VIETNAM'S NON-LIFE INSURANCE SEGMENT TO REMAIN STABLE - AM BEST

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has maintained a stable outlook on Vietnam’s non-life insurance segment, citing accelerating non-life premium growth and increased demand for commercial lines insurance.

In its latest Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: Vietnam Non-Life Insurance”, the rating agency notes the country’s Insurance Business Law as a recent regulatory refinement supporting the stable outlook, as the newly adopted requirements on risk management, internal controls, internal audits and actuarial standards are expected to enhance risk governance and strengthen financial conduct.

Property insurance was a key business growth driver in 2023, in which government spending on renewable energy, transportation, and other large-scale infrastructure projects is likely to drive greater demand for insurance coverage going forward.

Vietnam’s non-life insurance market growth also should continue to benefit from the country’s reputation as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

AM Best senior financial analyst, Ken Lau said FDI inflows are expected to continue as one of the growth engines of the country’s economy, which in turn will bolster demand for commercial lines insurance.

“Vietnam remains a magnet for FDI, as investors continue to seek global supply chain diversification,” he said in a statement.

At the same time, market competition has eroded the underwriting profit margins of the motor and health insurance segments, owing partly to looser underwriting. Near-term pricing competition in these lines could constrain technical margins.

The non-life insurance industry’s earnings also may be dampened by lower investment yields over the near term.

The State Bank of Vietnam lowered the policy interest rate multiple times in the first half of last year and is expected to maintain an accommodative monetary policy stance over 2024.

-- BERNAMA

POLICYMAKERS URGED TO EMBRACE SELF-CARE IN ADDRESSING GLOBAL HEALTH ISSUES

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Policymakers and health leaders worldwide are urged to embrace self-care as an essential component of healthcare, by ensuring it is fully integrated into national health systems and policies, as part of this year’s International Self-Care Day.

The Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF) is urging members and campaigners to rally behind the #SelfCareIs movement, which aims to educate global audiences about the critical link between self-care and healthcare.

This initiative also encourages engagement with local policymakers and healthcare providers to call on them to put in place plans for the urgent integration of self-care into the healthcare delivery continuum.

“Our ‘Self-care is healthcare’ campaign is all about fuelling the movement for self-care to be recognised as an integral part of healthcare. It aims to drive greater awareness and recognition of the potential of self-care to people and policymakers across the world.

“At GSCF, we firmly believe that everyone benefits when there is a greater choice of healthcare options and more accessible entries to care,” said its Director General, Judy Stenmark in a statement.

As health systems worldwide continue to face a range of challenges from increased demand on services, to inequity in access to healthcare, evidence shows that self-care can avert an estimated 3.9 million premature deaths each year, through physical activity alone.

In addition, self-care is able to save billions of dollar each year for global healthcare systems and, therefore, national economies; improve the autonomy and agency of disadvantaged groups, including women and girls, in managing their own health; as well as provide a legitimate tool in the pursuit of universal health coverage. 

First recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1983, the concept of self-care describes the role of individuals in preventing disease, promoting and maintaining their mental and physical health, and actively participating in their healthcare.

Representing associations and manufacturers in the self-care industry, promoting sustainable and better global health outcomes for all, GSCF is the go-to source of information for the self-care industry.

-- BERNAMA

BANLE GROUP MAKES STRATEGIC ENTRY INTO INDIA WITH SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL BUNKERING SERVICE AT MUNDRA PORT Monday 22/07/2024

CBL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
(Incorporated in Cayman Islands with limited liabilities)
(NASDAQ: BANL)

HONG KONG, July 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CBL International Limited (the “Company” or “CBL”) (NASDAQ: BANL), the listing vehicle of Banle Group (“Banle” or “the Group”), a reputable marine fuel logistic company in the Asia-Pacific region, today announced the successful completion of its inaugural bunkering service in India on July 11. This landmark operation was conducted at Mundra Port, Gujarat, one of India's largest and most strategically important ports. This achievement marks a significant step forward in Banle's expansion strategy and underscores its commitment to enhancing operational capabilities and market presence in key global regions.

Strategic Importance of Mundra Port

Mundra Port is renowned for its pivotal role in India's maritime logistics, handling over 155 million metric tonnes (MT) of cargo as of November 2023, the highest in India. The port serves as a critical export-import gateway, facilitating approximately 33% of India's container traffic. Its advanced infrastructure, including the capability to handle large vessels, positions it as a crucial hub for seaborne trade and economic growth, aligning with India's ambition to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025.

Operational Details

The successful bunkering service provided to a global integrated logistics and shipping company at Mundra Port highlights Banle’s operational excellence and commitment to delivering high-quality services in key strategic locations.

Positive Operational Impact

This milestone is expected to have a positive impact on Banle’s operational performance. Establishing a footprint in India's rapidly growing maritime market enhances Banle's ability to expand network and increase market share. The successful operation at Mundra Port strengthens relationships with key clients, driving sustainable growth.

"We are thrilled to include our operations into the Indian market with our inaugural bunkering service at Mundra Port. This achievement reflects our strategic vision and dedication to growth in key regions," said Mr. Teck Lim Chia, Chairman & CEO of Banle Group. "We look forward to building on this success and enhancing our service offerings to meet the evolving needs of our global clients."

About the Banle Group

Established in 2015, CBL International Limited (Nasdaq: BANL) is the listing vehicle of Banle Group, a reputable marine fuel logistic company in the Asia Pacific region. We are committed to providing customers with one-stop solution for vessel refuelling. Banle Group’s business activities are primarily focused in over 55 major ports covering Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam, as of 15 May 2024. The Group actively promotes the use of alternative fuels and is awarded with the ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications.

For more information about our company, please visit our website at: https://www.banle-intl.com. 

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GOOD FRAUD PROTECTION TOP PRIORITY FOR MALAYSIANS OPENING BANK ACCOUNT - SURVEY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Global analytics software leader FICO in its latest global consumer fraud research, revealed that consumers in Malaysia have a low tolerance for inefficient digital experiences when opening an bank account via mobile app or website.

However, in a statement, FICO said Malaysians selecting a new financial account place a high value on both good fraud protection and ease of use.

According to the study, nearly two in three (64 per cent) expect to answer 10 questions or less or they will abandon a personal bank account application, while one in three (33 per cent) will drop out if asked more than five questions.

Regardless of the number of questions asked, one in four Malaysians will give up on a personal bank account application after 10 minutes.

The survey also highlighted that Malaysian consumers show varying levels of patience for different account opening processes, whereby they are most likely to abandon savings accounts (41 per cent) or personal bank accounts (39 per cent) applications due to complex or time-consuming identity checks.

Close to one in three have abandoned credit card applications (31 per cent) for the same reason, while close to one in four (24 per cent) have been frustrated enough to abandon mortgage loan applications.

In the past year, half of Malaysians have noticed more identity checks when they log in to bank accounts (51 per cent) or make an online purchase (49 per cent).

Despite the rise in identity checks, the survey found that three in 10 Malaysians will stop or reduce the use of existing accounts if the identity verification experience is poor, while seven in 10 consumers expect to answer 10 questions or less, or they will abandon a savings account application.

While some consumers are more tolerant of detailed processes for certain financial products that require thorough scrutiny, the survey clearly shows that expectations for ease of use remain high.

The survey was conducted in November 2023 with 1,001 Malaysian adults surveyed, along with approximately 12,000 other consumers in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, The Philippines, Indonesia, India, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Spain.

-- BERNAMA

ANDAN FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES INNOVATION IN REFUGEE INCLUSION AWARD WITH MIT SOLVE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Andan Foundation in collaboration with MIT Solve of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has announced this year’s Andan Prize for Innovation in Refugee Inclusion.

According to a statement, the award seeks to promote solutions that advance the economic, financial, and political inclusion of refugees within their hosting communities.

The US$50,000 Andan Prize for Innovation in Refugee Inclusion is awarded every year to the most promising solutions that address the needs and challenges of refugees. (US$1=RM4.67)

It is also aimed at supporting innovative approaches that foster integration, empowerment, and sustainable development for displaced populations.

MIT Solve launches open calls for exceptional and diverse solutions to the most pressing global challenges, from anyone, anywhere in the world, in which selected innovators get the backing of MIT and their community of supporters to scale impact and drive lasting change.

Andan Foundation, Swiss-based humanitarian non-profit organisation, is looking for solutions that focus on economic inclusion and livelihoods that develop technologies and business models that create sustainable economic opportunities for refugees and displaced populations.

It also seeks for solutions to expand affordable financial services for underserved communities and enhance economic growth, as well as solutions to empower marginalised communities by addressing voter suppression and lack of representation.

Prize winners will be announced at the Solve Challenge Finals on Sept 23 during the United Nations General Assembly Week in New York City.

-- BERNAMA

NX BANGLADESH CONDUCTS TREE-PLANTING EFFORT AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

TOKYO, July 16, 2024 /Kyodo JBN/ --

Nippon Express Bangladesh Ltd. (hereinafter "NX Bangladesh"), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., carried out a tree-planting project at Jantrail Government Primary School No. 127 in Nawabganj Upazila, Dhaka District on Monday, June 10.
 
NX Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202407083274-O3-I47D09UH
 
Group photo of participants: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/
prwfile/release/M103866/202407083274/_prw_PI1fl_wLhm5jh6.jpg
 
Tree planting: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
M103866/202407083274/_prw_PI2fl_f8qv8ukg.jpg
 
Bangladesh has been plagued by increasingly serious environmental problems such as air and water pollution due to industrialization as well as by global warming issues. In view of these circumstances, NX Bangladesh brought 250 saplings to Jantrail Government Primary School No. 127 in Nawabganj Upazila, Dhaka District, for the plantation as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Four NX Bangladesh employees and 215 students and teachers participated in this activity, and planted 40 saplings in the schoolyard, with the remaining 210 saplings distributed to the students to be planted at their own homes. The hopes underlying this initiative are that students will become more aware of the importance of environmental protection and that the trees planted will help protect the local ecosystem and improve the environment. Going forward, NX Bangladesh will be pursuing other such CSR activities for a better life of the people of Bangladesh.
 
The NX Group will continue fulfilling its social development responsibilities by connecting people, companies and communities, and actively engaging in global environmental conservation activities to achieve sustainable societies.
 
About the NX Group:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202407083274-O1-r7kU565M.pdf
 
NX Group official website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/
 
NX Group's official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/
 
 
Source: NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC.  

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STERLING TRADING TECH RESOURCES ITS SUCCESSFUL ASIA INITIATIVE WITH LOCAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND CLIENT SERVICE

Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore Markets to Benefit from Industry Experts


Chicago, July 11 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following on its two previous strategic announcements of launching Asia in 2024, today Sterling Trading Tech (Sterling), in response to local market demand, is building the initiative further by resourcing it with local business development experts.

Industry veterans Clara Lee and Jason Yoon-Hendricks have been recruited as APAC Sales Directors. Both have extensive experience in business development and relationship management. Lee was previously with Eventus and MSCI (in analytics). Prior to Sterling, Yoon-Hendricks has served with Refinitiv, Thomson Reuters, and REDI Global Technology. They are responsible for building out Asia market share – part of Sterling’s overall growth plan and trajectory.

Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore increasingly seek sophisticated OMS and Risk models as well as trading capability that can provide firms with a competitive advantage. Sterling is poised to meet that demand. To date, 2024 has seen substantial interest in and success with Sterling’s approach.

Sterling’s multi-asset OMS enhances liquidity and alpha generation in U.S. equities and options. It fosters client growth and competitiveness by creating operational and infrastructure efficiencies. Sterling OMS offers real-time balances and positions, advanced margin methodologies, customizable risk controls, broad reporting capabilities, and API connectivity, enabling seamless trading.  Advanced order queuing allows traders to place orders at any time and receive international orders in real time outside of U.S. trading hours.

The Risk & Margin capability is delivered across a menu of technical alternatives, covers U.S. & International equities and options, Fixed Income and Futures and delivers proprietary and unique RegTech capability. This includes Risk & Margin together in one system, and RegT and Custom House Policy Updates in real time. Post-execution analysis is done using real-time market data. 

Said Jennifer Nayar, Sterling Trading Tech CEO: “Our overall Asia initiative has proven to be productive YTD in 2024 and merits this prudent investment in local business development. Both Clara and Jason each bring with them substantial networks, local expertise, and broad and deep knowledge of client demands. We anticipate exponential growth as a result of their efforts and are excited to have them on the team.”

Said Andrew Actman, Managing Director of Business Development, at Sterling: “Our expectation that Asia was underserved in the robust OMS and Risk and Margin models that Sterling delivers has proven to be correct. As we look to our Asia strategy, we now have local presence to focus on creating continued opportunities and to service clients already onboarded.”

-ENDS-

About Sterling Trading Tech

Sterling Trading Tech (Sterling) is a leading provider of professional trading technology solutions for the global equities, equity options and futures markets. With over 100 clients including leading brokers, clearing firms and prop groups in over 20 countries, Sterling provides solutions tailored to clients’ needs. Sterling is committed to providing fast, stable technology along with outstanding customer service. Sterling provides trading platforms, OMS and risk products to its clients.

Media Contact:

Magdalena Mayer
magdalena.mayer@sterlingtradingtech.com
(312) 346-9600


Media Contact:

Magdalena Mayer
magdalena.mayer@sterlingtradingtech.com
(312) 346-9600  

SOURCE : Sterling Trading Tech