Media OutReach

IBPO Announces Strategic Partnership with FWD Insurance to Provide Protection for Its Loan Financing Services

Published

4 months ago

13/08/2025

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 August 2025 – IBPO Group Berhad (“IBPO”), a leading fintech company, has announced a strategic partnership with FWD Insurance Berhad (“FWD Insurance”), a leading Pan-Asian life insurer to safeguard its customers’ loans with life protection at a momentous Strategic Partnership Launch Ceremony held yesterday.

IBPO Group Berhad and FWD Insurance Berhad officially launches their Strategic Partnership to protect IBPO Customers’ loans with complimentary life insurance by FWD Insurance Berhad. From the middle left; IBPO Group Berhad, Founder & Group Managing Director, Andy Lim and the Chief Technology Officer, Samuel Quek. From the middle right, FWD Insurance Berhad, Chief Executive Officer, Mak See Sen and the Chief Digital, Direct & Telemarketing, Ann Lim.

Officiated by Andy Lim, the Founder & Group Managing Director of IBPO and Mak See Sen, Chief Executive Officer of FWD Insurance, the signing ceremony was witnessed by Samuel Quek, Chief Technology Officer at IBPO and Ann Lim, Chief Digital, Direct & Telemarketing at FWD Insurance.

With this integrated partnership, selected IBPO’s loan financing facilities come with inclusive life protection, with no underwriting questions required. This will be applicable to IBPO’s Payday Financing and i-Bridge Financing programs, that are both launching this month.

What’s unique about these programs is that customers can now have peace of mind when applying for these programs, as the complimentary insurance coverage ensures that, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, their loved ones are protected from the burden of outstanding loan obligations.

Customers can easily apply for Payday Financing and i-Bridge Financing through IBPO’s online customer financial portal, myIBPO+, or via the upcoming all-in-one financial app. Both platforms are available 24/7 to help users manage and improve their finances.

Payday Financing is an interest-free advance cash for customers to cover urgent expenses before their monthly salary day. It’s fast, safe and 100% Shariah-compliant.

Meanwhile, i-Bridge Financing provides immediate short-term financing for homeowners, property sellers and SMEs to ease urgent cash flow gaps while awaiting disbursement of long-term bank financing, which typically takes up to 4 months. i-Bridge Financing is fully Shariah-compliant, in accordance with Islamic financing properties.

This initiative supports Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Sector Blueprint 2022–2026, which aims for greater digitalisation, inclusive financial access, and enhanced protection for households. By bridging fintech and insurance, IBPO and FWD Insurance are collectively supporting national goals to strengthen financial resilience, improve the financial well-being of Malaysians, and accelerate the adoption of secure, tech-driven financial solutions.

As part of this partnership, a total financing fund disbursement of RM100 million has been allocated exclusively for its customers, offering immediate financial assistance and for emergencies, business needs, property purchase and more, all backed by life insurance coverage for added security.

To provide greater convenience, customers can learn more about individual insurance plans with premiums starting from as low as RM8.10 per month, made available on the IBPO website starting this September 2025. These plans are designed to be more accessible and tailored to suit various lifestyles.

“We’re proud to partner with FWD Insurance, a customer-led brand that shares our commitment to improving financial literacy among Malaysians. This collaboration is key to empowering individuals to make smart, secure money moves that support both their immediate goals and long-term financial stability,” said Andy Lim, Founder & Group Managing Director of IBPO Group Berhad.

He added, “Our initiative with FWD Insurance allows customers to take on financing with maximum peace of mind and security in the event of an unfortunate incident, providing life coverage to our customers and to ease unexpected financial burden to their loved ones or if one faces any disability throughout the financing term – their loans are covered.”

“FWD Insurance is committed to changing the way people feel about insurance, by making it simpler, more accessible and truly meaningful. This partnership with IBPO is a powerful step forward in that vision. By embedding protection seamlessly into everyday financial solutions, we’re not just offering convenience, we’re delivering peace of mind. Through innovation and customer-first thinking, we’re helping Malaysians celebrate living, knowing their loved ones are protected no matter what life brings,” said Mak See Sen, CEO of FWD Insurance.

*Individual plan offer includes death, total and permanent disability (TPD), accidental death, hospitalisation benefits, critical illness, and a medical card, with protection up to RM500,000.

This initiative reinforces IBPO’s Fusion Finance model, a personalised, 360° innovative integrated approach with AI-powered technology and traditional finance solutions.

For more information, visit www.ibpo.com.my

*Subject to each individual policy’s terms and premium details.

Hashtag: #IBPOGroupBerhad #FWDInsuranceBerhad #LoanFinancingProtection

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

IBPO Group Berhad

is a fusion financial company that provides holistic personalised financial solutions to help clients achieve their financial aspirations and live a better life. Incorporated in 2012, IBPO Group became a public limited company in 2020.

We deliver bespoke financial consultancy services with our cutting-edge Fusion Financial System, a financial technology (“fintech”) system powered by Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) that was developed through extensive in-house IT research and development and ANIKA, the first AI-powered virtual financial consultant chatbot in Malaysia.

Our financial programs include; i-Refinancing, i-Connect, i-Console Plus, Payday Financing, i-Bridge Financing and Housing Value Investment. Discover personalised solutions tailored to your needs with mortgage refinancing, personal loans and financing, property management and more. To learn more, visit .

Address: Level 28, Mercu Aspire, No. 3 Jalan Bangsar, KL Eco City 59200 Kuala Lumpur.

Email: [email protected]

Head Office Contact No: +603 2201 2828

FWD Insurance Berhad

FWD Insurance Berhad is part of FWD Group, a pan-Asian life and health insurance business that serves approximately 30 million* customers across 10 markets. FWD’s customer-led and tech-enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions, easy-to-understand products and a simpler insurance experience. Established in 2013, the company operates in some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world with a vision of changing the way people feel about insurance and takaful. FWD Group is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock code 1828. For more information, please visit .

FWD Insurance Berhad offers a variety of family and life insurance products, such as medical, critical illness, savings, and investment-linked plans. The company operates under the regulation of Bank Negara Malaysia in accordance with the Financial Services Act 2013.

For more information, please visit .

*including BRI Life in Indonesia.

Media OutReach

Payment Options Singapore Secures In-Principle Approval from MAS for Major Payment Institution Licence

Published

20 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – Payment Options Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based payment solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence under the Payment Services Act 2019.

Payment Options Pte Ltd office in Singapore

This milestone underscores Payment Options’ commitment to supporting Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with simple, secure, and accessible digital payment solutions.

If granted the licence, Payment Options Pte Ltd will be authorised to provide three regulated payment services: Merchant Acquisition, Domestic Money Transfer, and Cross-Border Money Transfer. Through these services, the company aims to empower SMEs with a full suite of payment capabilities — from online payment gateways and QR code payments to the upcoming SoftPOS payments technology — enabling merchants to accept digital payments easily and securely.

“We remain deeply committed to supporting Singapore’s SMEs as they grow and compete in an increasingly digital-first economy. Our vision is to position digital payments as a growth enabler — not a challenge — for small businesses”, said Aaron Yip, Director of Payment Options Pte Ltd. “Our goal is to make digital transactions seamless, secure, and accessible for every business, regardless of size.”

Building on this vision, if the licence is granted, Payment Options will continue to work closely with local merchants, financial institutions, and technology partners to enhance payment accessibility and drive innovation across Singapore’s SME ecosystem.

“We reaffirm our commitment to regulatory compliance and innovation, as we contribute to Singapore’s ongoing journey toward a secure, inclusive, and cash-lite economy.”

The IPA granted by the MAS indicates that a licence may be issued upon the fulfilment of specified conditions and provided there are no material adverse developments affecting the applicant. The IPA does not constitute a licence to provide payment services at this stage, and MAS reserves the right to rescind the approval if it deems appropriate.
Hashtag: #PaymentOptions

https://www.paymentoptions.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/payment-options/
https://www.facebook.com/PaymentOptions.int/
https://www.instagram.com/payment.options/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Payment Options Pte Ltd

Payment Options Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based financial technology company providing innovative and secure payment solutions designed to help SMEs and merchants simplify digital transactions. With a focus on compliance, technology, and customer experience, the company aims to make digital payments accessible for every business.

Media OutReach

Financial Assistance at SIM: Breaking Barriers to Education

Published

21 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – For many aspiring learners, financial constraints remain one of the biggest obstacles to achieving their goals. SIM is determined to change that. Guided by the principle that no student should be left behind because of cost, SIM has built a comprehensive ecosystem of financial aid, scholarships, and bursaries to make quality education attainable for all.

At the heart of this mission is the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to empowering students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that financial hardship never stands in the way of academic or personal growth. By blending need-based assistance with merit-driven opportunities, SIM is creating an inclusive learning environment where talent and ambition define success.

Empowering Learners Through the SIM Impact Fund

In 2024, SIM introduced the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to supporting students from lower-income households and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder educational aspirations. Administered through SIM Trust, the fund is designed to empower learners within and beyond SIM’s community by removing barriers to access. Beginning in 2025, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with a per-capita income of S$1,750 or below can benefit from tiered assistance, ranging from S$6,000 up to S$13,500 for those with PCI of S$600 or less, S$4,500 to S$6,750 for PCI between S$601 and S$1,000, and S$2,000 for PCI between S$1,001 and S$1,750. Beyond tuition aid, the fund also provides support for overseas internships and merit-based scholarships, benefiting approximately 500 students annually.

Beyond Tuition: Comprehensive Financial Aid

SIM’s commitment to learning accessibility goes far beyond tuition subsidies. Through its Financial Assistance schemes, students can tap into a range of support options tailored to different needs. These include Enhanced Bursaries Aid, which provide up to S$13,500 per year for Singapore Citizens, and a SIM GE Crisis Fund offering emergency relief of up to S$5,000 for unforeseen circumstances. In addition, SIM encourages global exposure through Study Abroad Awards, enabling students to broaden their horizons without financial strain. Together, these initiatives reflect SIM’s ethos of inclusivity and resilience, ensuring that financial challenges never derail academic aspirations.

Community-Focused Support

The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) exemplifies SIM’s deep-rooted commitment to community empowerment and social impact. Launched in July 2024 in partnership with the late Dr Eu’s family,

RESSEC received a combined S$8 million donation, S$6 million from the Eu family and S$2 million from SIM, marking a significant investment in nurturing social entrepreneurship. Guided by Dr Eu’s vision of transforming social service through ethical leadership and innovation, the Centre equips learners and social service professionals via initiatives such as a specialised postgraduate Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship, mentorship, and collaborative dialogues.

RESSEC also provides 12 bursaries of S$10,000 each for SIM Global Education students (check that this is accurate and that it’s not also extended to those outside the SIM ecosystem) who demonstrate strong community service and leadership and those with per-capita income up to S$1,750, prioritising those with per-capita income less than S$1,000. Through this initiative, SIM embeds purpose-driven learning into its mission, empowering students to create sustainable, positive impact in Singapore and beyond

Scholarship for Excellence

SIM offers a diverse range of scholarships under SIM Global Education to recognize excellence and resilience among its students. These include the SIM STARRR Award, which provides up to S$36,000 to outstanding achievers who demonstrate academic distinction and leadership qualities, and the Sports & Arts Talent Award, also valued at S$15,000 for students who excel in athletic or artistic pursuits. Additionally, the Chairman’s Award for Resilience grants S$3,000 to students who successfully balance work and study commitments, showcasing perseverance in the face of challenges. Together, these scholarships complement SIM’s need-based financial aid, creating a holistic support system that rewards merit while ensuring inclusivity.

Conclusion: Building a Future Without Barriers

SIM’s financial assistance framework is more than a set of policies, it is a promise to the community. By investing in initiatives like the SIM Impact Fund and expanding bursaries and scholarships, SIM is actively dismantling the barriers that prevent talented individuals from reaching their potential. This approach does not just benefit students, it strengthens society by cultivating a diverse pool of graduates equipped to lead, innovate, and give back. In a world where education often comes with a hefty price tag, SIM stands out as a beacon of accessibility and empowerment. For students and families seeking assurance that quality education is within reach, SIM offers not just hope but a clear, actionable path forward.

References:

Bursaries & Financial Aid (Enhanced) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/bursaries-and-financial-aids
Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/ressec
The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) Opens to Advance Singapore’s Social Sector – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/the-dr-richard-k-m-eu-sim-social-entrepreneurship-centre-%28ressec%29-opens
SIM Scholarship – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships
SIM’s STARRR Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-starrr-award-for-new-undergraduate-students
SIM Award and Sports & Artistic Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-scholarship
SIM Global Education Diploma Scholarships – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-diploma-scholarships
Chairman’s Award for Resilience – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/chairman-s-award-for-resilience

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

Media OutReach

Beyond Academic Excellence: SIM Scholarships Champion Leadership, Resilience, and Talent

Published

2 days ago

07/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 December 2025 – The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) is proud to reaffirm its commitment to developing future-ready graduates through a comprehensive scholarship framework that goes beyond academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to recognize and nurture qualities such as leadership, resilience, and talent. These attributes are essential for success in today’s dynamic global environment.

For decades, scholarships have been synonymous with academic excellence. SIM is redefining this narrative by adopting a holistic approach that values character, contribution, and courage alongside academic performance. This initiative reflects SIM’s mission to prepare graduates who are adaptable, innovative, and socially responsible.

Scholarships That Go Beyond Academics

SIM’s scholarship ecosystem reflects its belief that success is multidimensional. Rather than focusing solely on grades, these awards celebrate qualities such as resilience, leadership, and talent. The SIM STARRR Award, for instance, supports freshmen who embody Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Responsibility, offering up to S$36,000 in tuition fees, along with living and exchange allowances, without any bond requirement.

For students who shine in sports or the arts, the SIM Award & Sports/Artistic Talent Award provides S$15,000, disbursed in two tranches, to help them balance academic and extracurricular excellence.

International students pursuing diploma programmes can benefit from the Diploma Scholarships, which cover up to 100% of course fees for academic excellence or 50% for merit-based achievements.

For working adults who have overcome significant challenges, the SIM Chairman’s Award for Resilience offers S$3,000, recognizing perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

Stories That Inspire

SIM’s scholarships are more than financial aid. They are catalysts for transformation, opening doors for students to turn challenges into triumphs. Take Ernita Tanudjaja, an international student who refused to let pandemic disruptions derail her ambitions. Instead, she leveraged technology to livestream events and boost engagement, showcasing resilience and resourcefulness.

Similarly, Chow Kah Ying, an ICU nurse, managed the intense demands of frontline healthcare during COVID-19 while completing her degree, showcasing perseverance and purpose. Likewise, Michelle Seah transformed O-level failure into triumph, excelling in javelin and academics to earn the SIM Sports & Artistic Talent Award, proof that determination and discipline can rewrite any story.

These journeys reflect SIM’s unwavering belief that leadership and resilience matter as much as grades, and that true achievement lies in character and contribution as much as in academic performance.

The Broader Vision

SIM’s scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They serve as a strategic platform for transformation and growth. Recipients benefit from networking opportunities that connect them with alumni and industry leaders, fostering mentorship and career development. Many scholarships also provide international exposure through exchange programmes that broaden perspectives and enhance global competencies.

In addition to academic achievement, students cultivate essential life skills such as leadership, resilience and adaptability through experiential learning and community engagement. These qualities equip graduates to excel in uncertain environments and contribute meaningfully to society.

This commitment reflects SIM’s core belief that education is not limited to examinations. It is about shaping leaders who create impact and drive positive change in a rapidly evolving world.

References: