AIM Vaccine mRNA RSV Vaccine Submits for Clinical Trials in the U.S.

February 6, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2025 – AIM Vaccine Co., Ltd. (06660.HK), a leading PRC vaccine company, announced today that its independently developed mRNA RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine has recently been submitted for clinical trials to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vaccine has demonstrated significantly higher humoral and cellular immunity compared to internationally marketed products. If the product progresses smoothly, it will accelerate AIM Vaccine’s international expansion and contribute to substantial performance growth.

In preclinical animal trials, third-party testing results showed that AIM Vaccine’s mRNA RSV vaccine achieved significantly higher levels of specific IgG antibody titers, live-virus neutralizing antibody potency, and specific T-cell immunity compared to internationally marketed mRNA RSV control vaccines.

This announcement highlights AIM Vaccine’s innovative capabilities and underscores the acceleration of its internationalization efforts, which have been recognized by multiple institutions.

Recently, FOSUN INTERNATIONAL SECURITIES initiated coverage of AIM Vaccine, assigning a “Buy” rating with a 12-month target price of HKD 11.0. The report cited the company’s strong product pipeline, technological leadership, and potential for international growth as key factors. Similarly, SDICSI released a research report predicting that AIM Vaccine will launch 1-2 products annually over the next three years. If the products in development gain approval and progress smoothly in international markets, they are expected to drive new performance growth and expand market potential. SDICSI also assigned a “Buy” rating with a target price of HKD 9.5.

FOSUN INTERNATIONAL SECURITIES’s analysis indicates that the Chinese vaccine market is evolving in line with global trends, where high-value products and leading companies dominate. With its differentiated advantages, AIM Vaccine is poised to secure a leading position in the domestic market while achieving scalable expansion internationally. Additionally, the company’s comprehensive and iterative product portfolio is expected to enhance its market share, pricing power, and profitability, further supporting long-term growth.

The report also emphasized that AIM Vaccine, with its diversified product portfolio, technological strengths, and global expansion strategy, presents an attractive investment opportunity for investors. With a series of high-value products set to launch and profitability expected to rebound from 2025 onwards, the company is positioned for strong growth and potential valuation reassessment.

Globally, there are currently no approved antiviral drugs for RSV available for clinical use. Vaccination for active immune prophylaxis remains the most effective means to prevent severe RSV infections. No RSV vaccines have been approved for marketing in PRC. In 2023, global sales of RSV vaccines reached USD 2.46 billion, and according to industry consultants, the market size is expected to grow to approximately USD 16.7 billion by 2030.

The mRNA vaccine field is still wide open with plenty of opportunities, as there are few competitors globally. AIM Vaccine is one of the earliest companies in PRC to develop mRNA vaccine products and is among the first domestic vaccine enterprises to obtain independent patents for mRNA technology. The company has established a mature mRNA vaccine R&D system and has developed multiple mRNA candidate vaccines, including vaccines for shingles, rabies, and influenza, in addition to the mRNA RSV vaccine.

Hashtag: #AIMVaccine

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Sun and celebration at Waitangi 2025

LiveNews Publisher

February 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Thousands of people descended onto the grounds at Waitangi today for one of the biggest events of the year.

With no major issues and no arrests made, Police are pleased with the proceedings of Waitangi Day 2025.

Northland District Prevention Manager, Inspector Dean Robinson, says there was a large turnout of attendees at this morning’s dawn service and other activities throughout the day.

“It’s been a beautiful day, filled with people from near and far all coming together to commemorate this occasion.

“We worked closely with iwi, the Waitangi National Trust and the community to ensure this was a safe and enjoyable day for the public.”

Inspector Robinson says the atmosphere was relaxed and respectful.

“It was great to see so many people celebrating with whānau and enjoying their time at Waitangi.”

Waitangi Ltd Chief Executive, Ben Dalton, says the day was filled with people in good spirits.

“It’s been yet another beautiful Waitangi Day and we are grateful to everyone who came to mark this moment with us.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported and assisted in making this another successful day for everyone to enjoy.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Great South Road blocked following crash

LiveNews Publisher

February 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Great South Road is currently blocked near Mcannalley Street following a crash.

The single-vehicle crash was reported just before 5pm.

The vehicle has collided with a power pole, causing power lines to fall.

No injuries have been reported.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

SonicWall Celebrates Excellence with the 2025 SonicWall Partner Awards

MIL OSI

February 6, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Global Partners and Distributors Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Cybersecurity

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – SonicWall proudly honored its exceptional partners and distributors at the annual SonicWall Partner Awards, celebrating their unwavering commitment to safeguarding customers in a dynamic and increasingly complex threat landscape. This prestigious award acknowledges partner organizations worldwide that have demonstrated remarkable dedication to delivering innovative cybersecurity solutions.

“While partners have been key to SonicWall’s success for over 30 years, our dramatic transformation over the last two years is directly attributable to SonicWall stepping it up and taking a relentless focus on our valued partners, said SonicWall CEO and President Bob VanKirk. “That’s meant listening to and acting upon their key needs and feedback, which has in turn shaped our roadmaps (organic and inorganic), the delivery of technical support (reduced wait times with immediate access to higher tiers of support), how we charge for our products and services, sales resource alignment, and much, much more. Many of our partners posted record years in 2024, and we couldn’t be more pleased about that. These awards are a small token of thanks and recognition of the strategic value SonicWall’s partners have and will continue to play in shaping and driving SonicWall’s business.”

“The 2025 SonicWall Partner Awards celebrate the outstanding dedication and innovation of our partners who continually raise the bar in cybersecurity excellence. This year’s winners have demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting businesses against the ever-evolving threat landscape, leveraging SonicWall’s solutions to deliver proactive, strategic security. Their success is a testament to the power of strong partnerships in driving growth, resilience, and trust in today’s digital world,” said SonicWall Vice President of Sales, APJ Debasish Mukherjee.

Partners were nominated across various categories in each region, showcasing their outstanding performance throughout the previous year. From a large pool of nominees, SonicWall selected one partner per region in each category, highlighting their consistent excellence and exceptional service. Based on a matrix of criteria including but not limited highest revenue, partner count, highest growth, etc.

SonicWall is excited to announce the following winners for the Asia, Pacific & Japan:

Distributor of the Year – ANZ	DICKER DATA AUSTRALIA
Partner of the Year – ANZ	VIRTUAL GRAFFITI AUSTRALIA
Enterprise Partner of the Year – ANZ	DYNATEK SOLUTIONS PTY LTD
Newcomer of the Year – ANZ	COM-X PTY LTD
Partner Sales Hero of the Year – ANZ	MARK WHITTINGTON – OZDOC SOLUTIONS PARTNERSHIP
Distributor of the Year – ASEAN	MEC NETWORKS CORPORATION
Partner of the Year – ASEAN	PENTECH SOLUTION SDN BHD
Enterprise Partner of the Year – ASEAN	ACCENT MICRO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Managed Security Partner of the Year – ASEAN	PT MAXINDO MITRA SOLUSI
Newcomer of the Year – ASEAN	ST ENGINEERING UNMANNED AND INTEGRATED SYSTEMS PTE LTD
Partner Sales Hero of the Year – ASEAN	SIVA ANNADURAI – XCESS NETWORKS MALAYSIA SDN BHD
Distributor of the Year – GCR	DATA WORLD COMPUTER & COMMUNICATIONS LTD
Partner of the Year – GCR	NANJING YINQIANG INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
Enterprise Partner of the Year – GCR	IT CHECK SOLUTIONS, INC
Newcomer of the Year – GCR	SHIH CHIANG LTD
Partner Sales Hero of the Year – GCR	CARY WU – SHENZHEN SECUUNION INFO-TECH
Distributor of the Year – INDIA & SAARC	INFLOW TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD
Partner of the Year – INDIA & SAARC	eCAPS
Partner of the Year – INDIA & SAARC	UNITED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED
Enterprise Partner of the Year – INDIA & SAARC	SAFEZONE SECURE SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED
Newcomer of the Year – INDIA & SAARC	VS SQUARE INFO SOLUTIONS
Partner Sales Hero of the Year – – INDIA & SAARC	PARAMALINGAM S – SAFEZONE SECURE SOLUTIONS
Distributor of the Year – JAPAN	MARUBENI INFORMATION SYSTEMS CO.,LTD.
Partner of the Year – JAPAN	NIHON ICS CO.,LTD.
Newcomer of the Year – JAPAN	KOKUSAI JOHO NET
Partner Sales Hero of the Year – JAPAN	KYOYA SAKAKIBARA – NEC FIELDING, LTD.
Partner Technical Hero of the Year – JAPAN	TOMOYUKI TOKIAN – TANAKA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
Distributor of the Year – KOREA	SECUWIDE CORP.
Partner of the Year – KOREA	KICHANG INFOTECH INC.
Newcomer of the Year – KOREA	GODUNBIZ
Partner Sales Hero of the Year – KOREA	YEON DONGHO – CORE IT.CO.,LTD

To see all the winners, please visit: https://www.sonicwall.com/partnerawards.

SonicWall takes great pride in recognizing the contributions of its partners and distributors each year, acknowledging their vital role in protecting customers from evolving cyber threats. For more information about the Partner Awards, please visit: https://www.sonicwall.com/partnerawards.

Hashtag: #SonicWall

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Fatal crash: Helena Bay

LiveNews Publisher

February 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on Kaiikanui Road this morning.

The crash involved a vehicle and a pedestrian and was reported at about 11:15am.

Sadly, the pedestrian died at the scene.

The road has since reopened.

Enquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Australia – Mandatory sentencing is not the answer – Law Council

LiveNews Publisher

February 6, 2025

Source: Law Council of Australia

The Law Council of Australia is extremely disappointed in the Government’s proposal to impose mandatory sentencing in response to certain hate crimes and a broad range of terrorism offences.

“The Law Council has been gravely concerned by the recent incidents and acts of antisemitism that have occurred across the country. At the same time, it is vitally important in challenging times to uphold rule of law principles and not adopt measures that risk serious injustice,” Law Council of Australia President, Juliana Warner said.

“The Government’s amendments to the Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024 have introduced mandatory minimum sentences for certain hate crimes and terrorism offences. This would mean, for example, a person guilty of public display of prohibited symbols at a political protest would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 months imprisonment.

“Under mandatory sentencing, the personal circumstances of the offender are not taken into consideration. This has the potential to disproportionately impact vulnerable groups.”

Other elements of the amendments would see minimum sentences of six years imposed in relation to a broad range of terrorism offences. This would include the offence of getting funds to, from or for a terrorist organisation. Financing terrorism offences would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of three years.

“Mandatory sentencing laws are arbitrary and limit the individual’s right to a fair trial by preventing judges from imposing a just penalty based on the unique circumstances of each offence and offender,” Ms Warner said. “Judges are best placed to determine the appropriate and just penalty under these laws on an individual, case-by-case basis.

“The decision to add mandatory sentencing as part of the Government’s response to hate crimes has come late in the day without proper consideration. Further, the Australian Labor Party has gone against its 2023 National Platform that states Labor opposes mandatory sentencing. To our knowledge, no security or law enforcement agency has asked for these extraordinary measures.

“There has been no opportunity to scrutinise the rationale, necessity and proportionality of these changes, which comes as part of the Federal Government’s response to a rise in antisemitic incidents and deterioration in social cohesion.

“Australia is a multicultural society and we must preserve our social cohesion and protect against the specific harms of hateful speech on vulnerable groups. In doing so, we acknowledge the importance of carefully framed criminal laws proscribing speech to prevent radicalisation, violence and activities that incite hatred.

“However, expanding offences and strengthening penalties should not be seen as the default tool through which to prevent radicalism and extremism from propagating or to facilitate behavioural change of disaffected individuals. There should be greater resourcing for countering violent extremism through early intervention and diversionary programs with a specific focus on children and young people.

“We are also concerned the new offences contained in the Hate Crimes Bill have the potential to worsen existing uncertainty and inconsistency by piecemeal expansion of Commonwealth criminal offences.

“Complex and overlapping Commonwealth and state offences are more difficult to enforce and may lead to arbitrary differences in outcome. There is a risk that inconsistent penalties at Commonwealth level will have limited impact on the intended objectives and worsen complexity in this area. Further, overly broad offences may rely on discretion to enforce in circumstances which become politicised.

“Before we pursue changes to our laws, we must ensure gaps do indeed exist that require a legislative response and consult on proposals to ensure they are the best solution.

“As debate on the Bill moves through Parliament, the Law Council urges the Senate to ensure proper consideration by, and consultation with, our community before mandatory sentencing legislation is passed.”

MIL OSI

Aon Names Terence Williams Head of Commercial Risk Solutions for Asia Pacific

MIL OSI

February 6, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced the appointment of Terence Williams as head of Commercial Risk Solutions for Asia Pacific, effective April 2025.

Terence Williams

Williams will be based in Singapore and report to Joe Peiser, global CEO of Commercial Risk Solutions and Anne Corona, CEO of Asia Pacific. He will also join Aon’s Asia Pacific Executive Committee and Global Commercial Risk Leadership Team.

In this role, Williams will lead Aon’s commercial risk strategies and capability across the region to deliver differentiated risk solutions to help address evolving client risks.

Peiser said, “The risk landscape continues to become increasingly more connected and complex. Terence has the experience and strategic vision to further enhance our risk capabilities and drive innovative solutions to help shape better business decisions for clients in the region.”

Williams brings significant leadership and insurance expertise from his career spanning over two decades with Aon, most recently serving as chief broking officer for the EMEA region based in London. He previously held several senior roles at Aon including CEO, South Africa, chief broking officer, Sub Sahara Africa, and head of casualty, UK.

Corona added, “We are thrilled to welcome Terence to the Asia Pacific region. Terence is a proven people leader with the ability to develop talent and build high-performing teams. His leadership and industry acumen will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.”

Read more about Aon’s capabilities in Asia Pacific here.

Hashtag: #Aon

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Small Chinese city reaps global success with sunflowers

MIL OSI

February 6, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HOHHOT, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – At 57, Wang Fei is hailed as the “King of Sunflower Seeds” in his hometown of Bayannur, in northern China.

A farmer drives a harvester to harvest sunflower seeds in a field in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

The title reflects not only his passion for the crunchy snack but also his remarkable achievement in transforming locally grown sunflower kernels into a global commodity, with markets spanning the Republic of Korea, Egypt and Germany.

If you enjoy eating sunflower seeds, there’s a good chance they originated from the saline-alkali fields of Bayannur – China’s largest base for edible sunflower production. In 2024 alone, the region produced more than 940,000 tonnes of sunflowers, with exports spanning over 40 countries and regions.

Wang is one of the local farmers who have leveraged the booming sunflower industry to become a successful entrepreneur.

BOOMING INDUSTRY, CHALLENGING LAND

Located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Bayannur was once burdened by nearly 4.8 million mu (320,000 hectares) of saline-alkali land, where traditional crops like wheat and corn struggled to grow.

The introduction of sunflowers in the 1970s marked a turning point for the city with a permanent population of 1.5 million.

With its distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, vast plains and ample water resources, Bayannur offered an environment strikingly similar to the sunflower’s native habitat in North America, making it an ideal setting for this resilient crop, according to Zhang Ruhong, vice mayor of Bayannur.

In the 1980s, Wang began cultivating sunflowers on his family’s saline-alkali land. “They are resistant to salt and alkali, drought-tolerant and easy to grow,” he said.

By 2024, Bayannur had expanded its sunflower planting area to 4.4 million mu, nearly half of the country’s total. The city’s sunflower industry has flourished into a comprehensive value chain, encompassing seed sales, cultivation, processing, exports, e-commerce logistics and even tourism.

Sunflowers are the world’s fourth-largest oilseed crop, following soybeans, rapeseed and peanuts, said Zhang Haiyang, an oilseed industry expert.

He noted that sunflowers have gained prominence as a key specialty oilseed crop in China, particularly in northern regions, thanks to their high nutritional and aesthetic value.

The sunflower seed market was valued at 32.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 9.4 percent between 2024 and 2032, according to Global Market Insights, a market research and management consulting firm.

To take Bayannur’s sunflower industry to new heights, local agricultural scientists have successfully introduced high-quality seed varieties, including SH361 and SH363, as well as a resistant strain specially designed to combat broomrape, a parasitic plant that has long plagued sunflower production globally.

TINY SEEDS, BIG JOURNEY

In the run-up to the Spring Festival, the factories of Bayannur buzzed with activity as machines roared and workers hustled to sort sunflower seeds for export.

“We were extremely busy before the holiday, as we wanted to complete and ship all orders abroad,” said Zhao Lei, general manager of Bayannur Rong Da Co., Ltd. “Our sunflower seeds have seen strong overseas demand last year, with exports reaching 35,000 tonnes.”

Across China, many regions have cultivated industries tailored to their unique local conditions. For instance, oranges from Ganzhou in Jiangxi Province and strawberries from Dandong in Liaoning Province have become key drivers of social and economic development.

Bayannur has also leveraged its local strengths, establishing 120 leading sunflower processing enterprises to seize market opportunities.

Wang Fei, who began trading sunflower seeds domestically in 1987, ventured into the international market in 2012. Last year, his company, Mintai Agricultural Trading Co., Ltd., recorded operating revenues exceeding 700 million yuan (about 97.63 million U.S. dollars), with exports making up the bulk.

“In China, people love eating sunflower seeds during festivals. Foreigners share this habit as well. Holidays like Christmas mark our peak export seasons,” Wang said, adding that the holiday economy strongly stimulates consumption.

Bayannur’s sunflower seeds and kernel products now reach over 40 countries and regions in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe, generating an annual export value of 4.2 billion yuan — 64 percent of the city’s total agricultural exports.

These achievements are underpinned by strong policy support. Over the past two years, Bayannur has implemented innovative strategies to promote exports, such as fostering leading companies to establish overseas warehouses, advancing cross-border e-commerce, and streamlining customs clearance processes.

Challenges like rising shipping costs, exacerbated by the Red Sea crisis, have also driven adaptability. Last year, Wang began shifting some shipments from sea to land transport, exporting sunflower seeds to Europe via China-Europe freight trains, significantly reducing costs.

“My goal this year is to expand my sunflower seed exports into the Spanish market,” he said with a smile.

Hashtag: #Bayannur

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

24/7 FITNESS Launches Flagship Club at Orchard Road, Targets 40 Locations Across Singapore in 3 Years

MIL OSI

February 6, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – 24/7 FITNESS, one of Hong Kong’s most renowned fitness brands, has officially debuted in Singapore with the opening of its flagship club on Orchard Road. This expansion follows the acquisition of local fitness chain GymmBoxx, marking 24/7 FITNESS’s commitment to providing accessible, world-class fitness solutions to Singaporeans. With plans to open 40 locations over the next three years, the brand is set to become a go-to destination for fitness enthusiasts.

24/7 FITNESS has officially debuted in Singapore with the opening of its flagship club on Orchard Road.

The 10,000-square-foot Orchard flagship club is Singapore’s largest 24/7 FITNESS facility and boasts state-of-the-art equipment from world-renowned brands. Offering advanced cardio machines and weight-training equipment, the gym is designed to meet the needs of all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. As a 24-hour gym, members can work out conveniently, enjoying unparalleled flexibility in their fitness schedules.

“Our goal is to redefine fitness accessibility in Singapore by providing world-class facilities and services at an affordable price,” said Ingrid Wong, CEO of 24/7 FITNESS. “By expanding to 40 locations over the next three years, 24/7 FITNESS is committed to becoming the fitness brand of choice for Singaporeans who prioritize their health and well-being.”

24/7 FITNESS has already opened 13 branches in strategic locations across Singapore, including popular spots like Ci Yuan Community Club, Keat Hong Community Club, The Seletar Mall, Margaret Market and Yew Tee MRT. Upcoming sites include prominent destinations such as The Cathay, Jalan Besar, Beauty World and Tampines North Community Club, ensuring that members across the island have easy access to 24/7 FITNESS’s world-class facilities.

24/7 FITNESS offers a transparent pricing model starting at just $98 per month, with no joining fees or prepayment required. This straightforward pricing ensures that members receive exceptional value without the hidden costs often associated with other gyms. With access to all 24/7 FITNESS locations across the Asia-Pacific region, members can enjoy flexibility and convenience wherever they go. For those seeking personalized guidance on their fitness journey, the gym has a team of dedicated personal trainers available to help customers achieve their goals.

24/7 FITNESS is also introducing cutting-edge technology with its Smart Face Recognition Terminal, allowing for seamless and secure access to all locations worldwide without the need for a physical key fob or card. This contactless entry system is ideal for those with busy schedules or traveling abroad, ensuring quick and easy access whenever needed. Additionally, the gym’s welcoming atmosphere, designed with a neutral color scheme and soothing Tiffany Blue accents, fosters a comfortable environment where members of all fitness levels can feel at ease and motivated to reach their goals.

Founded in Hong Kong, 24/7 FITNESS has rapidly grown to over 200 locations across the Asia-Pacific region, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau. Its entry into Singapore marks a significant milestone in the brand’s mission to make fitness accessible and affordable for all. As part of its commitment to the local community, 24/7 FITNESS aims to redefine the fitness experience in Singapore by combining convenience, technology, and value, ensuring that all Singaporeans can achieve their health and wellness goals.

For further details about 24/7 FITNESS clubs, please visit: https://bit.ly/3BzsHj9.

https://sg.247.fitness/

Hashtag: #247fitness

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

4 in 5 Singapore residents prioritising savings, investments and insurance amongst others despite expectations of a tough year ahead: AIA Live Better Study

MIL OSI

February 6, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

18-29 year olds significantly more optimistic and feel more financially prepared to confront the year compared to 40-49 year olds.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2025 – AIA Singapore today announced findings from the seventh edition of the AIA Live Better Study, which reflects the evolution of a society where more than 4 in 5 (83%) of Singapore residents plan to actively manage their finances amid concerns of a sluggish economy in 2025. The survey aims to uncover the aspirations and concerns of Singapore residents as they navigate these challenging times in the new year.

The study also found a stark contrast in the temperament and financial preparedness between two age groups. While more than half (54%) of those aged 18 – 29 feel financially prepared to tackle the challenging economic situation in 2025, only 34% of those aged 40 – 49, many of whom are taking care of their parents or kids, share similar sentiments.

Conducted in November 2024, the AIA Live Better Study[1] investigated the evolving financial, health, and wellness needs of Singapore consumers. Against expected muted economic growth in 2025[2], this year’s study explores the mindset and actions of Singapore citizens and PRs as they navigate these challenging times.

Unsurprisingly, only 47% of Singapore residents are optimistic about the economy. Inflation and cost of living (50%) remain the top economic concern amongst the population, followed by worries over job security (35%) and income levels (34%).

“Despite the expectation of challenging times, the people of Singapore are showing remarkable resilience and proactiveness. This reflects a maturing society which has a better understanding and appreciation of the value of planning early and planning well for their future and that of their loved ones, which is especially noteworthy as we celebrate Singapore’s 60^th birthday this year,” said Irma Hadikusuma, Chief Marketing and Healthcare Officer at AIA Singapore.

“AIA Singapore is committed to supporting the community with compelling solutions, tools and resources needed to overcome today’s challenges and secure a prosperous future. Our mission is to help people live healthier, longer, better lives, ensuring financial and overall well-being,” she added.

Securing financial resilience: Insurance and investments take centerstage in long-term financial plans

Rather than wringing their hands in despair, Singapore residents are taking on a positive mindset with more than 1 in 2 (54%) indicating that financial readiness in the long-run is more important to them in 2025 compared to the previous year.

The top three priorities Singapore residents believe will help them achieve financial security are savings (62%), a stable income (57%), and to have emergency funds (52%). Notably, 1 in 2 (48%) Singapore residents also cited insurance as an important way to ensure financial stability, a positive indication of an increased understanding about the importance of insurance as part of long-term financial planning.

Looking ahead, Singapore residents have plans to uptake a myriad of long-term financial solutions to prepare against the volatile economy in 2025:

Approximately 3 in 5 (59%) Singapore residents are tightening their purse strings and planning to spend less on daily expenses or big-ticket purchases.

Singapore residents are making plans to build emergency funds (29%), plan for retirement (28%), and diversify investments (27%) to strengthen their long-term financial readiness.

Singapore residents are likely to see an increased uptake in endowment and investment plans as over a fifth of respondents intend to boost their expenditure towards insurance (22%) and investments (27%) in the coming year.

AIA Singapore offers a comprehensive range of compelling solutions designed to align with the unique aspirations of individuals and families, encouraging them to start their savings journey early. By leveraging the power of compounding interest, we help individuals and their families grow their investments for the long-term and secure a prosperous future. AIA insurance representatives are here to provide personalised guidance to help you make informed decisions about your financial well-being.

Balancing the budget in preparation for rising healthcare expenses

A substantial subset when it comes to Singapore’s cost of living is healthcare costs. Aligned with Health Minister Ong Ye Kung[3], the study noted that the increasing cost of healthcare is a key economic concern that must be addressed. Key insights include:

More than half (53%) of Singapore residents perceive healthcare costs to be expensive.

Yet, less than half (47%) feel financially prepared to manage these costs, calling for more support, financial and non-financial, by both the government and private sectors.

Singapore residents are taking matters into their own hands, planning to combat the potential high healthcare costs via insurance plans (57%), personal savings (56%) and government healthcare financing and support (49%).

A Generational Gap: 18 – 29 year olds are stressing and skimping less compared to their 40 – 49 year old counterparts

Many in their 40s are feeling the pressures of being in the sandwiched generation, and they are the most pessimistic about their outlook for 2025 across all demographics. This is in comparison to the more optimistic demographic of 18 – 29 year olds in Singapore.

Financial Priorities Shift with Age: From Experiences to Stability

Despite the nation’s overall sentiment, the younger generation (aged 18 – 29) are less stressed about the economy and are less likely to take steps towards financial preparedness. This is in contrast to Singapore residents in their 40s.

The younger generation is more optimistic (56%) about the economy than those in their 40s (38%),

They are less concerned about inflation and cost of living (34% compared to 63%).

Fewer 18-29 year olds strive to be debt and loan free (16%) compared to their older counterparts (28%).

Less than 2 in 5 (34%) younger adults foresee themselves cutting back on daily expenses and only 35% planning to reduce their budgets for big-ticket items.

In contrast, approximately 1 in 2 (47%) of those in their 40s will be cutting their daily spending and 45% will be reducing purchases of big-ticket items.

This could be attributed to their current phase in life – between completing their education and starting their working life – those between the ages of 18 and 29 are focused on experiencing the fun and joys of life[4].

Stresses on the Job Market

Having stable employment is important to all Singapore residents regardless of age. Approximately 1 in 2 (47%) of those aged between 18 and 29 years old, and approximately 3 in 5 (61%) of those in their 40s cited it as an increasingly important aspect of their overall wellness in 2025.

However, their likely approach to pre-empting a potential loss of job differs:

While the younger ones prioritise upskilling (40%) more than the older generation (28%),

The latter will focus on building their savings (55%) and setting aside emergency funds (46%).

Even the support that the two age groups require differs:

While 18 – 29 year olds find mental health and well-being support (40%) to be more important,

40 – 49 year olds would prefer more practical support in the form of job placements, career transition services (52%) and access to online training and upskilling programmes (47%).

The differing reactions and behaviours towards the economy underscore the stage of life that both groups are in. While the younger generation is still learning to live life and experience the joys that come with it, those in their 40s recognise the many responsibilities they have. While their approaches differ, both generations share the goal of securing a stable future in challenging times.

[1] The seventh wave of the AIA Live Better Study is an independent study that was conducted from 29 November to 9 December 2024 with a sample size of 1,000 representing Singapore’s general population.
[2] ‘Economic trends to watch for Singapore in 2025’ (Jan 1, 2025) The Straits Times. Available at: https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economic-trends-to-watch-for-singapore-in-2025
[3] ‘Healthcare costs are rising in Singapore. Is there really nothing we can do about it?’ (Nov 23, 2024) CNA. Available at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/healthcare-costs-rising-singapore-hospitals-government-subsidies-moh-4764391
[4] ‘The Big Read: Understanding why millennials and Gen Zers feel the way they do about work’ (Jul 30, 2022) CNA. Available at: https://www.todayonline.com/big-read/big-read-understanding-why-millennials-and-gen-zers-feel-way-they-do-about-work-1956641

Hashtag: #AIASingapore

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

1...894895896...1,047 Page 895 of 1,047