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Funding Societies secures investment from Cool Japan Fund

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CJF’s injection kicks off Funding Societies’ 10th year track record in serving SMEs in Southeast AsiaInvestment bridges gap for Southeast Asia’s SMEs supporting Japanese companies’ overseas expansion

SINGAPORE, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Funding Societies | Modalku (Funding Societies), the largest unified SME (small and medium enterprises) digital finance platform in Southeast Asia, today announced that it has raised US$25 million in equity investment from Cool Japan Fund (CJF) – Japan’s sovereign wealth fund. The investment from CJF signifies the fund’s first investment into a Fintech company in Southeast Asia.

Funding Societies will funnel the investment to deepen its core business in SME financing across its five markets (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam); whilst further expanding its payments business since embarking on it in 2022.

Having served SMEs in fulfilling their business potential for a decade, the company will focus on helping businesses get paid faster through innovative receivables and financing solutions. It will also leverage technology and AI to digitise and automate lending origination processes. These initiatives and synergies between payments and lending, align with the company’s objectives of achieving growth and profitability.

Annually, Japanese direct investment in the ASEAN region averaged about US$18.6 billion[1]. Furthermore, there are approximately 15,000 business establishments set up by Japanese companies in the region. In a 2024 survey conducted by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation[2], asking 500 Japanese companies their top 10 promising countries for overseas business development, ASEAN countries made up half the list.

Through this investment, Funding Societies will also embark on a partnership with CJF, leveraging the former’s strong track record in serving SMEs in Southeast Asia, to provide financial services to support Japanese companies. The partnership will foster positive commercial relations for Japanese companies and local SMEs in the region, and help expand overseas demand for attractive products and services unique to Japanese lifestyle and culture by supporting the overseas business expansion of Japanese companies engaged in providing them.

President and CEO of Cool Japan Fund, Kenichi Kawasaki, said, “We are excited to be backing Funding Societies through this investment. Their track record of supporting SMEs in Southeast Asia well places them to help Japanese companies overcome challenges when entering new overseas markets – particularly in this region. With the shift of interest from Japanese firms steering towards Southeast Asia, we believe our partnership with Funding Societies through this investment will grow the overseas demand of Japanese products and services, in turn, benefitting Japan’s economy as well as the local SMEs doing business with Japanese companies.”

Co-founder and Group CEO of Funding Societies | Modalku, Kelvin Teo, said, “We’re honored for the commitment from Cool Japan to collaborate and support Japanese companies expanding overseas. Many businesses we serve in Southeast Asia are Japanese firms, suppliers and/ or customers to them. Together with CJF, we intend to further strengthen these ties.”

Revenue of digital financial services in Southeast Asia is projected to be on the ascent, with digital lending to be the biggest driver – contributing approximately 65% of the total revenue[3]. The total loanbook[4] has a year-on-year growth of over 20% to US$71 billion from 2023 to 2024 (only covering under 1% of the US$2.5 trillion credit access gap in the region[5]), and is expected to grow steadily to approximately US$200-300 billion by 2030.

This injection follows successful milestones in 2024 achieved by Funding Societies including: a strategic equity investment from Maybank; and a third annual credit facility from HSBC’s ASEAN Growth Fund which is part of an accumulative commitment of over US$100 million credit facility with the bank.

To date, Funding Societies has achieved over US$4 billion in business financing serving about 100,000 SMEs, and processed an annualised payments gross transactions value (GTV) of over US$1.4 billion – since expanding into its payments business in 2022.

[1] Co-creating the future of the Indo-Pacific based on trust – ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in 2023

[2] Top 10 Promising Countries – Japan Bank for International Cooperation

[3] e-Conomy SEA Report 2024 – Google, Temasek and Bain & Company

[4] Total loanbook includes end-of-year balance for consumer loans (excluding credit card and mortgage) and SME loans

[5] MSME Finance Gap – SME Finance Forum

About Funding Societies | Modalku

Funding Societies | Modalku is the largest unified SME digital finance platform in Southeast Asia. It is licensed in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, registered in Malaysia, and operates in Vietnam. The FinTech company provides US$1 billion annually of business financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Since embarking on its strategic milestone to expand into payments, the company processes an annualised US$1.4 billion in gross transactions value, following the acquisition of regional digital payments platform CardUp in 2022.

Funding Societies | Modalku is backed by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Maybank, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, CGC Digital (the digital arm of the Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad), SBVA (previously SoftBank Ventures Asia), Peak XV Partners (previously Sequoia Capital India), Alpha JWC Ventures, SMBC Bank, BRI Ventures, VNG Corporation, Rapyd Ventures, Endeavor, EBDI, SGInnovative, Qualgro, and Golden Gate Ventures among others.

It has received accolades through the years including: Brands for Good (2019, 2023), Global SME Excellence Award, Global SME Finance Awards by IFC (2021-2023) Global Startup Awards (2020), MAS FinTech Award (2016, 2021), Singapore’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2024 (a list of 100 companies compiled by The Straits Times and Statista), High-Growth Companies in Asia-Pacific 2024 (a list of 500 companies compiled by the Financial Times and Statista) .

For more information, please visit: www.fundingsocieties.com

 

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Pope Leo XIV embraces paediatric patients at CNAO in Pavia

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PAVIA, Italy, June 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO) served as the first stop today during Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral visit to the city of Pavia. His choice to begin his journey at this center reflects a profound commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue between advanced scientific progress and the alleviation of human suffering.

CNAO President Gianluca Vago and General Manager Sandro Rossi received His Holiness, illustrating the center’s distinctive capabilities. CNAO stands out as a unique reality in Italy, remaining one of the very few facilities worldwide capable of delivering hadrontherapy using both protons and carbon ions. The technological core of the facility is its synchrotron, a subatomic particle accelerator that generates ultra-high-precision beams to treat complex, inoperable and radioresistant tumours. This cutting-edge technology allows for the targeted eradication of diseased cells while meticulously preserving surrounding healthy tissues, drastically improving patients’ survival and quality of life.

Furthermore, CNAO is expanding its capabilities as a premier multi-center utilizing new ion species, like Helium, later Oxygen and Neon. Soon, treatments will incorporate the Leo Cancer Care upright positioning and imaging system. The immediate future also includes beginning therapies with a Hitachi dedicated proton accelerator and gantry and a BNCT system for metastatic diseases, equipped with an electrostatic accelerator produced by TAE Life Science. With these new technologies, CNAO will become one of the most technologically advanced center in the world.

To date, over six thousand individuals, including approximately three hundred children and adolescents, have benefited from these life-saving treatments.

During his visit, the Pope engaged with CNAO’s Board of Directors, a collaborative body uniting national universities, clinical institutions, and research centers. He also extended his heartfelt greetings to the two hundred employees of the center. These doctors, physicists, engineers, and researchers tirelessly operate the advanced technologies in the service of oncology patients.

The emotional pinnacle of the day was the Holy Father’s private gathering with a delegation of young children who underwent treatment. The paediatric patients and their families shared a deeply touching moment of closeness, receiving the Pope’s comforting embrace.

“The visit of Pope Leo XIV honours us and represents a moment of extraordinary human value”, stated CNAO President Gianluca Vago. “In his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, the Holy Father emphasizes the necessity of a science that constantly safeguards the centrality of the person and directs technology toward the common good. In a time marked by global tensions, CNAO testifies daily how the incredible power of the atom can be used not to destroy, but to heal. The particle beams we utilize against disease are, symbolically, Rays of Hope, sharing and supporting the IAEA project bearing this name. The embrace the Holy Father reserved for our children reminds us that scientific research finds its most authentic purpose when it encounters listening, compassion, and hope”.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pope-leo-xiv-embraces-paediatric-patients-at-cnao-in-pavia-302805799.html

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HelloNation Article Examines Full Coverage Auto Insurance With Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow

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The article explains what full coverage auto insurance typically includes, what it excludes, and how coverage limits affect Iowa drivers.

URBANDALE, Iowa, June 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does full coverage auto insurance actually include for drivers in Iowa? That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow of Buenzow Insurance Group in Urbandale, Iowa.

The HelloNation article explains that full coverage auto insurance is a commonly used phrase that many drivers misunderstand. While the term suggests broad protection, it usually refers to a combination of liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage within an insurance policy. Understanding what these components cover helps drivers avoid gaps in protection and unexpected costs after an accident.

Liability coverage forms the legal foundation of auto insurance in Iowa. The article explains that liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage that a driver causes to others in an accident. State law requires Iowa drivers to carry minimum liability limits, and full coverage auto insurance policies include at least those required limits. However, liability coverage does not pay for damage to the driver’s own vehicle, which is why additional protection is often necessary.

Collision coverage is the part of a policy that helps pay for damage to the driver’s own vehicle after an accident. The HelloNation article notes that collision coverage applies when a vehicle hits another car, a guardrail, or a stationary object. In most cases, the insurer pays the actual cash value of the vehicle or the repair cost minus the policy’s deductible. Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow is featured in the article as a source of insights on how deductibles influence both insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs during a claim.

Comprehensive coverage addresses a different type of risk. According to the article, comprehensive coverage protects against damage caused by events other than collisions. This includes hail, theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, or animal-related incidents. For Iowa drivers, weather-related risks such as hailstorms can make comprehensive coverage an important part of a full coverage auto insurance policy.

The HelloNation article also explains that deductibles apply to both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. The deductible is the amount the policyholder must pay before insurance coverage begins. Drivers can often choose higher or lower deductibles depending on their financial preferences. Higher deductibles typically reduce premium costs but increase the amount paid out of pocket if damage occurs.

Another important takeaway from the article is what full coverage auto insurance does not automatically include. Standard policies usually do not provide roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, or gap coverage unless these features are added separately. The article explains that roadside assistance covers towing or emergency services, while rental reimbursement helps cover the cost of a temporary vehicle during repairs.

Gap coverage is another optional feature highlighted in the article. It is often recommended for drivers who finance or lease newer vehicles. Gap coverage pays the difference between the remaining loan balance and the vehicle’s actual cash value if it is declared a total loss after an accident.

The article also discusses the importance of understanding coverage limits within an insurance policy. Coverage limits determine the maximum amount an insurer will pay for a covered loss. If damage or liability exceeds those limits, the driver may be responsible for the remaining costs. Reviewing coverage limits carefully helps drivers ensure their policy reflects both the value of their vehicle and their financial risk.

Insurance Expert Ben Buenzow is again referenced in the article as part of a broader discussion about how drivers can make informed decisions about Iowa car insurance. The article encourages drivers to evaluate deductibles, coverage limits, and optional protections based on their individual needs.

The HelloNation article concludes by emphasizing that drivers should periodically review their insurance policy. Changes in vehicle value, financial circumstances, and driving habits can all affect the appropriate level of coverage. Understanding the components of full coverage auto insurance helps drivers maintain adequate protection and prepare for unexpected events on the road.

Iowa Auto Insurance: What Full Coverage Includes and Excludes features insights from Ben Buenzow, Insurance Expert of Urbandale, Iowa, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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HelloNation Clarifies Ohio Waiver Waiting List Classifications For Adults With Disabilities, Featuring Home Healthcare Expert Kellan Roberts Of Canton, Ohio

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The article explains immediate need and current need categories and how families can navigate Medicaid waiver programs.

CANTON, Ohio, June 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should families of developmental disabilities know about the Ohio waiver waiting list and how immediate need and current need classifications affect access to services? HelloNation provides guidance in an article featuring insights from Home Healthcare Expert Kellan Roberts of R House Home Health Care Services in Canton, Ohio.

The HelloNation article explains that the Ohio waiver waiting list exists because demand for Medicaid waiver programs often exceeds available funding. To manage this gap, counties use service prioritization categories to determine who receives services first. Understanding how these classifications work helps families plan more effectively and reduce uncertainty.

According to the article, immediate need generally refers to adults with developmental disabilities who cannot safely remain at home without prompt services. This may include individuals who have lost caregiver support or experienced a sudden health crisis. In contrast, the current need applies to individuals who require support but whose living situations remain stable enough to wait for waiver programs to become available.

The article emphasizes that documentation plays a critical role in determining placement on the Ohio waiver waiting list. Families must provide medical records, assessments, and supporting information that clearly demonstrate the level of need. Counties review this documentation carefully and may conduct interviews or home visits to confirm circumstances before assigning a classification.

Accurate and updated records are described as essential for proper service prioritization. Needs can change over time, and families are encouraged to notify county offices if circumstances worsen. A person initially categorized under current need may later qualify as immediate need if conditions shift. Staying engaged ensures that updated information is considered during periodic reviews.

While waiting for Medicaid waiver programs to begin, families may need to explore temporary supports. The article notes that personal care services, homemaker assistance, and community programs can help adults with disabilities maintain daily routines and independent living during the waiting period. These interim solutions provide structure and stability while long-term services are pending.

Family planning is highlighted as an important part of navigating the process. Understanding how waiver programs operate, what services they provide, and how classifications are reviewed allows families to make informed decisions. Planning ahead also reduces stress and prepares adults with disabilities for a smoother transition once services are approved.

The article further explains that service prioritization is not static. Counties regularly reassess waiting lists and adjust classifications based on updated information or changes in resources. Families benefit from understanding review timelines and maintaining open communication with county representatives.

Medicaid waiver programs offer a range of supports, including personal care, homemaker services, transportation, and community engagement. The HelloNation article advises families to consider how these services align with long-term goals related to independence, skill development, and community participation. Preparing in advance allows adults with disabilities to transition into services more efficiently when their turn arrives.

Ultimately, the article presents the Ohio waiver waiting list as a system that requires preparation, patience, and active participation. By understanding immediate need and current need classifications, maintaining proper documentation, and staying involved throughout the review process, families can better advocate for timely care and ensure continued safety and stability.

Immediate vs Current Need: How to Navigate the Ohio Waiver Waiting List features insights from Kellan Roberts, Home Healthcare Expert of Canton, Ohio, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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