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Ping An Selected for Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index. Series for 14th Consecutive Year

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HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (hereafter “Ping An“, the “Company” or the “Group”, HKEX: 2318 / 82318; SSE: 601318) has been included as a constituent member in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series for 2024-2025, effective immediately. Hang Seng Indexes Company recognizes Ping An’s outstanding performance in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). Ping An has been a constituent member of the index series for 14 consecutive years.  

The Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series, which is reviewed annually, provides a benchmark for sustainability investments. For 2024-2025:

Ping An (601318.SS) has been included in the Hang Seng (China A) Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index, the Hang Seng (China A) Corporate Sustainability Index, and the Hang Seng (Mainland and HK) Corporate Sustainability Index.Ping An (2318.HK) is a constituent member of the Hang Seng (Mainland and HK) Corporate Sustainability Index.

Global interest in corporate sustainability has risen significantly in recent years, with investors increasingly focusing on companies demonstrating exceptional sustainability performance. The Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series, launched in 2010, has a rigorous selection process. It leverages a rating framework designed by an independent consultant to assess corporate sustainability performance, and ultimately selects constituent members based on the highest sustainability scores among the largest and most liquid stocks listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Shanghai Stock Exchange, and Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Ping An’s inclusion for 14 consecutive years is testament to the widespread recognition in the capital market of the Group’s long-term commitment and effort in environmental protection, social responsibility and corporate governance.

Sustainable development is Ping An’s development strategy to maximize the Company’s long-term value. Ping An is customer needs-oriented, delivering on its “integrated finance + healthcare and senior care” strategy. It is continuously refining its corporate governance and risk control mechanisms, implementing green, low carbon and sustainable development initiatives, and creating long-term value for customers, employees, shareholders and society.

One-stop integrated finance solutions for 236 million customers

Remaining customer needs-oriented, Ping An is continuously developing its integrated finance model of “one customer, multiple accounts, multiple products, and one-stop services” with a people-centered philosophy. Ping An provides diverse products and convenient services to 236 million retail customers under the “worry-free, time-saving, and money-saving” value proposition. As of June 30, 2024, the Group had 236 million retail customers. About one-quarter of them, 24.9%, held four or more contracts within the Group, with a retention rate of 97.8%. The average contracts per retail customer reached 2.93. Over 87.92 million retail customers held multiple contracts with different subsidiaries.

Health and senior care ecosystem strategy

As China’s population is aging, Ping An launched its Chinese “managed care model” by seamlessly combining its online/offline health and senior care ecosystem, and building online, in-store and home-delivered services. In addition to providing traditional insurance protection, Ping An also integrates premium health and senior care resources and manages customers’ health by providing cost-effective healthcare and senior care services to customers. As of the end of June 2024, Ping An had a network of approximately 50,000 in-house and contracted external doctors across 34 hospitals, health management centers and children’s rehabilitation centers in Mainland China. Ping An partnered with more than 36,000 hospitals, more than 104,000 health care management institutions, and approximately 233,000 pharmacies. Overseas, Ping An partnered with more than 1,300 health care institutions in 35 countries.

Green transformation and environmental protection

Leveraging its integrated finance advantages, Ping An has been upgrading its green finance initiatives. As of the end of June 2024, Ping An’s green investment of insurance funds reached RMB124.88 billion, and the green loan balance reached RMB164.63 billion. In the first half of 2024, green insurance premium income amounted to RMB23.61 billion.

Ping An is also working towards operational carbon neutrality by 2030. In 2023, Ping An launched the industry’s first carbon account system covering 152,000 employees, incorporating employees’ low-carbon behavior and carbon emission data into general operations. As of the end of December 2023, their efforts cumulatively reduced carbon dioxide emissions approximately 494,500 times, equivalent to 18 thousand tons. In 2023, Ping An’s total greenhouse gas emissions was 426,082.62 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), a decrease of 14% year-on-year, Greenhouse gas emissions per capita was 1.35 tCO2e/person, with a decrease of 5.6% from the previous year.

Employee welfare and development

To retain key talent, the Group provides a Long-term Service Plan and Key Employee Share Purchase Plan. As of the end of December 2023, there were 103,232 participants in the Long-term Service Plan and Key Employee Share Purchase Plan, covering 36% of total employees. To support employees’ learning and career development, Ping An’s talent development training system offers 375 courses for employees at all levels. In 2023, employees received an average of 45.1 training hours. As of the end of December 2023, Ping An had 289,000 employees. Women represented 51% of total employees and 42% of senior management.

Rapid responses to natural disasters and fulfillment of social responsibilities

Ping An gives full play to insurance as a stabilizer in unexpected extreme natural disasters. It has taken part in rescue missions amid rainstorms and floods in Hunan, cold waves and blizzards in Northeast China and earthquakes in Jishishan, Gansu Province. In 2023, Ping An paid about RMB2.9 billion in disaster insurance claims and supported rescue efforts in earthquake hit areas in Gansu and Qinghai by donating RMB10 million.

Ping An is also supporting sustainable development across China. To enhance rural education, Ping An contributed to the construction of 119 Hope Primary Schools across China as of the end of 2023, and contributed to community initiatives with more than 500,000 Ping An employee and agent volunteers.

Ping An strives to become a world-leading integrated financial, health and senior care services group. The Company will continue to pursue high quality development, maintain a high level of corporate governance, implement its in-depth sustainable development strategy, and grow value for customers, employees, shareholders and society.

About Ping An Group

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEx:2318 / 82318; SSE:601318) is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. It strives to become a world-leading provider of integrated finance, health and senior care services, Under the technology-driven “integrated finance + health and senior care” strategy, the Group provides professional “financial advisory, family doctor, and senior care concierge” services to its 236 million retail customers. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve financial businesses’ quality and efficiency and enhance risk management. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As of the end of June 2024, Ping An had RMB12,226,666 million in total assets. The Group ranked 29th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2024 and 53rd in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2024. 

For more information, please visit www.group.pingan.com and follow us on LinkedIn – PING AN.

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SOURCE Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd.

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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