies to consider as we develop holistic solutions for the future, ensuring our offerings align with the evolving needs of an ageing society.
More support needed for transition period to retirement
While majority (2 in 3 (70%)) of Singapore residents have started planning for various aspects of retirement, a significant portion remains unprepared across crucial areas:
- 21% have not thought about how to maintain social wellness during retirement years.
- 20% have not considered the possibility of being by themselves (without spouse and children).
- 17% have not thought about long-term care.
- 14% have not considered insurance coverage for retirement.
The study highlights the urgent need for more education and support to help Singapore residents transition into this new phase of life, especially for single individuals and those aged 40-49, who show the most negative outlook and financial vulnerability. These insights indicate the critical need for robust community support networks and social infrastructure, aligning with the government’s emphasis on fostering a more caring and inclusive society.
Hashtag: #AIASingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Customs levies bill passes
Source: New Zealand Government
A bill to make revenue collection on imported and exported goods fairer and more effective has been passed by Parliament, Customs Minister Casey Costello said today.
“The Customs (Levies and Other Matters) Amendment Bill modernises the way in which Customs can recover the costs of services that are needed to efficiently process trade and protect New Zealand’s borders against threats such as illicit drugs,” Ms Costello says.
The Bill makes three key changes:
- It introduces a levy regime into Customs legislation so that in the future levies can be made (as an alternative to fees) to recover Customs’ goods management costs;
- It clarifies that Customs or other agencies can collect product stewardship fees (for example on tyres) under waste minimisation legislation on behalf of the Ministry for the Environment; and
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It makes the process of seeking GST refunds on imported goods, which are returned overseas and then replaced, fairer and more accessible.
“The bill is about improving the system – it doesn’t change or increase rates of existing charges or introduce new charges,” Ms Costello says.
“A levy regime is more appropriate and best practice when costs need to be spread across a class or category of payers, such as importers, rather than placing the cost directly on an individual.”
Customs already has a levy regime in place for recovering costs related to travellers, the Border Processing Levy.
Accessing healthcare is a hassle, Asia’s patients reveal: Prudential commissioned study
Source: Media Outreach
Complicated access to healthcare and a lack of guidance are keeping patients from receiving the care they need, when they need it
The study conducted between April-May 2025 draws on a survey of more than 4,200 patients and interviews with leading experts. The report reveals that thousands of people in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore believe getting medical care is a hassle, with more than eight in 10 people admitting they delay seeking care.
Asian patients highlight three main “pain points”:
- Getting medical help is confusing: 55 per cent of respondents say they don’t know where to access care when they have health concerns. They report difficulties with booking appointments, long wait times, and complex payment processes.
- Costs are high and unclear: One-third say the cost of healthcare is often higher than they expected. Nearly five in 10 turn to social safety nets such as family, charities, loans, or crowdfunding. For the 80% of respondents who report they have delayed getting care, the fear of becoming a financial or care burden on loved ones was the most frequently cited reason for the delay, mentioned by 22 per cent.
- Patients aren’t getting the information they need: 55 per cent of patients say they don’t have the right information to make decisions about their medical treatment, with almost 40 per cent saying they use digital tools including artificial intelligence (AI) for treatment guidance after initial diagnosis.
Arjan Toor, CEO, Health at Prudential plc, says, “Asia’s patients want healthcare systems that work for them – that feel simple and easy to access, and capable of providing timely care. At Prudential, we believe this is where we can make the biggest difference to our customers’ peace of mind; by being there for them the moment they become a patient, and by guiding them at every step of their diagnosis, treatment and recovery. This means working closely with our healthcare partners to ensure patients feel understood and supported, while also doing our part to make the costs of healthcare clear and predictable. By making healthcare worry-free and hassle-free for people across Asia, we can help patients focus on what matters – getting better.”
Patients need clearer help to find the right care
Patients say the number one factor that brings them peace of mind when seeking care is minimal disruption to daily life. Yet nearly 60 per cent find visiting a general practitioner (GP) inconvenient. They report that it is hard to get an appointment, and they find billing and insurance confusing.
Patients delay care because of unexpected costs and financial risk taken on by families
Asia’s patients say the second most important factor for peace of mind is knowing they will be able to pay for their care. Yet many are caught off guard by hidden or unexpected charges, for example for specialist consultations, administrative fees or medication. According to the survey, such unexpected costs are among the top five barriers to accessing care.
Formal payment mechanisms, such as government-subsidised care or public health insurance, are commonly used in Hong Kong and Singapore, while in Malaysia and Indonesia, many patients resort to alternative sources, such as loans and crowdfunding, to cover their bills. Others may delay care because they are worried about losing earnings or becoming a financial burden on their families. In Indonesia, for example, 93 per cent of patients reported delaying care.
Patients increasingly trust digital sources to guide treatment decisions after diagnosis
Following a diagnosis, almost 40 per cent of patients turn to digital sources, such as AI, when making decisions about their care. This reflects patients’ desire to fill gaps in their knowledge and highlights a crucial need for trustworthy online resources.
Shaping healthcare around what patients need
Improving access to healthcare will require providers, insurers, governments, technology innovators and public sectors to work together. The report outlines that creating more transparent pricing, clearer processes, and increased digital access to information will make accessing care easier and more personal so that patients feel supported every step of the way.
https://www.prudentialplc.com/
Hashtag: #Prudential
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
A New Wave of Technology Starts in Munich: CATL Bedrock Chassis Debuts at IAA
Source: Media Outreach
MUNICH, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – On September 8, 2025, CATL, a global leader in new energy technology, unveiled its next-generation chassis product—CATL Bedrock Chassis—at the IAA MOBILITY in Munich, Germany, marking its European debut. As the industry’s first integrated intelligent chassis capable of withstanding a 120 km/h Central Pole Crash Without Fire or Explosion, this product redefines the paradigm of automotive R&D and production in the era of electric intelligence with its three core features: outstanding safety, superior efficiency, and advanced intelligence.
CATL Bedrock Chassis adopts a decoupled design between the vehicle top hat and chassis, which shortens vehicle development cycles to 12–18 months and significantly reduces R&D costs. Its exceptional safety performance and modular architecture will provide revolutionary solutions for the global NEVs. CATL proposes a “1+1+1” localization cooperation model, consisting of “one chassis technology platform, one R&D chain, and one local brand operation system,” to offer chassis technology products and services to partners worldwide. This approach enables the rapid launch of market-competitive models, significantly lowers investment thresholds, and ensures high-quality product rollouts.
Its highly innovative product architecture and flexible business cooperation model are expected to trigger a new wave of innovation in new energy technology.
As of 2025, the CATL Bedrock Chassis has established collaborations with Chinese NEV brands such as AVATR, BAIC, and JAC, and is actively advancing partnerships with international automotive brands in Europe and Southeast Asia. Simultaneously, strategic collaborations have been formed with all-scenario intelligent mobility platform companies, including T3 Mobility and Ant Group, to further explore optimal lifecycle operations for Robotaxis and jointly drive innovation in the Robotaxi sector.
Hashtag: #CATL
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Women’s Day of Action for Pay Equity – NZCTU
Source: NZCTU
This Saturday 20 September, 132 years after women secured the right to vote, thousands of women and allies across the country are taking to the streets to rise up against the Government’s gutting of the pay equity system.
Unions, women’s organisations, and community groups have come together to organise the Women’s Day of Action for Pay Equity, a nationwide celebration of working women whose rights are under attack.
More than 20 events are being held from Whāngarei to Invercargill including marches, rallies, family friendly events, and community gatherings.
“132 years after women secured the right to vote in Aotearoa, we gather again in strength and solidarity,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.
“Government has cancelled pay equity claims that would have eased the cost of living and lifted pay for more than 180,000 people. These are the people who provide the services that make life possible, such as schools, libraries, hospitals, aged care, and disability support.
“On Saturday we will make it clear that pay equity will be a central issue at the next election. No government can dismantle pay equity – we have won it before, and we will win it again.
“This is more than a protest – it is a celebration of the women who nurture, lead, and resist. It honours the suffrage legacy and amplifies our collective power to shape the future,” said Ansell-Bridges.
Details of nationwide events:
|
Whāngarei |
Laurie Hall Park |
11.30am |
|
Auckland |
AUT to Britomart |
11.30am |
|
Thames |
Cnr Pollen St & Pahau St |
10.30am |
|
Tauranga |
Mt Drury Reserve |
10.30am |
|
Hamilton |
Te Kura Nui O Rototuna High School |
11.00am |
|
Whakatāne |
The Gap – Whakatane Town Centre |
11am |
|
Gisborne |
Gladstone Road at the town clock |
10.30am |
|
New Plymouth |
Puke Ariki Landing |
12pm |
|
Napier |
Napier Soundshell |
11am |
|
Whanganui |
Whanganui Market Stall |
10am |
|
Palmerston North |
Clocktower in the Square |
1pm |
|
Levin |
Cnr Queen St & Salisbury St |
11am |
|
Masterton |
Town Hall Square |
11.30am |
|
Porirua |
Te Rauparaha Arena |
10am |
|
Wellington |
Midland Park to Parliament, followed by Wellington Cathedral |
10.30am |
|
Nelson |
Carpark between Burger King & Library |
11am |
|
Greymouth |
Dixon Park |
12pm |
|
Christchurch |
Victoria Square |
10am |
|
Timaru |
Artisan Market |
9.30am |
|
Dunedin |
Market Reserve |
11am |
|
Gore |
Eccles Street Playground |
12pm |
|
Invercargill |
Gala Street Reserve |
11am. |
Watsons Launches Exclusive IP “The Watsons Family” Across Asia to Drive Customer Engagement & Brand Loyalty
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – Watsons, AS Watson Group’s flagship health and beauty brand, announces the exclusive launch of “The Watsons Family” – an innovative and vibrant character-driven intellectual property (IP) created to revolutionise customer engagement across Asia. This creative initiative introduces 16 unique characters, each reflecting different MBTI personality types, to create deeper emotional connections with customers while transforming everyday health and beauty routines into engaging, shareable experiences.
Jared DeGuzman, Customer Director of Brand Marketing, Watsons International, says, “The Watsons Family represents our strategic evolution from traditional retail to experiential retail. By harnessing the power of character-driven storytelling, we’re not just selling products – we’re creating a universe where health and beauty become sources of joy, inspiration, and community connection for our customers across Asia.”
Tapping into the Opportunities of Surging IP Market Growth
Character-driven IPs are rapidly transforming the global market, emerging as a pivotal trend for brands seeking to boost recognition, customer loyalty, and market share. IP-related products in Asia experienced a 448.94% year-over-year increase in gross merchandise value in 2024, with sales and order volumes rising by more than 200% [1]compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing value of creative, emotionally engaging brand experiences.
Recognising this transformational market opportunity and responding to evolving customer expectations across Asia, Watsons will commence The Watsons Family launch in Hong Kong, serving as the strategic launchpad for regional expansion. The initiative will subsequently roll out across Asian markets including Mainland China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand. The rollout will be accompanied by dynamic marketing campaigns designed to immerse customers in the lively spirit of the IP.
In Hong Kong, the launch will spotlight 3 flagship characters – Sunny (the wellness champion), Kilo (the energetic fitness coach), and Flora (the glowing facial mask), representing supplement, wellness, and beauty respectively. From 17 September, customers will be welcomed into The Watsons Family universe through a vibrant health campaign. During this period, Watsons stores will be transformed with colourful visuals, immersing shoppers in the playful energy of the characters. The excitement will extend online with exclusive social campaigns designed to deepen engagement across digital platforms. To add an extra layer of delight, a special Meet & Greet event featuring The Watsons Family characters will also be launched.
To integrate The Watsons Family into daily routines, Watsons will launch Own Brand products featuring character-inspired packaging in the markets of Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand. Everyday essentials – from skincare and personal care to body care – will be reimagined with collectible designs, turning routine self-care into a joyful experience.
Watsons is dedicated to making customers LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD, FEEL GREAT and driving innovation. With the launch of The Watsons Family, Watsons aims to build a more engaging and emotionally connected community, empowering every customer to discover joy, confidence, and self-care through vibrant storytelling and creative experiences.
Hashtag: #Watsons
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.