Maybank’s Insurance Arm, Etiqa Insurance, Pioneers the Return of Takaful Offerings in Singapore

January 6, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

New Shariah-compliant investment-linked product addresses the needs of customers looking for values-based insurance solutions; further strengthening the Group’s Islamic Wealth Management offerings

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 January 2025 – Maybank’s insurance arm, Etiqa Insurance Singapore (Etiqa), today jointly announced the launch of Invest future, Singapore’s first Takaful offering in over a decade, with Maybank Singapore (Maybank) as its exclusive distributor.

Etiqa Insurance Singapore launches Invest future solution

Invest future is designed to cater to the growing demand for Islamic financial solutions in Singapore. This investment-linked plan (ILP) is designed to support sustainable wealth accumulation goals through Shariah-compliant investing, tailored for the growing demographic seeking ethical investment options while offering flexibility and protection.

Mr Alvin Lee, Maybank Singapore Country CEO said, “Values-based financial solutions such as Etiqa’s Takaful ILP, is an integral component of Islamic Wealth Management (IWM) offerings based on Shariah principles. Maybank, as the regional offshore IWM hub for Maybank Group in Singapore, is the first Bank here to provide end-to-end values-based financial solutions. And as the exclusive distributor of Etiqa’s Takaful offering – a first in Singapore, we are very pleased to mark another milestone in scaling our capabilities with a comprehensive suite of solutions aligned to the five IWM pillars for customers through their different life stages. This is our ongoing commitment to meet evolving customers’ needs while upholding their values and ethical considerations.”

“We are excited to lead the way in launching Takaful ILP as our inaugural Takaful product in Singapore, recognising that ethical investing is increasingly gaining traction among Singaporeans,” said Raymond Ong, CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore. “”Our Takaful ILP promotes Shariah values of mutual cooperation and purposeful investing. By introducing values-based insurance that targets all sectors of the community, we aim to provide ethically crafted, holistic life journey solutions that all customers can trust. We believe that by aligning our products with strong ethical principles, we can create lasting value for our customers and contribute positively to society.”

By extending its insurance solutions with this new product offering, Etiqa Insurance Singapore hopes to offer financial solutions that adhere to the principles of cooperation, fairness, and shared responsibility.

Committing to customers as a priority with values-based insurance

Etiqa Insurance Singapore’s launch of the new values-based insurance is part of the company’s ethos to make insurance accessible, keeping customers’ interests and needs as the core foundation of its product and service offerings.

Unlike traditional insurance plans, which focus solely on financial protection, values-based insurance encompasses a broader perspective of protection that covers the ethical, social and personal concerns of customers. This emerging product offering resonates with the diverse needs and aspirations of policyholders while managing risks, enabling individuals to connect more deeply with their values.

The benefits of values-based insurance include:

Risk Sharing: Policyholders of a values-based insurance product share the financial risks collectively, leading to a sense of community and shared responsibility among policyholders.
Purposeful: Values-based insurance plans are aimed at sustaining protection for a group of individuals, rather than maximising profit.
Transparency: Values-based insurance products offer a more transparent approach in terms of what the policy is invested in, how the funds are paid out, and underwriting profits, if any through stringent reviews by the Shariah advisors to ensure fairness to customers.

Maybank Singapore is the exclusive distributor of Etiqa’s Invest future solution in Singapore.

Note to Editors

About the five IWM pillars:

Wealth Creation: Creates wealth through Shariah-compliant banking, savings and financial products in line with Islamic principles. It seeks to achieve sustainable and ethical growth over time.
Wealth Accumulation: Generates and accumulates wealth through Shariah-compliant investment products, and is focused on values-based investing principles.
Wealth Preservation: Protects the accumulated wealth as aligned with Islamic principles through risk management and Takaful (Islamic insurance).
Wealth Purification: Purifies wealth through the concept of zakat. Zakat is the giving of alms to the less fortunate, and it is obligatory upon every Muslim who meets the requirements to pay zakat.
Wealth Distribution: Distributes wealth for future generations, which involves the transfer of wealth or assets through will writing (wasiat), endowment (wakaf) and gift (hibah).

Takaful
Takaful is based on Shariah or Islamic religious law where protection is offered on the Islamic concept of mutual help. Although Takaful must operate according to Islamic cooperative principles, it is not limited to the Muslim community, as anyone who upholds personal ethical and social principles can purchase a Takaful plan for protection needs and objectives.

Invest future
Invest future is Etiqa Insurance Singapore’s first Takaful values-based ILP, designed for those seeking ethical investing aligned with Shariah principles. It is a values-based insurance product designed to combine wealth accumulation with life protection, offering flexible investment options, access to Shariah-compliant funds, and enhanced returns through multiple bonuses. Invest future is certified Shariah compliant by the Financial Shariah Advisory and Consultancy (FSAC) of Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious Teachers Association (Pergas).

Key benefits of Invest future include:

Investment bonuses, including start-up bonus up to 80% of first-year premiums, special bonus at 5% of regular premiums from the 6th policy year, and loyalty bonus at 0.2% of account value annually post premium payment term.
Access to Shariah-compliant funds with investments from as low as S$200 per month with access to reputable, Shariah-compliant regional and global funds.
Flexible plan options allow for two free partial withdrawals from the 4th policy year, plus options for premium adjustments, top-ups, premium-free periods, and free fund switching.
Comprehensive coverage includes death and total permanent disability benefits up to 105% of net premiums or account value.
Legacy and giving options enable policyholders to pledge benefits as a legacy gift to loved ones or *wakaf to charitable organisations (*wakaf is a voluntary charitable endowment from one’s personal belongings or wealth in the form of cash or property for pious and religious causes).
Guaranteed issuance policy, no health checks needed.
Option to add on rider for additional coverage subject to underwriting.

To learn more about Invest future, please visit: www.etiqa.com.sg/personal/investments/invest-future

Hashtag: #EtiqaSingapore

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

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

J.Lashes Celebrates 11 Years of Growth, Innovation, and Commitment to Lash Health

MIL OSI

January 6, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 January 2025 – J.Lashes, an established name in eyelash care, will celebrate its 11th anniversary on 9 January 2025. Founded in 2013 as a home-based studio, the company has grown into a key player in the eyelash extension industry, with a focus on maintaining lash health while offering innovative eyelash extensions in Singapore.

J.Lashes Outlet in Triple One Somerset

A Journey of Growth and Innovation

J.Lashes was founded with the goal of providing high-quality eyelash care while ensuring the health of natural lashes. Starting out in a small studio, the company built a loyal client base due to its personalised approach and high standards of service. Over the years, J.Lashes expanded its expertise, travelling internationally to Taiwan, South Korea, the UK, and the US to learn advanced lash extension techniques.

By 2017, the brand had outgrown its home-based roots and opened its first retail location at The Cathay. This expansion continued with additional locations, including Tanjong Pagar and Wheelock Place. In 2023, J.Lashes consolidated its operations into its flagship store at 111 Somerset, a move aimed at providing customers with an enhanced and more comfortable experience.

Commitment to Lash Health and Care Services

From its early days, J.Lashes has focused on the health of natural lashes, ensuring that every extension applied preserves lash integrity. This emphasis on comfort, durability, and aesthetic quality has contributed to the company’s reputation for offering safe, long-lasting lash enhancements. Over the years, J.Lashes has also built strong relationships with its consumer base, reflecting a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Jenny Liu, Founder of J.Lashes, commented: “Reaching our 11th anniversary is a significant milestone for us. We are grateful for the continued support of our customers and the hard work of our team. This journey has been one of innovation, and we look forward to continuing to improve the lash care experience for all who visit us.”

Key Milestones and Achievements

Throughout its development, J.Lashes has achieved notable milestones, including the creation of the TUTU Lash technique and recognition at international lash competitions, such as the 2017 Spanish Lash Art Championship and the 2019 U.S. Miami Lash Competition. These accomplishments reflect the company’s position as a leader in eyelash extensions in Singapore.

In 2024, J.Lashes expanded its product offerings with lash-friendly products such as makeup remover pads and cleansing mousse. These additions support the brand’s commitment to providing a comprehensive approach to lash care, helping customers maintain the health of their lashes beyond eyelash salon visits.

Looking to the Future

As J.Lashes celebrates this milestone, the company remains focused on innovation. Plans include introducing new techniques and eyelash extensions in Singapore to meet the evolving needs of its diverse consumer base.

In celebration of its 11th anniversary, J.Lashes is offering a 20% discount for first-time customers to experience its exceptional services, including the new lightweight lash extensions—Fluffy Blossom Lashes. This limited-time offer invites individuals to explore the brand’s extensive range of premium eyelash extensions and experience first-hand the care and expertise that have made J.Lashes a beloved name in Singapore.

https://www.jlashes.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/Jlashessg
https://www.instagram.com/j.lashes/

Hashtag: #J.Lashes

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

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

Emergency services responding to Whakamārama fire, roads blocked

LiveNews Publisher

January 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Emergency services are asking members of the public to delay travel between Tauranga and Katikati as they respond to a scrub fire reported in the Whakamārama area near Te Puna Stream.

Initial reports were received around 1:50pm.

State Highway 2 and some nearby roads are blocked.

Motorists are advised to take an alternate route and avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Weather News – Cool southerlies, but summer isn’t gone yet – MetService

LiveNews Publisher

January 6, 2025

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 6 – Thursday 9 January – The cool temperatures that have characterised January so far are set to continue, with MetService forecasting southerly winds prevailing for much of the week. Alongside cooler temperatures for the eastern and southern regions of both main islands, rain and showers will feature during the first half of the week. However, intervals of clearer and warmer weather will break up the generally unsettled conditions ahead.

Fierce southerly winds greeted the eastern and lower North Island on Monday morning, continuing a pattern seen over recent days. These southerlies have also affected sea conditions, generating large waves in Cook Strait.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane explains, “Waves are expected to peak around the middle of the day today (Monday) before easing gradually throughout the afternoon, dropping below 4 metres tonight. While these are expected to be the highest waves of the week, Wednesday is expected to bring rough sea conditions again as briefly strong southerlies accompany an approaching front.”

The eastern North Island is set to bear the brunt of wet weather early in the week, with a Heavy Rain Watch in place for the Wairoa District until 3 am Tuesday. Meanwhile, the lower South Island will see rain developing late Tuesday, which will then spread northwards up the country on Wednesday as a cold front sweeps across. Following the front’s passage, clearer conditions are expected for many areas in the latter half of the week. However, eastern regions are likely to remain mostly cloudy and cool, with occasional showers lingering.

Temperatures look to stay cooler than average for the time of year this week, particularly in the lower North Island and eastern parts of both islands, where daytime highs will struggle to climb past the mid to high teens.

“After a sizzling start to the season in early December, many might be wondering where summer has gone,” says Makgabutlane. “That said, there will be glimpses of summer weather in between the unsettled conditions. Sunshine features across most of the South Island today, and Tuesday looks like warmer weather for many, with temperatures climbing to 30°C in parts of Otago.”

MIL OSI

Remembrance – “She bled for our people” – nurses pay tribute to Dame Tariana Turia

LiveNews Publisher

January 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōputanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) joins te ao Māori to mourn the loss of Dame Tariana Turia – a former Associate Minister of Health and Whānau Ora Minister.

NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says like nurses throughout Aotearoa, Dame Turia was passionate about achieving better health outcomes for Māori.

“Dame Turia was the most influential Māori politician so far this century to shift thinking on government health policy.

“She introduced the concept of whānau ora into the health system, and while that hasn’t been fully implemented yet, the seed has been planted.

“Dame Turia introduced policies aimed to achieve a smokefree Aotearoa. And she advocated for better support to improve the Māori nurse workforce and achieve pay parity for nurses everywhere, especially with especially Māori and iwi health providers.”

Kerri Nuku said the sacrifices Dame Turia made to advance Māori health, and Māori rights, would not be forgotten by the Māori nursing community.

“She bled for our people! Her achievements didn’t just happen, she had to fight for them.

“We can only imagine the outcast treatment she would have got by exiting one political party to build another political party.”

Kerri Nuku said much of what Dame Turia stood for was now under attack by the current Coalition Government but many Māori working in health are “drawing strength from her work”.

“Our aroha goes to the whānau pani of Dame Turia – thank you to her children and mokopuna for giving us the taonga they did.”

MIL OSI

HKVAX and Victory Securities Form Strategic Partnership to Advance Virtual Asset Services in Hong Kong

MIL OSI

January 6, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 January 2025 – Hong Kong Virtual Asset Exchange (HKVAX), a virtual asset trading platform licensed by Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), and Victory Securities (8540.HK), a licensed financial services provider, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing Hong Kong’s virtual asset ecosystem.

This collaboration aims to explore opportunities in virtual asset brokerage and distribution, combining HKVAX’s robust infrastructure and virtual asset capabilities with Victory Securities’ comprehensive financial services platform and established institutional relationships. Together, the two parties will explore opportunities in RWA and tokenization and build a robust ecosystem with the primary goal of increasing opportunities for virtual asset distribution. It will also provide investors with access to high quality, efficiently managed tokenization assets.

“This strategic partnership with Victory Securities represents a significant step forward in our mission to advance Hong Kong’s virtual asset ecosystem,” said Dr. Anthony Ng, Co-Founder and CEO of HKVAX. “By combining our technological expertise with Victory Securities’ deep understanding of traditional financial markets and strong institutional relationships, we are well-positioned to deliver innovative, compliant virtual asset services that meet the sophisticated needs of today’s investors.”

“Our collaboration with Victory Securities comes at a pivotal time in Hong Kong’s development as a virtual asset hub,” said Sam Fok, Co-Founder and COO of HKVAX. “We will work to bridge the gap between traditional finance and virtual assets, creating a more integrated and accessible financial ecosystem for our clients while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.”

Victory Securities, with over five decades of market presence, brings extensive expertise in regulated financial activities and a deep understanding of institutional client needs. This collaboration with HKVAX demonstrates both companies’ commitment to fostering innovation within Hong Kong’s regulated virtual asset space.

‘Victory Securities is committed to becoming a diversified virtual asset trading platform. This partnership is expected to provide the joint licensed exchanges with unique virtual asset investment opportunities in the market, further drive market development and maintain competitiveness in the global virtual asset market.’ said Kennix Chan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Victory Securities.

The partnership represents a significant step in Hong Kong’s virtual asset ecosystem, combining established financial expertise with virtual asset capabilities. Both companies look forward to collaborating on innovative solutions that will benefit investors and contribute to the sustainable growth of Hong Kong’s virtual asset market.

Hashtag: #HKVAX

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

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

Draft Animal Products Notice: Dairy Preparedness and Response: Foot and Mouth Disease Incursion (Regulated Control Scheme)

LiveNews Publisher

January 6, 2025

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Have your say

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking feedback on a proposed Animal Products Notice: Dairy Preparedness and Response: Foot and Mouth Disease Incursion (Regulated Control Scheme).

The purpose of the Notice is to enable a regulated control scheme for dairy processors for export, so that processors can maintain business continuity with a high level of assurance in the event of an incursion of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV).

Background to this consultation

In March of 2023, MPI started working to develop a mechanism that would allow milk collection, transport, processing, and export to continue in the event of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD), with the following objectives:

to facilitate trade negotiation with a high degree of assurance for trading partners
to enable export dairy processors to continue operations with minimal disruption and to obtain an exemption from movement controls
to provide clear and scientifically sound measures to prevent transmission between farms and contamination of the product from dairy operations.

To help achieve these objectives, MPI has developed this Notice. It enables a regulated control scheme under the Animal Products Act 1999 and sets out export requirements for dairy processors that supply their products overseas.

Discussion document

Animal Products Notice: Milk Collection and Processing for Export During a Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Incursion (Regulated Control Scheme) [PDF, 261 KB]

Draft Animal Products Notice

Dairy Preparedness and Response: Foot and Mouth Disease Incursion (Regulated Control Scheme) [PDF, 508 KB]

Making your submission

Submissions close at 5pm on 14 February 2025.

To help make your submission, we encourage you to use our submission template.

Submission template [DOCX, 65 KB]

Email your submission to animal.products@mpi.govt.nz

While we prefer email, you can post your submission to:

New Zealand Food Safety
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140.

What to include in your submission

If you are using the feedback form, make sure to include:

the name of the consultation document you are submitting on
your name and title
your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it)
your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MIL OSI

State Highway 2 road rebuild Te Puna

LiveNews Publisher

January 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

State Highway 2 (SH2) near Snodgrass Road in Te Puna will be looking fresh by the end of February 2025 after 6 weeks of road rebuilding is completed.

Work gets underway on Sunday 12 January carrying out an asphalt road rebuild. Crews will be working overnight daily between 8pm and 5.30am. Stop/go traffic management will be in place overnight while the work is taking place.

The works are scheduled for completion on Monday 24 February (weather dependent).

“We understand how working in this area of the Western Bay can cause significant delays and queues, which is why crews are working at night to minimise disruption and getting the majority of the work done during the school holidays when traffic volumes are lower,” says Sandra King, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Bay of Plenty System Manager.

For the duration of the works, entry and exits from Snodgrass Road and Te Puna Quarry Road to/from SH2 will be closed. Alternative routes are Munro Road on the south side of SH2 and Armstrong and Borell Roads on the northern side of SH2. (See map below.)

“Maintenance on this high volume stretch of road is very important for the safety and resilience of the network. These works involve digging out the existing road layers and replacing them layer by layer,” says Ms King.

During the day, there will be a reduced speed limit until the work is complete and there will also be gentle ramps for State Highway through traffic to allow for the height difference of the surfaces while work is carried out.

“More than 20,000 people travel through this part of SH2 daily and a smooth road makes all these trips safer and more enjoyable, and we encourage people to check the NZTA Journey Planner before you travel,” says Ms King.

This work forms part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund. 

Delays are to be expected, and NZTA thanks motorists for their patience.

View larger image [JPG, 283 KB]

MIL OSI

SH56 maintenance work at Opiki starting next week

LiveNews Publisher

January 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A reminder State Highway 56 through Opiki will be closing during daytime hours for 2 months from next week for a raft of maintenance.

Crews will be onsite between Tuesday 7 January and Friday 7 March each weekday* between 6am and 6pm.

During this work, crews will be carrying out two road rebuilds, drainage improvements, resurfacing, bridge deck repairs and general maintenance.

The road will be closed between Alve Road and the intersection with State Highway 57. A detour will be in place, via SH57 through Tokomaru or SH1 through Foxton.

Access to residents, businesses and the school will be available throughout these works, and people will be asked to speak to the onsite crew.

Outside the 6am to 6pm closures, the road will be open and a 30km/h temporary speed limit will be in place for safety.

These detours are expected to add up to 15 minutes to people’s journey times.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks road users for their support of this work which aims to strengthen this section of road and improve its long-term condition; ultimately improving travel times and minimising future disruptions.

*Weekend closures

While most of the work will be carried out during weekday closures, some weekend work will be required.

At this stage, the scheduled weekends of work with the closure and detour in place for are:

11-12 January
18-19 January
25-26 January 2025
1-2 February
8-9 February
15-16 February

These works are dependent on various factors including weather and may be postponed at short notice. Please keep up to date with any changes to the schedule by visiting NZTA’s Journey Planner.

Manawatū-Whanganui-region maintenance programme

State Highway 1 Tīrau to Waiouru accelerated maintenance

State Highway 1 Tūrangi to Waiouru – including the Desert Road – will be closed for vital road rebuilding and repairs for around 2 months from Monday 13 January 2025. Find out more and plan ahead

MIL OSI

Work to rebuild SH2 north of Waipawa begins soon

LiveNews Publisher

January 6, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A reminder that maintenance work will begin soon on a stretch of State Highway 2 just north of Waipawa.

The road rebuild will be carried out in stages from 13 January to the end of March. Crews will focus on a 500 metre stretch of SH2, between Tamumu Road and Victoria Street.

Work will initially be focussed on installing new kerbs and improving channels. This is a continuation of the kerb and channel work undertaken in this section earlier this year.

Once the kerbs and channels are completed, crews will start rebuilding the road surface. This will involve recycling the existing road materials with cement added to the pavement, to improve and extend the life of the road and improve the journey through this section.

“Our crews will be working days and some nights to speed up the works and complete the job as quickly as possible,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Rua Pani.

“There will be different traffic management set ups at different stages of the work which will be communicated before the works begin. We advise road users to please expect short delays through this worksite at times and to plan their journeys accordingly.”

“We know this work will be frustrating for road users and residents, and for local businesses and communities in the area. We also know Waipawa has already seen its fair share of disruption during earlier improvements on the main street and we are working with Central Hawkes’ Bay District Council (CHBDC) to minimise the impact these works will have on the community.”

“Ultimately, this work will improve the efficiency of travel for all road users, hopefully minimising disruptions in future,” says Ms Pani.

MIL OSI

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