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AIA Singapore expands cross-border medical access and digitalised care for more than 1 million employees

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 With over one-third (34%) of Singapore residents concerned over the affordability of healthcare services[1] and medical inflation projected to reach a record-high of 16.9%[2], AIA Singapore aims to bridge these cost and accessibility gaps with its upcoming corporate policy enhancements – all at no additional premium.

SINGAPORE, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore’s leading insurer in employee benefits, AIA Singapore announced today a new set of enhancements to its corporate insurance offering that will roll out from 1 August 2026 onwards. Against a backdrop of medical inflation and rising costs of healthcare, these first-in-industry enhancements are specifically designed to make quality healthcare more accessible, convenient and seamless for employees and their dependants[3].

These enhancements will protect more than 1 million corporate insured members, representing approximately one-third of Singapore’s workforce. From expanded access to professional healthcare services, to simplification of administrative processes supported by digitalisation, employees will benefit from more timely care and reduced administrative effort.

“Our latest AIA Live Better Study reveals that 34% of Singapore residents are deeply concerned about healthcare affordability, while 29% explicitly expect to spend more on medical expenses,” said Kenneth Tan, Chief Corporate Solutions Officer at AIA Singapore. “Amidst these inflationary pressures, businesses must step up to protect employee wellbeing.

By extending corporate medical access across the border into Malaysia and removing General Practitioner (GP) referral requirements at zero additional premium cost, we are directly shielding more than 1 million employees in Singapore from rising costs while streamlining their day-to-day healthcare journeys, enabling them to live Healthier, Longer, Better lives.”

Meeting today’s healthcare expectations

As healthcare utilisation continues to rise, employers face growing pressure to deliver cost-effective benefits that align with workforce needs. Simultaneously, employees expect greater flexibility in where they receive care, expanded treatment access, and on-demand digital options.

AIA Singapore’s latest enhancements directly address these dual expectations by expanding care networks and digital capabilities—all at no additional cost.

Expanding access cross-border from 1st August 2026

[Industry-First] Expanded Coverage for Inpatient Care in Malaysia: Employees with inpatient coverage can now access treatment at AIA-selected hospitals in Malaysia with a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) Plus. This cross-border extension simplifies planned treatments for employees who prefer treatment in Malaysia due to lower costs, or employees who travel frequently to Malaysia.[Industry-First] Expanded Dental Network to Malaysia: Employees with dental benefits[4] will gain access to a curated panel of dental clinics located in major Malaysian retail malls[5]. By presenting their digital AIA Dental Card, employees can enjoy routine and preventive oral healthcare with better cost certainty and no upfront payment.

Simplifying the healthcare journey

[Industry-First] GP Referral Waiver for Singapore Public Hospital Specialists: Expediting specialist clinical care, employees can visit Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOCs) at Singapore Public Hospitals without the need for a GP referral letter from 1 August 2026 onwards. This process simplification enables more direct access for members with known or recurring conditions.

Enhancing digital access and support

Fully Digitalised Pre-Authorisation Process: Employees can also submit their pre-authorisation requests digitally anytime, anywhere through the AIA+ mobile application and web portal.Round-the-clock GP Teleconsultation with WhiteCoat: Employees can consult with a primary care doctor 24/7 via the WhiteCoat app, gaining access to expert medical advice and prescription deliveries, even during late-night hours when traditional clinics are closed.

These compelling enhancements are provided at no additional premium and apply automatically to eligible corporate policies. By improving access, simplifying processes, and expanding care options, AIA Singapore aims to boost the overall healthcare experience while helping employers and their employees maximise the value of their employee benefits programmes.

This milestone launch coincides with AIA Singapore’s 95th anniversary of protecting generations of families and businesses across the nation, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to helping individuals live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

– END –

About AIA   

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR[6], Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR[7], and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$345 billion as of 31 December 2025.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 44 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.

[1] The ninth wave of the AIA Live Better Study is an independent study that was conducted from 19 December 2025 to 6 January 2026 with a sample size of 1,000 representing Singapore’s general population.

[2] ‘Medical cost inflation in Singapore set to hit record 16.9%; insurers’ body urges collective action’ 1 April 2026. Available at: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/medical-cost-inflation-in-singapore-set-to-hit-record-16-9-lia-urges-collective-action?ref=inline-article

[3] Dependants refer to eligible dependants of insured employees covered under the applicable group insurance policy.

[4] Dental refers to policies with Dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organisation) cover only.

[5] Refers to curated partner dental clinics starting in major Johor Bahru retail malls.

[6] Hong Kong SAR refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

[7] Macau SAR refers to the Macau Special Administrative Region.

 

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SOURCE AIA Singapore

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China Xplained | The China Squeeze, or the China Opportunity?

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GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report from South: 

Is China’s manufacturing rise squeezing out or creating opportunities for other economies?

Ahead of the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in China this November, journalists and experts from around the world gathered in Guangdong for the Asia-Pacific Media Forum (APMF) 2026.

The forum opened in Shenzhen on September 5, bringing together more than 400 representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as from international organizations.

Before the opening of the forum, participants travelled across Guangdong to see China’s industries and development first-hand.

In this episode of China Xplained, we look at the numbers, supply chains, investment and voices from across the developing world—to ask a bigger question: Is China squeezing out room for other economies?

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-xplained–the-china-squeeze-or-the-china-opportunity-302870814.html

SOURCE South

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PUDU D7 Named Honoree in IFA Innovation Awards for Best in IFA Next & Emerging Technologies

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BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pudu Robotics, a global leader in commercial service robotics, today announced that its PUDU D7 Semi-humanoid Intelligent Robot has been named an Honoree in the Best in IFA Next & Emerging Technologies category of the IFA Innovation Awards. The recognition highlights PUDU D7’s ability to combine mobile navigation, dexterous manipulation and intelligent sensing to perform a range of tasks in real-world industrial and commercial environments.

The IFA Innovation Awards recognize outstanding innovations across the global technology landscape. Entries are evaluated by an independent international jury based on criteria including technology and functionality, innovation and originality, and the potential to create tangible value for users and the market. The recognition places PUDU D7 among emerging technologies demonstrating new possibilities for the future of robotics.

From Industrial Operations to Guest Interaction

PUDU D7 is designed for industrial, warehouse, retail and hospitality environments, where it can move through human-oriented spaces and perform tasks that require both mobility and dexterous manipulation.

In industrial and warehouse settings, D7 can handle materials, pick items from shelves, replenish inventory, transport goods between work areas and push carts. With a payload capacity of up to 20 kg (44.1 pounds) and an operating height of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet), it can work with a range of storage systems and materials.

In retail, D7 can support shelf replenishment, item handling and store organization, moving products between storage areas and shelves and helping maintain product displays.

In hotels and hospitality, PUDU D7 can take on the role of an intelligent front-desk host, welcoming guests, preparing and serving coffee, interacting with visitors and providing engaging experiences. Its semi-humanoid form and dual-arm capabilities allow it to combine practical service tasks with natural human-robot interaction, bringing a more personable and engaging presence to the guest experience.

Designed for Adaptable Performance

PUDU D7 combines a dual-arm manipulation system, tactile sensing and a 360-degree perception system to support these applications. Front- and rear-facing LiDAR and other sensors enable navigation around people and obstacles, while tactile sensing provides precise control when handling objects.

The robot also features autonomous battery swapping, allowing it to independently replace its battery and reduce downtime during extended operation.

Together, these capabilities enable D7 to support different tasks across a range of environments without being limited to a single application.

PUDU D7 Makes Its European Debut at IFA

IFA 2026 marks the first time PUDU D7 is being showcased in Europe. At the Pudu Robotics booth, visitors can experience live demonstrations highlighting the robot’s capabilities and its potential for human-robot interaction.

D7 interacts directly with visitors through demonstrations including waving, making heart gestures and picking up objects. These demonstrations showcase the robot’s ability to combine movement, manipulation and interaction in a human-oriented environment.

Advancing the Next Generation of Intelligent Robotics

The IFA Innovation Awards recognition marks another step in Pudu Robotics’ expansion from service delivery, commercial cleaning and industrial delivery into embodied intelligent robotics.

PUDU D7 is part of Pudu Robotics’ broader strategy to develop a portfolio of specialized, semi-humanoid and humanoid robots, building on its capabilities in embodied navigation, manipulation and interaction. This approach enables the company to address a broader range of applications across commercial and industrial environments.

Pudu Robotics will continue working with customers and partners worldwide to explore new applications for embodied intelligence and bring increasingly capable robots into real-world environments.

About Pudu Robotics

Pudu Robotics is a global leader in commercial service robotics and the industry’s first company to offer a full portfolio spanning specialized, semi-humanoid, and humanoid robots. According to Frost & Sullivan’s latest market report, Pudu Robotics ranks No. 1 globally in commercial service robotics by both revenue and shipment volume. Built on its One Brain, Multiple Embodiments architecture, Pudu offers robots for service delivery, commercial cleaning, industrial delivery, and general embodied AI applications across hospitality, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, education, public services, and more. To date, Pudu Robotics has shipped over 130,000 robots to customers across 85+ countries and regions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pudu-d7-named-honoree-in-ifa-innovation-awards-for-best-in-ifa-next–emerging-technologies-302870806.html

SOURCE Pudu Robotics

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Asia-Pacific Media Forum held in China’s Guangdong

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SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Xinhuanet: 

The Asia-Pacific Media Forum opened on Saturday in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, with the theme of “Building a Path to Shared Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community: Media Consensus and Action.”

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the forum and delivered a keynote speech. Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, attended the forum and delivered a speech.

Participating guests noted that this year marks 2026 APEC “China Year,” during which China will host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. They expressed their belief that with support from all sides, the summit will yield fruitful outcomes and elevate Asia-Pacific cooperation to new heights.

Participating guests emphasized that development and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region depend on the active participation of media. The media are expected to share stories of openness and integration, provide comprehensive coverage of the region’s progress and achievements across various fields, and help foster a favorable public opinion environment for the region’s open development.

Participating guests noted that the media should actively promote outcomes of the series of APEC activities, interpret policies and measures of various economies to support scientific and technological innovation, and build regional consensus for innovative development.

They also called for deepening results-oriented cooperation in joint reporting, technological innovation and personnel training, and leveraging media exchanges to carry forward civilizations, spread culture and convey goodwill, so as to enhance mutual understanding and closer bonds among the peoples of the Asia-Pacific.

The forum was co-hosted by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, Xinhua News Agency and the Guangdong provincial government, and organized by the Shenzhen municipal government.

More than 400 representatives from over 40 countries and regions, as well as UN agencies and international organizations, attended the event. At the opening ceremony, 16 founding organizations from China and abroad jointly formed the Organizing Committee of the Asia-Pacific Media Partnership Program.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/asia-pacific-media-forum-held-in-chinas-guangdong-302870809.html

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