First Responders – Lewis Pass Road fire update #3

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February 15, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews will continue their work on the fire overnight.

Assistant Commander Dave Key says Fire and Emergency is still working with New Zealand Transport Agency – Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to reopen State Highway 7 safely.

“We are working together to reopen the road at some stage overnight. Please refer to the NZTA website for updates,” he says.

“If you are travelling through once the road has been opened, please adhere to the signposted speed restrictions to keep our firefighters safe.

“Smoke or flames may be visible to people passing through. If you are concerned, please call 111.”

Fresh crews of firefighters will take over at the fireground in the morning.

“Thank you to the crews who have been working hard to get this fire contained and under control.

A big thank you also to the community for their support and patience throughout this incident,” Dave Key says.

There will be another update around 9am tomorrow.

MIL OSI

First Responders – Lewis Pass Road fire update #2

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February 15, 2025

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is still responding to a large vegetation fire on Lewis Pass Road in the Island Hills, Hurunui.

Crews were alerted to the fire around 2.30pm this afternoon.

Assistant Commander Dave Key says the fire has grown to approximately 40 hectares in size and is burning in mixed vegetation.

“The fire is currently 80 percent contained and 60 percent controlled.

“Multiple fire crews supported by nine helicopters have worked hard this afternoon to contain the fire,” Dave Key says.

Crews are expected to remain on the fireground overnight and over the coming days.

Three nearby properties were evacuated. Crews undertook structure protection on these houses and no structures were lost in the fire.

The incident management team worked with local farmers to ensure livestock was managed and no stock losses occurred.

State Highway 7 has been closed due to the fire since around 3.30pm.

“We are working with New Zealand Transport Agency – Waka Kotahi to reopen the road once it’s safe to do so,” Dave Key says.

“We would like to sincerely thank the local community and members of the public who have been impacted by the road closures.”

“The Canterbury District remains in a restricted fire season. This incident is a reminder to the public that despite the rain we’ve had over the last month, the risk of fire remains real.

There are fire investigators on scene. If you have any information or photos regarding this fire, please contact Fire and Emergency or New Zealand Police.

There will be a final update tonight around 10pm.

MIL OSI

First Responders – Lewis Pass Road fire update

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February 15, 2025

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is battling a large vegetation fire on Lewis Pass Road this afternoon. Crews were alerted to the fire at Island Hills, Hurunui around 2.30pm. It is currently five hectares in size.

There are around 40 firefighters, 20 Fire and Emergency trucks, tankers and support vehicles along with nine helicopters working to get the fire contained.

Nearby houses have been evacuated as a precaution. State Highway 7 has been closed and people are being asked to stay away while our crews fight the fire.

MIL OSI

Mana i te Whenua of Rotokākahi to welcome protectors as Police action looms

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February 15, 2025

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Source: Mana i te whenua of Rotokākah

Mana i te whenua of Rotokākahi have sent out a karanga for willing protectors to join them in their peaceful occupation at Lake Rotokākahi.

A pōwhiri will be held at 12pm this Sunday 16 February at the lake, to welcome protectors from all across the nation.

Mana i te whenua of Rotokākahi are demanding that Rotorua Lakes City Council divert the sewer pipe from its intended route, and instead take the pipe an alternative, safer route – away from their ancestral lake.

Rotokākahi Board of Control and Protect Rotokākahi spokesperson Te Whatanui Leka Taumalolo Skipwith – Tūhourangi says, “This Pōwhiri is to welcome protectors to join our movement. We have knocked on every door, we have been to the council, to the courts. We have been living on the whenua continuously since August. We know the police are going to mobilise, and in order to ensure the continued protection of this tupuna roto, we need to mobilise too. We need people to join us.

Te Whatanui says: “It’s impossible to overstate the importance of Rotokākahi to mana i te whenua. This sewer pipe is not just a threat to the pristine environment of Rotokākahi, it’s a threat to the tapu of this space. A tapu that extends well beyond the water’s edge. These are the types of decisions that will affect Iwi-council relationships for generations.”

Te Whatanui believes that the occupation at Rotokākahi could see hundreds of people flood the space this Sunday, in what he believes could become another long-term land occupation.

“Rotorua Lakes Council just needs to take this pipe on a different route now. We know people will join us. History has proven that when mana i te whenua put out the call for assistance, Aotearoa answers.

MIL OSI

Rare fin whales spotted in Kaikōura New Zealand – incredible footage captured on Samsung phone

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February 15, 2025

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Source: Mango

A pair of rare fin whales have been spotted off the coast of Kaikōura, New Zealand yesterday (Friday 14 February). The once in a lifetime sighting was captured on Samsung phones by a group of New Zealand content creators.

Fin whale sightings are rarely recorded in New Zealand (or around the world), and the elusive species are considered vulnerable to extinction. They are the second largest whale species on the planet (second only to the blue whale), and can grow up to 26m long!

A group of content creators on a whale watching trip with South Pacific Helicopters were able to capture incredible footage on their Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultras.

Tima Savea, who captured this video , was the first to spot the beautiful creatures and said they had been up in the air for 15 minutes without seeing anything and were beginning to lose hope.

“All of a sudden, I spotted something white in the water and told our pilot who headed in closer. At first he thought it was just some white caps in the water but once we got closer we were absolutely shocked to see the two beautiful fin whales. Even more spectacular was the fact that they are so incredibly rare!”

Christchurch-based content creator, Sophie Stephens who was also on the trip, and posted this video said, “ It was such a breathtaking experience. I feel so blessed to be one of the few people who have seen these beautiful creatures in the wild. I was so excited to capture such a pinch me moment!

Daniel Stevenson, South Pacific Helicopters Pilot who has run whale watching and scenic flights in the area for more than 8 years said he was also thrilled to spot the rarely seen fin whales during the flight.

“As the second largest whale on the planet, witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a privilege that only a tiny fraction of people experience,” he said.

“Kaikōura truly offers a breathtaking array of marine life, from resident sperm whales to transient orcas and blue whales. This month has been exceptional, with sightings of pilot whales, humpbacks heading south, and even the first documented landing of a striped marlin. It’s an exciting time down here for both marine enthusiasts and anglers alike!”

The group of New Zealand content creators on the trip with South Pacific Helicopters were testing out the new features of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which launched this month. The phone has an epic 200MP main camera with 2x optical quality zoom¹, which captures life in breathtaking detail and vibrant, true-to-life colours. Its intuitive telephoto system also features an all-new 50MP ultra-wide lens, making it perfect for capturing distant subjects ( like fin whales from the air!) with incredible precision.

MIL OSI

Africa – Over 67 million screenings – AstraZeneca’s ‘Healthy Heart Africa’ celebrates 10 years of transforming Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) care

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February 15, 2025

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SOURCE: AstraZeneca

HHA aims to improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the burden of this disease across communities.

KAMPALA, Uganda, February 14, 2025/ — AstraZeneca’s (www.AstraZeneca.com) flagship health equity programme – Healthy Heart Africa (HHA), marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating successfully taking over 67 million blood pressure screenings and a decade of action against non-communicable diseases across Africa.

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and accounts for a significant portion of noncommunicable disease (NCD) deaths globally. In Africa, over 27% of adults live with hypertension[1], far above the global average.

Since its launch, HHA has conducted over 67 million blood pressure screenings, trained over 11,700 healthcare workers, and activated over 1,550 healthcare facilities across nine African countries in Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Rwanda, Nigeria and Tanzania including the Island of Zanzibar. These efforts have significantly improved access to hypertension diagnosis and treatment, saving countless lives.

Ruud Dobber, Executive Vice President and President, BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: “Healthy Heart Africa epitomises AstraZeneca’s commitment to equitable healthcare. In a decade, we’ve empowered millions to manage their heart health. Now, we’ve expanded to tackle chronic kidney disease, ensuring greater resilience in health systems across the continent.”

The programme has started addressing chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is closely linked to hypertension and affects 15.8% of Africans.[2] Early detection and management are critical, as CKD often progress silently. HHA aims to improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the burden of this disease across communities.

This commemoration sets the stage for the upcoming World Health Organization’s High-Level Meeting on NCDs[3], reinforcing the urgency of collective action. One facet of the programme’s success is built on strong partnerships with governments, NGOs, and community leaders to deliver culturally tailored interventions.

Helen McGuire, Global Program Leader, PATH, added:

“Working on the Healthy Heart Africa (HHA) programme with AstraZeneca has been truly transformative. Seeing the scale-up and institutionalisation of integrated and expanded NCD services, particularly in countries like Ghana, has been immensely rewarding. The introduction of NCD indicators into national health information systems represents a major milestone, enabling better planning, resource allocation, and outcome monitoring.”

Ministries of Health across Africa have championed HHA’s integration of hypertension care into national policies, ensuring sustainability and local ownership.

Permanent Secretary Uganda Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine Kanzira, said:

“In Uganda, our partnership with Healthy Heart Africa has been instrumental in strengthening our response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), now a major health challenge across Africa. Through this collaboration, we have raised awareness on risk factors, enhanced early detection, linked patients to care, and built the capacity of healthcare workers. By integrating hypertension data into our national health system and advancing digitalization, we are ensuring a seamless patient pathway, enabling progress tracking, and delivering life-saving care to our people.”

With its proven model – the Healthy Heart Africa programme aims to expand to new regions, integrating climate-resilient healthcare solutions and prioritising early detection to prevent disease progression. Through such innovative partnerships, the programme aims to deliver care to those most in need.

To read more about this programme, please read our Impact Report here Link (https://apo-opa.co/3QpqSJf).

________________________________
[1] https://apo-opa.co/41gyyny.

[2] https://apo-opa.co/4b7QzaX

[3] https://apo-opa.co/4jRojxr

AstraZeneca Data on File: Total Programme Numbers Since Start in 2014 to the end of December 2024

More about:
Path
PATH is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations worldwide. Through innovation, partnerships, and a commitment to equity, PATH tackles pressing global health challenges, including non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases. Learn more at www.Path.org.

AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit AstraZeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter @AstraZeneca.

References

[1] https://apo-opa.co/41gyyny.

[2] https://apo-opa.co/4b7QzaX

[3] https://apo-opa.co/4jRojxr

AstraZeneca Data on File: Total Programme Numbers Since Start in 2014 to the end of December 2024.

MIL OSI

Update: Arrest following indecent act, Epsom

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February 15, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves, Area Investigations Manager Auckland City East:

Police have arrested a man wanted for allegedly performing an indecent act in Epsom this week.

After receiving information from members of the public who recognised the wanted vehicle from our media release, Police made the arrest yesterday, Friday 14 February, and charged the man.

The 32-year-old man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on Wednesday 19th February charged with two counts of indecent act.

Police wish to thank the public for their help.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

First-ever Coca Cola® Drone Show in Hong Kong 600 Drones Present 12 Scenes of Mesmerizing Memories with Coca-Cola over Victoria Harbour – Featuring a Heartfelt Expression of Love by Renowned Celebrity Louis Cheung

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MIL OSI

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February 15, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2025 – This year’s Coca‑Cola® Chinese New Year Campaign Grand Finale – “Meet on 2.14: Together, Share Your Heartfelt Wishes with Coca-Cola” – completed on a high note tonight at Ocean Terminal Deck, Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, transforming the night sky over Victoria Harbour into a vibrant stage overhead.

At the event, 600 drones presented a mesmerizing 12‑scene light show, while the ever‑charming Louis Cheung Kai Chung delivered a warm and heartfelt narration on stage – guiding the audience through cherished moments of gathering with family, friends, and colleagues for a sweet, unforgettable Valentine’s evening. The time limited check-in spots and photo zones at Ocean Terminal Deck will remain open throughout Valentine’s weekend, inviting locals and visitors alike to come together with their loved ones!

Hong Kong’s First 600-Drone Sea Launch Performance
Chinese New Year is a time for reuniting with family and loved ones. This season, Coca‑Cola® has launched a series of events which began with the time limited festive edition packaging featuring a dazzling fireworks design signifying heartfelt New Year wishes. This was followed by a lucky draw where winners got together on the second day of the Chinese New Year to indulge in traditional “poon choi” while immersed in a fireworks performance on a vessel. The grand finale, “Meet on 2.14: Together, Share Your Heartfelt Wishes with Coca-Cola”, not only marked the first-ever Coca‑Cola® drone show in Hong Kong but also set a new milestone as the city’s first drone performance featuring 600 drones launched from a barge on the water.

12 Acts of Drone Light Art, Guided by Louis Cheung
The drone performance was kicked off by distinguished guests including Sally Cheng Wai Lee, Senior Frontline Marketing Director – Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau & Mongolia, Coca-Cola China Limited, Lily Chu Wai Shan, Sales & Marketing Director, Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong Limited, Kitman Tang, Executive Director – Macau Coca-Cola Beverage Co. ltd and Louis Cheung. Dazzling fireworks illuminated the night sky, heralding the start of the show. The drones then formed the iconic Coca‑Cola® bottle, perfectly simulating the effect of a refreshing drink being poured into a glass. They seamlessly transitioned into a series of images – depicting famous local meal moments including fish balls, siu mai, hotpot gatherings, and celebratory toasts – that rekindled fond memories of joyful reunions shared over Coca‑Cola® with family and friends. With his signature warm and engaging tone, Louis Cheung narrated live on stage, remarking, “Truly, when a family gathers around for a hearty meal and shares Coca‑Cola®, it becomes the most heartwarming and joyous moment.”

The 600 drones then transformed into a globe and a vivid red “福” (blessing) character, symbolizing the heartfelt wishes being sent to everyone near and far. Finally, the drones converged to form the fireworks pattern featured on the time limited Coca-Cola Chinese New Year packaging accompanied by the Chinese slogan “Blooming Blessings, Together Always（綻放祝褔年一在起）” and the iconic Coca‑Cola® logo. As Louis Cheung put it, “Coca‑Cola® has been with us through countless times of togetherness. Whether it’s those jubilant occasions that call for a celebratory toast or the simple, everyday moments of joy, Coca‑Cola® makes each moment even more delightful!”

Weekend Exclusive: “Blooming Blessings” Check-in Spots at Ocean Terminal Deck
Seize the opportunity to speak your heart and let your blessings shine! This weekend (February 15-16, 2025), the “Blooming Blessings” Check-in Spots at Harbour City Ocean Terminal Deck in Tsim Sha Tsui will be open to the public. The venue features two exclusive limited-time installations – along with a “Heartfelt Blessings Wall” – providing the perfect backdrop for capturing sweet, memorable moments with your loved ones, family, and friends.

You can not only create your very own personalized blessing video on site, but also snap a photo at any of the check-in spots and upload it to Instagram using the tags @CocaColaHK, #綻放祝福 and #年在一起 to receive a complimentary ice-cold can of Coca‑Cola® No Sugar.

“Meet on 2.14: Together, Share Your Heartfelt Wishes with Coca-Cola” Check-in Spot Details

Date:	February 15-16, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time:	12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location:	Harbour City Ocean Terminal Deck, Tsim Sha Tsui
Admission:	Free

Note: All complimentary beverages are limited and will be available on a first‑come, first‑served basis while supplies last. All promotional offers are subject to availability; the organizer reserves the right to final decisions.

Hashtag: #@CocaColaHK #綻放祝福 #年在一起 #CocaColaHK #RealMagic

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

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

HIDDEN and Defence Collective Singapore Announce New Initiative to Strengthen National Security Awareness through “Escape Quest: Operation Broken Oath”

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MIL OSI

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February 15, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

Available from February 2025 at Singapore Discovery Centre, New Interactive Game Aims to Champion National Education

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2025 – In commemoration of Total Defence Day on 15 February, HIDDEN and Defence Collective Singapore are excited to announce the launch of their new, interactive game, “Escape Quest: Operation Broken Oath”. This engaging and educational game is designed to raise awareness of national security challenges while encouraging active participation in safeguarding Singapore’s future. Defence Collective Singapore is the parent company of Singapore Discovery Centre, Singapore Navy Museum and Singapore Air Force Museum. The first stop will take place at Singapore Discovery Centre with plans to expand the programme to Singapore Navy Museum and Singapore Air Force Museum.

The game features an AI chatbot “Void Deck Cat” to interact with visitors at the Singapore Discovery Centre, placing players in the midst of a simulated national crisis, where they must make quick, strategic decisions to defend the nation and prevent the next attack. Users can jump into action on any mobile device without needing to download additional applications as the gameplay revolves using the Whatsapp chat application.

Total Defence Day on 15 Feb commemorates the fall of Singapore in 1942, serves as a poignant reminder on the need for a strong Defence.

“Escape Quest: Operation Broken Oath” offers a fun and innovative way for Singaporeans of all ages to engage with the concept of national defence and take on a proactive role as stewards of security. This immersive game combines strategy, problem-solving, and teamwork, offering a thrilling experience that challenges players to think like investigators.

“Escape Quest: Operation Broken Oath is more than just a game,” says Lim Yee Hung, Group Chief Executive of HIDDEN. “It is an interactive learning experience that empowers individuals to think critically about national security and the vital role that each of us plays in keeping Singapore safe. With the increasing complexity of security threats, it is important that we all stay informed, prepared, and resilient—this game is one way to achieve that.”

“Defence Collective Singapore is happy to collaborate with HIDDEN in launching ‘Escape Quest: Operation Broken Oath’ as part of Total Defence Day,” says Geraldine Loh, Deputy Director, Programmes Cluster Head for Defence Collective Singapore. “Through this initiative, we hope to inspire a culture of security, mindfulness and proactive engagement, where every Singaporean can play a part in making Singapore stronger. By gamifying the concept of national security, we aim to make the learning process both informative and enjoyable.”

Perfect for corporate team-building, school groups, and anyone seeking a unique, interactive adventure, the game starts from S$20 per ticket for each player.

For more information, visit go.hiddenxp.com/brokenoath

https://hiddenxp.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hidden-sg/
https://www.facebook.com/hiddengame.sg
https://www.instagram.com/hiddengame.sg/
https://go.hiddenxp.com/linktree

Hashtag: #TotalDefenceDay #TotalDefenceSG #NeverAgainSG #SingaporeHistory #SGHeritage #EscapeQuestSG #HiddenXP #OperationBrokenOath #ImmersiveExperience #GamifiedLearning #InteractiveAdventure #DefendSingapore #NationalSecuritySG #StayPrepared #StrongerTogetherSG #SGDefence #DefenceCollectiveSG #SingaporeDiscoveryCentre #NavyMuseumSG #AirForceMuseumSG #HIDDENSingapore #TeamBuildingSG #SchoolExcursionSG #EducationalGames #LearnThroughPlay

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

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

Generali Hong Kong and YAS Partner to Enhance Personalized Insurance Solutions

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MIL OSI

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February 14, 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2025 – Generali Hong Kong has partnered with YAS to deliver innovative, customer-centric insurance solutions that adapt to modern lifestyles. This collaboration focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the customer experience and provide tailored protection.

From left: William Lee, Co-Founder of YAS, Windian Lai, Chief Business Officer and Intermediary Management of Generali Hong Kong, Andy Ann, Co-Founder of YAS

Built on the foundation of their success in on-demand microinsurance, this partnership introduces dynamic, real-time insurance offerings that seamlessly integrate into customers’ lives. By leveraging advanced technology to enable smarter underwriting and personalized experiences, Generali Hong Kong continues its mission to deliver meaningful and accessible protection to its customers in the digital age.

Dynamic Insurance Solutions Embedded in Daily Life
The collaboration between Generali Hong Kong and YAS introduces solutions designed to modernize insurance. The first initiative, launched in November 2024, is embedded within the AlipayHK ecosystem. This solution dynamically adjusts travel coverage up to 20 times based on travelers’ spending, capped at HK$100,000, offering a flexible and relevant product for frequent travelers.

Generali Hong Kong leverages advanced technology to enhance its underwriting capabilities, enabling real-time risk assessments to better align insurance products with customer activities and needs. This approach represents a significant step forward in providing insurance that is relevant, adaptable, and customer-focused.

Windian Lai, Chief Business Officer and Intermediary Management of Generali Hong Kong, said, “This partnership with YAS allows us to integrate technologies such as GPS and AI into our personal lines underwriting. These tools enable us to deliver real-time solutions that adapt to customer lifestyles, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.”

William Lee, Co-Founder of YAS Group, added, “Customers today demand more than traditional insurance; they want solutions that fit seamlessly into their lives. This partnership with Generali Hong Kong allows us to lead the industry into a new era of autonomous, always-on insurance solutions that resonate with the modern lifestyle.”

Key Benefits for Customers:

Tailored Coverage: Advanced technology enables policies that adapt to individual behaviors, preferences, and needs.
Seamless Experiences: Automated processes simplify everything from quotes to claims, creating a frictionless insurance journey.
Dynamic Flexibility: Coverage adjusts in real-time to changing circumstances, giving customers greater control and peace of mind.

Windian added, “This initiative highlights Generali Hong Kong’s ability to respond quickly to market demands and deliver innovative solutions. With over 600,000 weekly border-crossing travelers in the region, this product addresses a growing need for flexible, real-time travel coverage.”

Hashtag: #Generali #YAS

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

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