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Pearson launches Beyond PTE at Southeast Asia Partner Summit

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New insights reveal more than half of test takers in Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea pursue Pearson Test of English for work and migration opportunities.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pearson (PSON), the world’s leading learning company, today released insights from Pearson Test of English (PTE) candidates across Southeast Asia for 2024. The data reveals a younger demographic with ambitions to work and study around the globe.

This announcement comes on the heels of the successful 2024 Asia PTE Partner Summit, a gathering of more than 400 international education professionals simultaneously hosted in Changsa, China, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Manila, Philippines, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam and virtually across other Southeast Asia countries, South Korea and Japan.

At the summit Pearson launched a new test taker service, Beyond PTE, and gathered education officials from embassies and consulates and institutions as well as training providers to discuss the latest trends in international education and presented the annual report card for PTE.

Guests and speakers at the Summit included the Hon Phil Honeywood, CEO, International Education Association of Australia, Guy Perring, Regional Director, Etio (formerly Tribal i-graduate), Danielle Zhou, Business Development Manager, Austrade, Wu Xinping, Education Market Manager, British Council, and Felix Ye, Senior Market Development Manager, Education New Zealand.

Beyond PTE Launch

The Beyond PTE program launched in collaboration with Trip.com, Malaysia Airlines and Casita.com. This new service is designed to provide a barrier-free, one-stop solution for PTE candidates, through integration with the right financial, legal and travel service providers, each one of them offering additional benefits for PTE test takers.

Beyond PTE offers include:

Trip.com – Flight discount up to MYR40 or SGD15, 20% UK railcard off, up to GBP7, 5 % OFF UK & EU train and bus ticketMalaysia Airlines – Join MH Explorer program to access up to 30% flight discount and free baggage up to 45kgCasita.com – Student accommodation cashback up to GBP150/AUD250/USD200 for PTE test takers

PTE Director Asia, Matthew Lampkin said: “By launching the Beyond PTE cooperation program, we aim to provide multi-dimensional services and all-round support for candidates studying abroad. Pearson is committed to meeting growing demand, with new centres opened this year in key locations, such as Hanoi, Vietnam, Jakarta, Indonesia and Vientiane, Laos providing greater access and convenience for our test takers.”

New Insights from 2024 Testing

The lates insights from the millions of PTE tests taken around the world in 20204 were also released at the Summit including:

Demographics Comparison:Gender Distribution: Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea: Female (59.6%), Male (40.4%); Global: Female (50.1%), Male (49.9%)Higher female participation in Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea is encouraging in the region, compared to the near-equal global gender split.Average Age: Both regions show a broad age involvement from 16 to 73 years, demonstrating comprehensive demographic coverage for English proficiency.Nationalities: Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea: 89 nationalities (leading nationality: Filipino); Global: 180 nationalities (leading nationality: Indian)This reflects the regional diversity while highlighting different leading nationalities.First Languages: Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea: PTE test takers spoke 90 different first languages, with the most common being Tagalog; Global: Most common first language is Mandarin.Testing Locations Comparison The top five testing locations in Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea include key cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Makati City, Seoul, and Singapore underscoring PTE’s broad geographical reach.Purpose and DestinationsPurpose for Taking PTE: Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea: Work/Migration (52.5%), Study (31.4%); Global: Similar distribution, focusing on work, migration, and study applications.Top Destinations: Both regions show a high preference for Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, reflecting consistent global aspirations.Levels and Programs of StudyLevels of Study:The top two levels of study in the region are: Undergraduate degree (32.8%), and Postgraduate/Master’s degree (24.8%)Programs of Study:The top three study areas for the region are: Business and Management (18.2%), Health (17.6%), Tourism and Hospitality Management (11.6%)Occupational InterestsTop Occupations: Health and Social Services (29.8%), Technical and Scientific (7.7%), and globally the top occupations are: construction, education, banking, and finance globally.Information ChannelsPrimary Sources of Information: Friend or family (29.4%), Internet search (19.7%) and Australian Department of Home Affairs (13.6%), Friend or Family being top primary source of information underlying the strong word of mouth and willingness to recommend among PTE test takers.

About PTE

PTE is committed to providing fast, reliable, and accurate English language testing. With over 500 test centers in 118 countries, PTE supports educational, migration, and professional ambitions worldwide. By combining human expertise with advanced AI, PTE offers a fair and highly accurate English language test, recognized by governments, organizations, and universities globally. The test is available for all visa types in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, and is recognized by over 3,500 universities worldwide. In 2024, PTE achieved significant global success, including launching PTE Core for Canadian visa applications and gaining recognition in the Netherlands and the US. Over 2,000 US universities now recognize PTE, including Princeton University and MIT.

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That is why our over 20,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning is not just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com. 

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Achieve earns Top 3 ranking for personal loan customer satisfaction from LendingTree

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Recognition marks seventh consecutive quarter Achieve has ranked among the nation’s top lenders for customer satisfaction

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, has been named one of the Top 3 lenders in personal loan customer satisfaction by LendingTree for the third quarter of 2026. This distinction from one of the nation’s largest online personal finance marketplaces underscores Achieve’s commitment to delivering transparent, supportive, and human-centered financial services.

This marks the seventh consecutive LendingTree customer service award that Achieve has earned, following a top-three ranking in the second quarter of 2026. The quarterly ranking is published by LendingTree, based on verified customer reviews and other data evaluating lenders on transparency, ease of the application process and the quality of customer service. Achieve consistently maintains high ratings for providing consumers with a clear path toward improving their financial health.

“For someone consolidating debt, a personal loan is more than a transaction. It’s an opportunity to improve their finances and move forward with greater confidence,” said Achieve President of Lending Kyle Enright. “Our team helps members understand their options and find the solution that fits their goals by pairing competitive fixed rates with personal guidance. Earning this recognition for a seventh consecutive quarter reflects the care our teammates bring to those conversations and the trust our members place in us.”

A rate cut earlier this year lowered the best available annual percentage rate (APR) on Achieve Personal Loans to 6.25%, a reduction of 274 basis points. This initiative, supported by advanced underwriting and enhanced with FICO® Score 10 T data, maintains access to fixed-rate loans for an expanded set of consumers, with an expected improvement in credit performance. These loans are originated by a bank partner via the Achieve Personal Loans platform.

Key highlights of the Achieve Personal Loan experience:

Competitive, fixed rates: APRs now start as low as 6.25% for qualified borrowers, providing a more affordable alternative to high-interest credit card debt.Rapid funding: Qualified members can have funds sent in as little as 24 hours to address immediate financial needs.Flexible terms: Borrowers can choose repayment schedules ranging from 2, 3, 4 and 5 years to align with their specific budget and goals.Transparent pricing: All loans feature fixed monthly payments and a clear payoff date, with no hidden fees or revolving balances.

For more information and important disclosures about Achieve Personal Loans, visit achieve.com/personal-loans

Achieve has served over 2 million consumers, helping to resolve over $22 billion in debt and facilitated over $15 billion in personal loans and home equity lines of credit since 2002. This latest accolade follows a series of recent wins. Achieve was named to Az Business Magazine’s AZ Big 100 List for 2026, and honored by InHerSight with eight recognitions, including being named the No. 1 finance company for women to work.

As a trusted leader in debt consolidation, Achieve remains committed to helping everyday people move toward a better financial future. This commitment is rooted in providing a transparent experience, a personalized approach to every member’s unique situation and the predictable, fast cash flow necessary to attain long-term financial stability. By focusing on these core principles, the company continues to redefine how consumers manage debt and build lasting financial health.

About Achieve

Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, helps everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a better financial future. Achieve pairs proprietary data and analytics with personalized support to offer personal loans, home equity loans, debt relief and debt consolidation, along with financial tips and education. Achieve is frequently recognized for providing top-rated customer experience and satisfaction by both consumers and leading personal finance review platforms and has 2,200 dedicated teammates across the country, with hubs in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.

Achieve refers to the global organization and may denote one or more affiliates of Achieve Company, including Achieve.com, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #138464); Achieve Home Loans, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #1810501); Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977); Freedom Debt Relief (NMLS ID # 1248929); and Freedom Financial Asset Management (CRD #170229).

Contacts

Austin Kilgore
akilgore@achieve.com
214-908-5097

Elina Tarkazikis
etarkazikis@achieve.com

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SOURCE Achieve

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Mediaplanet Launches Men’s Mental Health Campaign in USA TODAY, Featuring Jake Shane, Howie Mandel, Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and Yung Pueblo

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NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mediaplanet today announces the launch of its Men’s Mental Health campaign, publishing within USA TODAY and through the Future of Personal Health digital content hub. The national campaign brings together leading healthcare experts, mental health advocates, organizations, athletes and public figures to encourage more open conversations around men’s mental health and provide accessible, actionable resources for building healthier lives. Featuring Netflix podcaster and internet sensation Jake Shane as the publication’s cover story, the campaign also includes editorial from global influence Howie Mandel, All-Star athlete Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and author Yung Pueblo, offering personal experiences and expert perspectives on mental health, emotional well-being, resilience and personal growth.

Through personal stories, expert insights and practical resources, the campaign directly challenges the expectation that men should navigate mental health struggles alone while encouraging a more open and supportive approach to overall well-being. “I wish people would take care of their mental health the way we take care of our dental health,” said Howie Mandel. His perspective reflects the campaign’s broader mission to normalize mental health care as an essential part of everyday health and encourage men to prioritize their well-being before they reach a point of crisis.

The campaign was made possible through the participation and support of Vibrant Emotional Health, Financial Therapy Association, NOCD, Spear Center, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy, American Association of Kidney Patients, Crisis Text Line, YMCA, One Mind at Work, The Hidden Opponent, Kevin Love Fund, American College of Sports Medicine, Whitman-Walker, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Mark Hyman, Yung Pueblo, Kevin Love, Howie Mandel and Jake Shane.

Media Contact: Joelle Hernandez, joelle.hernandez@mediaplanet.com 

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Wonderloom Media’s Dr. Insanity Launches Patreon With Exclusive Content for Superfans Amid Rising Demand for Premium True Crime

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Wonderloom Media’s true crime channel, with more than 6 million YouTube subscribers, gives its most dedicated fans a deeper way to experience its documentary-style storytelling

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wonderloom Media, the creator economy studio formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, today announced the launch of a Patreon membership for Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, expanding the depth of content available to the channel’s biggest fans.

The Dr. Insanity Patreon offers members extended cuts of episodes, exclusive content and a community space, giving superfans more of the stories they follow on YouTube. The membership launches October 31 alongside a weeklong feature on a Times Square billboard, running through November 5.

Dr. Insanity now has more than 6.1 million YouTube subscribers and over 3 billion total views, and has continued to grow since Wonderloom acquired the channel in June 2026. The Patreon launch is part of Wonderloom’s push to expand Dr. Insanity’s content and bring it to fans wherever they watch, including its distribution on Tubi.

True crime superfans can become members of the Dr. Insanity Patreon at www.patreon.com/c/DrInsanity

About Wonderloom Media
Wonderloom Media is a creator-first media platform that acquires, operates and scales YouTube-native content businesses. Formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, Wonderloom brings institutional operating experience, expanded distribution and 360° monetization to digital-native properties with loyal audiences and long-term growth potential. Its portfolio includes Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, with more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views.

About Dr. Insanity
Dr. Insanity is one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, known for documentary-style storytelling and a loyal, highly engaged audience. The channel has more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views. https://www.youtube.com/@DrInsanityCrime 

Media Contact:
Michal Mitchell
Wonderloom@relativity.ventures

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wonderloom-medias-dr-insanity-launches-patreon-with-exclusive-content-for-superfans-amid-rising-demand-for-premium-true-crime-302922403.html

SOURCE Wonderloom Media

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