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Singaporean travellers are prioritising rest, relaxation and peace of mind – even while cost-of-living is top of mind

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SINGAPORE, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Allianz Partners Travel Index, which surveyed over 500 Singaporean adults regarding travel plans and holiday aspirations, reveals that more than nine in 10 (90%) Singaporeans plan to travel in the year ahead. While travel is high on the agenda for most, cost-of-living is also having an impact on spending, with 73% of those not travelling citing cost as their main barrier.

Rest, relaxation and peace of mind are the priority for Singaporeans, with 74% planning holidays focused on resorts and wellness, followed by enjoying cultural experiences (50%) and to have an adventure (43%). This is in line with regional findings with 65% of APAC respondents travelling to rest and relax, 50% to enjoy cultural experiences, and 40% for adventure. Destination wise, most Singaporeans are planning to travel within Asia (52%) and Oceania (19%), followed by UK and Europe (9%), North America or Canada (4%), and South America or Middle-East and North Africa (2%).

How much Singaporeans will spend on travel

Most Singaporean travellers are planning to spend between $1.2k to above $3k per trip in the coming year. The research suggests that the affordability, adventure on offer and geographical proximity is helping make Asia the go-to destination for many. 30% more travellers with lower travel budget ($1.1k and below) are likely to pick Asia as a travel destination than those with a higher budget (over $3k).

Almost twice as many travellers in the 50+ age group than in the 18-29 age group will spend more than $3k on their holidays indicating this generation are prioritising their discretionary spend towards travel. On average, compared to other markets in APAC, Singaporeans budget lesser for travelling, behind Australia, New Zealand, China and Hong Kong SAR. India budgets the least for travel, followed by Japan.

Being prepared is top-of-mind

Alongside rest and relaxation, Singaporeans are prioritising being prepared for unforeseen events. Almost all Singaporean and APAC respondents say they will purchase travel insurance (87% vs 86%), citing top concerns such as personal safety (59% vs 48%), falling sick (56% vs 40%), being scammed, robbed or pickpocketed (55% vs 40%), flight cancellations and delays (55% vs 42%), and extreme weather events (46% vs 40%).

For Singaporeans, the main reasons for buying travel insurance are to cover such unforeseen events (73%), for security or peace of mind (68%) and to cover the cost of the trip (24%). For APAC travellers, the number one reason to purchase travel insurance is for peace-of-mind (65%), followed by readiness for the unexpected (59%).

When it comes to purchasing, Singaporean travellers will purchase insurance directly from an insurance provider (55%), followed by a travel website (17%), or through a travel provider like airline, hotel or tour operator (9%).

The research also found that there are direct correlations between travel budgets, and likelihood of purchasing insurance, with those spending more than $3k on their travel almost 24% more likely to purchase travel insurance than those budgeting $1,100 and less.

Everyone’s a travel influencer

According to the Allianz Partners Travel Index, word of mouth and social media are incredibly influential for Singaporeans when selecting their holiday destinations. More than half of all Singaporeans (67%), whether planning to travel or not, stated that they are inspired by recommendations from family and friends when it comes to travel locations. Similarly, majority of APAC travellers rely on recommendations from family and friends, but there is more reliance on social media among mainland Chinese and Hong Kongers.

Those who intend to travel also cite social media as a key source of inspiration when selecting their destination, with YouTube (69%) being the main source, followed by Instagram (56%) and Facebook (53%). 

Commenting on the survey, Vinay Surana, Managing Director of Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Allianz Partners, said: “While cost-of-living is front of mind for many Singaporeans, travel intentions remain high for many, especially for rest and relaxation. With the peak mid-year holidays approaching, we expect that travel demand will remain high across age groups and will continue throughout the rest of the year.

The research also tells us that concerns over personal safety is leading to a more conscientious approach from travellers and they are willing to spend a little extra for peace of mind. The travel industry is unpredictable and evolving, with potential tensions ranging from bad weather events and flight delays to incidents such as lost luggage or falling ill on holiday, making it more important than ever to be prepared for unforeseen events. We would like to see all travellers, regardless of their travel budget, make travel insurance an essential purchase because we know that when the unexpected happens overseas, it can be costly. Having this extra layer of protection will provide a peace of mind, making travel a stress and worry-free experience”.

About the Allianz Travel Index 2025

Allianz Partners commissioned Kantar Consumer Link to conduct an online survey of 502 Singaporean adults between 31 Jan and 7 Feb 2025. The same survey is also conducted in a few Asia Pacific markets including Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong SAR, India and Japan.

About The Travel Index

Launching in Asia Pacific for the first time in 2025, The Allianz Partners Travel Index now contributes to a suite of consumer data from over 20 000 consumers in Asia Pacific, USA, Canada, and Europe. By combining the insights of the Allianz Partners Asia Pacific Travel Index with our global counterparts we gain a unique worldwide perspective on the traveller landscape enabling us to identify emerging global trends, and effectively respond to shifts in consumer preferences.

About Allianz Partners

Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health, travel insurance, mobility and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Our products are embedded seamlessly into our partners’ businesses, sold through intermediary channels or directly to customers through the Allianz brand. Present in over 75 countries, our 21,900 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 72.5 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer assistance to our customers around the world. 

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SOURCE Allianz Partners

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SSI SCHAEFER’s Four-Way Pallet Roaming Shuttle Is Expanding Warehouse Design Possibilities

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SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For warehouse operators in South Korea, warehouse design is increasingly shaped by competing demands: making better use of available space, managing labor constraints and maintaining reliable operations without committing to automation that exceeds business needs.

The challenge is not simply to store more pallets, but to determine how storage capacity can be configured around the inventory characteristics and the movement the operation actually requires.

Rethinking the use of warehouse space

Warehouse capacity is often assessed by the number of pallet positions available. However, the same building footprint can support different storage configurations, each with its own implications for accessibility, material flow and operating requirements.

Four-way pallet roaming shuttles, such as the SSI Pallet Roaming Shuttle, use onboard multi-sensor navigation to determine their position, monitor their surroundings in real time, and accurately detect obstacles. This enables flexible pallet handling across multiple storage levels, opening up greater possibilities for high-density, single- or multi-deep pallet storage configurations.

For facilities where building expansion is restricted, the ability to use available space more effectively can be an important design consideration. With system heights of 24 metres and options for 40 metres subject to configuration, solutions like the shuttle allow warehouse planners to evaluate storage designs that make greater use of the space.

Matching movement capability to operational needs

The significance of four-way movement lies in the flexibility it introduces into storage design. This can be particularly relevant to manufacturing operations storing raw materials or finished goods, food and beverage distribution, and temperature-controlled warehouses where storage conditions and space utilisation are crucial design considerations.

The shuttle supports payloads of up to 3000 kg and uses RFID and photoelectric positioning, with a specified positioning accuracy of ±5 mm. Operating at a maximum aislewise speed of 1.5 m/s when loaded and 1.6 m/s when unloaded, it provides a technical basis for evaluating its suitability against a warehouse’s storage and movement requirement.

Automation solving the right challenges, at the right time

For South Korean warehouse operators facing a rapidly aging population and labor constraints, the question is whether automating pallet storage and movement will address a meaningful operational need. Suited to medium-to-low SKU ranges and lower-throughput applications, the SSI Pallet Roaming Shuttle is worth considering where frequent retrievals and reduced reliance on repetitive manual handling are priorities, rather than high-volume pallet retrieval.

“The value of warehouse automation lies in how well a system fits the operation it is designed to serve. More automation does not automatically mean a better warehouse.

The real measure of an effective solution is how well its storage density, retrieval capability and throughput match the operation’s needs. Investing in capacity or performance that the business cannot fully utilise—or sacrificing retrieval flexibility for density—misses the point of warehouse automation,” said Jeon Jae Beom, Head of Sales, SSI Schaefer Korea.

For South Korean businesses balancing space, labor and investment pressures, the key is to select systems according to its intended role in the wider operation, not on the assumption that greater automation will resolve every capacity or productivity challenge.

For more information, visit www.ssi-schaefer.com/ko-kr.

About SSI SCHAEFER

The SSI SCHAEFER Group is a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics. With innovative technologies and software, the company empowers small to medium-sized enterprises as well as large companies to increase the efficiency and sustainability of their storage, picking, and transport processes. SSI SCHAEFER offers complete solutions ranging from fully automated warehouses with tailored service and maintenance packages to robotics and automated guided vehicles, as well as manual and semi-automated systems such as workstations, racks and containers.

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SOURCE SSI Schaefer Korea

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Heybike Launches V1 Pro, a 72V Power Beast with 8,000W Peak Power and Bigger Attitude

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ONTARIO, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Heybike today announced the launch of the V1 Pro, a 72V electric dirt bike designed for riders who want bigger tires, bigger attitude, and ultimate off-road performance. With 8,000W peak power, 17-inch front and 14-inch rear tires, and Wheelie Boost Assist, the V1 Pro delivers powerful off-road performance while featuring hydraulic disc brakes and a magnetic emergency kill switch. Available now on Heybike’s official website, the V1 Pro is offered at an Early Bird price of $1,999, compared with its $2,199 MSRP.

The 72V Power Beast, Ready for Every Trail

With its oversized Big Foot tires, bold styling, and powerful 72V drive system, the Heybike V1 Pro is built to stand out. Delivering 8,000W peak power and 250 N•m of wheel torque, it reaches speeds of up to 50 MPH and tackles inclines of up to 45°, bringing serious power to demanding off-road adventures.

Its staggered 17-inch front and 14-inch rear Big Foot tires provide a larger rear contact patch for traction, while 285 mm of ground clearance helps the bike clear rocks, roots, and ruts. A 150 mm-travel front fork and rear hydraulic shock help absorb bumps on uneven terrain.

Powered by a 72V 27Ah battery with 1,944 Wh of capacity, the Heybike V1 Pro offers a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge, with charging taking approximately 5.5–6 hours using the included 84V 5A charger.

Smart Control. Your Ride, Your Way.

The Heybike app lets riders adjust speed limits and throttle response, choose from ECO, LINEAR, and SPORT riding modes, and configure regenerative braking to suit their riding preferences and terrain.

For added personalization, an optional Bluetooth speaker and horn accessory supports music playback and multiple simulated motorcycle engine sounds.

Enhanced Protection for Every Adventure

The Heybike V1 Pro combines performance with multiple safety-focused features. Its 220 mm front and 190 mm rear hydraulic disc brakes provide stopping power, while regenerative braking adds another layer of deceleration control.

A magnetic emergency kill switch is designed to cut power if the rider falls or steps away from the bike. A throttle-reset safety mechanism prevents power delivery until the throttle has returned to its reset position.

The Heybike V1 Pro features a UL 2849-certified battery system and an IPX6 waterproof rating, offering added protection for outdoor riding in changing weather conditions.

Together, these features complement the V1 Pro’s performance-focused design with added control and protection for off-road riding.

Wheelie Boost Assist: Unleash Your Wild Side

Experience wheelies like never before. With just a single mode control, Wheelie Boost™ lifts the front wheel to a fixed angle, safely turning a complex trick into an exciting riding experience. Less effort, more wild — unleash your bigger attitude and take your V1 Pro ride to the next level.

Bring the Family Together. Conquer Every Terrain.

More than an off-road ride, the Heybike V1 Pro opens the door to shared outdoor adventures and memorable family moments. Designed to bring riders together, it makes weekend trail rides and outdoor exploration opportunities for parents and teens to connect, build confidence, and discover new terrain side by side.

From family outings to challenging off-road adventures, the V1 Pro brings power, excitement, and the freedom to explore together.

A Step Up From the Original Heybike V1

Launched in the first half of 2026, the Heybike V1 quickly gained popularity among teens across the United States. Building on that success, the V1 Pro takes off-road performance to the next level with nearly 100% more peak power, 43.8% greater battery capacity, 11% higher top speed, 20% more range, and a 50% higher maximum climbing angle.

Beyond raw power, the V1 Pro delivers 31.5% more wheel torque and 14.5% greater ground clearance, along with stronger front and rear suspension system for a smoother ride. Its larger 17-inch front and 14-inch rear Big Foot tires further enhance off-road control and rear traction, while the full-size frame is designed to accommodate a broader range of riders.

Make Their Next Ride Unforgettable

The Heybike V1 Pro is available now for $1,999 (MSRP $2,199). Customers can also receive a limited-quantity launch gift box with their purchase, while supplies last. 

More riding challenges, giveaways, and community activities are on the way. Stay tuned for more ways to ride, connect, and share the adventure.

Shop the Heybike V1 Pro on its official website.

About Heybike

Heybike is a leading global e-bike brand making joy easy to reach for every age and every terrain, from city commutes to off-road adventures, blending accessible innovation, safety-first engineering, and design that connects. Every ride connects you to a worldwide community — to your family, to your city, and to the simple joy of moving. Learn more on Heybike’s official website.

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SOURCE Heybike

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fileAI Signs Strategic Collaboration Agreement with AWS to Accelerate Rollout of Outcome-Driven AI Agents for BFSI Leaders

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — fileAI announced a strategic collaboration agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) to bring a new suite of AI agents to banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) leaders—built to complete critical operational workflows, not just assist with them.

fileAI’s data intelligence platform, fileForge, transforms enterprise files into trusted, governed intelligence for AI workflows, pairing repeatable skills with business context to carry complex business processes through to completion. Built on Amazon Bedrock and available through AWS Marketplace, it provides industry leaders across Asia and the US direct access to outcome-focused AI agents backed by AWS’s security, scale, and infrastructure.

Two of the company’s latest innovations underpin this philosophy: fileScout maps files ahead of extraction, optimising model routing and drastically reducing token consumption, whilst fileForensics surfaces actionable fraud signals directly into the processing pipeline. Together they ensure only clean, relevant, fraud-checked data ever reaches the workflow. For AWS customers, that means faster cycle times, fewer exceptions, and less manual rework, with the governance and traceability regulated organisations require.

The SCA follows a period of strong momentum for fileAI. On August 27, the company announced investment from SMBC Asia Rising Fund and Singtel Innov8, alongside the debut of fileScout. The funding supports fileAI’s expansion in Japan, building on its June 2026 partnership with JRE Ventures, and deeper investment in financial services capabilities.

“Enterprise AI has to be judged on outcomes, not activity,” said Christian Schneider, CEO of fileAI. “By building on Amazon Bedrock and deepening our collaboration with AWS, we’re giving finance and financial services leaders agents that take their most complex data and carry the work through to a completed, auditable result. With AWS and AWS Marketplace, we can bring that to customers across Asia and the US faster, and with the security and scale they expect.”

“Financial services customers consistently tell us that getting unstructured data ready for workflows they can trust is one of their biggest challenges,” said Jamie Simon, Director, Partner Sales & Development, Asia Pacific & Japan, AWS. “fileAI has built a strong approach to that problem on Amazon Bedrock—combining document intelligence with the governance regulated enterprises require. This collaboration makes it easier for customers to move from AI pilots to production with confidence, and we’re looking forward to scaling it across the region.”

About fileAI

fileAI is the enterprise intelligence company behind fileForge, the leading platform for complex business process automation. Where most AI falls short in production, fileForge provides the structure, validation, and traceability that makes agentic AI reliable by design. It unifies data capture, preparation, governance, and orchestration into auditable, SOP-driven workflows that transform unstructured and semi-structured data into trusted, reusable process intelligence.

Trusted by global enterprises including MS&AD, Toshiba, PwC, KPMG, Nippon Paint, and Keppel, fileAI has processed over 1 billion files across finance, insurance, supply chain, healthcare, and core business operations—delivering governed automation and contextual reuse for the world’s most complex workflows.

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SOURCE fileAI

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