Media OutReach
Accessing healthcare is a hassle, Asia’s patients reveal: Prudential commissioned study
Complicated access to healthcare and a lack of guidance are keeping patients from receiving the care they need, when they need it
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – Patients in Asia want minimal disruption to their daily life when seeking medical care. This is according to research from Economist Impact commissioned by Prudential plc (“Prudential”). “Patient voices: experiences of healthcare access in Asia”, examines how people in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore access and experience healthcare services.
The study conducted between April-May 2025 draws on a survey of more than 4,200 patients and interviews with leading experts. The report reveals that thousands of people in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore believe getting medical care is a hassle, with more than eight in 10 people admitting they delay seeking care.
Asian patients highlight three main “pain points”:
- Getting medical help is confusing: 55 per cent of respondents say they don’t know where to access care when they have health concerns. They report difficulties with booking appointments, long wait times, and complex payment processes.
- Costs are high and unclear: One-third say the cost of healthcare is often higher than they expected. Nearly five in 10 turn to social safety nets such as family, charities, loans, or crowdfunding. For the 80% of respondents who report they have delayed getting care, the fear of becoming a financial or care burden on loved ones was the most frequently cited reason for the delay, mentioned by 22 per cent.
- Patients aren’t getting the information they need: 55 per cent of patients say they don’t have the right information to make decisions about their medical treatment, with almost 40 per cent saying they use digital tools including artificial intelligence (AI) for treatment guidance after initial diagnosis.
Arjan Toor, CEO, Health at Prudential plc, says, “Asia’s patients want healthcare systems that work for them – that feel simple and easy to access, and capable of providing timely care. At Prudential, we believe this is where we can make the biggest difference to our customers’ peace of mind; by being there for them the moment they become a patient, and by guiding them at every step of their diagnosis, treatment and recovery. This means working closely with our healthcare partners to ensure patients feel understood and supported, while also doing our part to make the costs of healthcare clear and predictable. By making healthcare worry-free and hassle-free for people across Asia, we can help patients focus on what matters – getting better.”
Patients need clearer help to find the right care
Patients say the number one factor that brings them peace of mind when seeking care is minimal disruption to daily life. Yet nearly 60 per cent find visiting a general practitioner (GP) inconvenient. They report that it is hard to get an appointment, and they find billing and insurance confusing.
Patients delay care because of unexpected costs and financial risk taken on by families
Asia’s patients say the second most important factor for peace of mind is knowing they will be able to pay for their care. Yet many are caught off guard by hidden or unexpected charges, for example for specialist consultations, administrative fees or medication. According to the survey, such unexpected costs are among the top five barriers to accessing care.
Formal payment mechanisms, such as government-subsidised care or public health insurance, are commonly used in Hong Kong and Singapore, while in Malaysia and Indonesia, many patients resort to alternative sources, such as loans and crowdfunding, to cover their bills. Others may delay care because they are worried about losing earnings or becoming a financial burden on their families. In Indonesia, for example, 93 per cent of patients reported delaying care.
Patients increasingly trust digital sources to guide treatment decisions after diagnosis
Following a diagnosis, almost 40 per cent of patients turn to digital sources, such as AI, when making decisions about their care. This reflects patients’ desire to fill gaps in their knowledge and highlights a crucial need for trustworthy online resources.
Shaping healthcare around what patients need
Improving access to healthcare will require providers, insurers, governments, technology innovators and public sectors to work together. The report outlines that creating more transparent pricing, clearer processes, and increased digital access to information will make accessing care easier and more personal so that patients feel supported every step of the way.Hashtag: #Prudential
https://www.prudentialplc.com/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the report
Patient voices: experiences of healthcare access Asia is an Economist Impact report, commissioned by Prudential. It examines individuals’ experience in accessing healthcare services in four Asian markets: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The analysis is based on a survey of 4,302 people conducted in April to May in 2025.
The full report can be accessed here.
About Prudential plc
Prudential provides life and health insurance and asset management in Greater China, ASEAN, India and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEX: 2378) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX: K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.
Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.
About Economist Impact
Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage a globally influential audience. We believe that evidence-based insights can open debate, broaden perspectives and catalyse progress. The services offered by Economist Impact previously existed within The Economist Group as separate entities, including EIU Thought Leadership, EIU Public Policy, Economist Events, EI Studios and SignalNoise.
Our track record spans 75 years across 205 countries. Along with creative storytelling, events expertise, design-thinking solutions and market-leading media products, we produce framework design, benchmarking, economic and social impact analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling. This makes Economist Impact’s offering unique in the marketplace. Visit www.impact.economist.com for more information.
Mengniu’s Chinese Culture Pavilion Debuts at the FIFA World Cup, Showcasing Chinese Culture to the World
On the pitch, a single football captures the attention of billions. Beyond the stadium, civilizations come together through cultural exchange.
The Mengniu Chinese Culture Pavilion marks the first comprehensive international presentation of Beijing Central Axis since its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and debuts at one of the world’s premier sporting events. Inspired by the architectural aesthetics of traditional Chinese architecture and the spatial order of Beijing Central Axis, the pavilion follows a symmetrical layout centered on a principal axis. At its entrance stands the monumental painting Magnificent Central Axis, offering a panoramic bird’s-eye view of Beijing’s historic Central Axis while conveying, through artistic expression, the Eastern philosophy and cultural values it embodies. As visitors explore the pavilion, football fans from around the world pause to experience its interactive exhibits, immersing themselves in the richness of Chinese traditional culture. Standing outside New York New Jersey Stadium, the pavilion continues to tell vivid, contemporary stories of China to a global audience.
Beyond Football: Mengniu Elevates Cultural Exchange on the World Cup Stage
For Mengniu, building a Chinese Culture Pavilion at this FIFA World Cup reflects a deeper understanding of the powerful connection between sport and cultural exchange. Mengniu believes that the FIFA World Cup is not only the pinnacle of football competition but also a global platform where diverse civilizations meet, connect, and learn from one another. As an Official Sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup from China, Mengniu sees it as both an opportunity and a responsibility to share China’s stories and showcase the richness of Chinese civilization with audiences worldwide. This commitment extends beyond football. During the Paris Summer Olympic Games and the Milan Winter Olympic Games, Mengniu, as a Worldwide Olympic Partner (TOP), continuously hosted its signature “China Night” events, integrating Chinese culture into the narrative of the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions.
Beyond a Pavilion: Mengniu’s Multi-Dimensional Presence at the FIFA World Cup
As an Official Sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mengniu’s presence extends far beyond traditional brand visibility. Its participation represents a comprehensive global strategy that integrates products, brand values, and corporate social responsibility.
On the product front, Mengniu Ice Cream has officially become the Official Ice Cream of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mengniu Ice Cream is available at all tournament venues and has simultaneously expanded into 11 major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and New York. By bringing world-class-quality products to international consumers, Mengniu continues to strengthen the commercial foundation for its global growth.
At the brand level, together with global brand ambassadors Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal, Mengniu brings its corporate spirit, “Born for Greatness,” to life on football’s biggest stage. The company has also partnered with Hisense to launch a series of coordinated Chinese-character pitch-side advertising campaigns during the tournament. Moving beyond individual brand promotion, the two companies present a united expression of Chinese brands, confidently demonstrating the growing global influence of Chinese enterprises.
In terms of corporate social responsibility, Mengniu not only brings Chinese culture to the international stage but also demonstrates the commitment of a responsible Chinese enterprise through meaningful public initiatives. At the opening match of this year’s FIFA World Cup, six teenage footballers from Inner Mongolia were selected by Mengniu to escort the FIFA flag onto the field, creating an inspiring example of how businesses can promote youth football development while fulfilling their social responsibilities.
From a glass of milk on store shelves to a cultural journey within the pavilion, Mengniu’s World Cup presence reflects the remarkable evolution of Chinese enterprises on the global stage. Looking ahead, Mengniu will continue to leverage the world’s premier sporting events to advance health, boost brand power, strengthen global presence, and fulfill social responsibilities, contributing the strength of China’s dairy industry to sharing China’s stories and showcasing the enduring appeal of Chinese civilization with the world.
Hashtag: #Mengniu
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
House of Origin Elevates the Cantonese Culinary Canon with Pristine Expressions for Summer
Michelin-starred culinary director Chef Xu Jingye alongside Resident Chef Tim Lam accentuate the essence of Cantonese cuisine while presenting his signature philosophy of “Refined Homeliness”
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – House of Origin, the exclusive private Cantonese dining destination at Galaxy Macau, the world-class luxury integrated resort renowned for its award-winning hospitality and signature “World Class, Asian Heart” service philosophy, continues to captivate discerning gourmands with its exceptional culinary craftsmanship and elegant residential-style setting. Guided by its philosophy of “Refined Homeliness”, House of Origin presents thoughtfully curated dining experiences that reinterpret the rich heritage of Cantonese gastronomy through a contemporary lens.
This season, House of Origin joins forces with China’s iconic baijiu Moutai to present an exclusive “A Journey of Craft and Time – 15-Year Moutai Pairing Dinner presented by House of Origin Masters”, where exquisite aged liquors and masterfully crafted Cantonese delicacies come together in a remarkable celebration of time, terroir and craftsmanship. Complementing this exceptional offering, House of Origin will now cater to patrons with a newly introduced lunch service that unveils an array of new signature dishes, inviting guests to savour its refined Cantonese dining by day for convenience.
When Fine Aged Liquor Meets Vibrant Cantonese Fare
Presented by House of Origin and China’s premium Moutai, the exclusive “A Journey of Craft and Time – 15-Year Moutai Pairing Dinner presented by House of Origin Masters” brings together the artistry of Cantonese cuisine and the timeless character of one of China’s most revered spirits. Available at MOP2,888 per guest for just two evenings on 31 July and 1 August, with only two tables available per night, this intimate experience is designed for discerning guests seeking a truly unique culinary journey.
Curated by two-Michelin-starred Culinary Director Xu and brought to life by Resident Chef Lam, the special menu showcases traditional Cantonese craftsmanship elevated by rare premium ingredients. Each dish has been thoughtfully paired with three remarkable aged Moutai expressions, creating a harmonious dialogue between flavour, aroma and heritage.
The pairing experience features the benchmark 15-Year Aged Moutai, a rare 2011 Feitian Moutai that has matured gracefully in bottle for fifteen years, and an extraordinary 2010 Aged Moutai 15-Year, distinguished by its exceptional depth, richness and complexity. Together, these celebrated spirits offer guests a rare opportunity to appreciate the transformative beauty of time and maturation.
The dinner unfolds as an elegant expression of Cantonese culinary heritage, where tradition and innovation converge in a harmonious journey of flavour. From the nostalgic craftsmanship of the Golden Oyster Roll Wrapped in Caul Fat to the signature House of Origin Abalone infused with Moutai aroma, each course is thoughtfully designed to complement the character and complexity of the accompanying aged Moutai, creating a sensory voyage enriched by time.
The special menu features refined creations such as Wok-fried Conch Slices with Shrimp Paste, Braised Pomelo Pith with Crab Roe and Fish Intestine, Crispy Cinnamon-infused Beef Short Rib, Roasted Goose with Fermented Black Bean and Mint, and Wok-fried Wild Mushroom Medley. Together, the dishes reveal a sophisticated progression of flavours, from rich sauce aromas and deep umami notes to the pure elegance of seasonal ingredients.
Highlights include the Braised Pomelo Pith with Crab Roe and Fish Intestine, a masterful composition balancing freshness, sweetness and savoury complexity with a lingering, refined finish. The Crispy Cinnamon-infused Beef Short Rib captivates with the gentle fragrance of cinnamon and red dates, unfolding layers of warmth and richness. The experience culminates with a comforting Pork and Rice Noodle Roll with Macau’s century-old miso sauce, a tribute to local culinary heritage that provides a memorable and deeply authentic finale.
Complemented by a nourishing herbal soup and delicate petit fours, this exclusive dining experience is more than a pairing of rare aged Moutai and exceptional Cantonese cuisine, offering an unforgettable encounter with the artistry and enduring elegance of Cantonese gastronomy.
The signature dishes featured in “A Journey of Craft and Time – 15-Year Moutai Pairing Dinner” will remain available at House of Origin, offering guests the opportunity to savour the exceptional creations born from the collaboration between Galaxy Macau’s newest Cantonese dining destination and China’s iconic Moutai. Each dish elevates heritage, craftsmanship and refined Cantonese artistry.
Introducing a New Lunch Experience Inspired by the Seasons
Honouring the Cantonese philosophy of seasonal dining, Chef Xu and Chef Lam capture the essence of summer through House of Origin’s newly launched lunch service and seasonal menu. Showcasing an abundance of fresh gourds, vegetables and premium seasonal seafood, the menu also pays tribute to Macau’s culinary heritage through the thoughtful use of ingredients such as shrimp paste by the century-old Kong Hing Loong, reflecting respect for local flavours and traditions.
Designed to meet growing demand for an elevated daytime Cantonese dining experience, the new lunch service extends the warmth and intimacy of House of Origin’s authentic, refined dining concept into the afternoon. Upholding the restaurant’s signature “Refined Homeliness” philosophy, the menu celebrates ingredient purity, seasonality and meticulous craftsmanship.
Leading the “Exquisite Lunch Signature” menu are two newly introduced signature dishes: Crab Meat and Bitter Melon Silky Soup and Black Pepper Geoduck Clam Soup Rice Noodle.
The former combines sweet local bitter melon with fresh crab meat and crab stock to create a silky, refreshing soup with remarkable depth and elegance. The latter showcases a rich ivory-coloured broth simmered for four hours with pork tripe, old hen, pork bones and white peppercorns, accompanied by geoduck clam, wild sole fish fillet and sliced tripe. Finished tableside with the pouring of the fragrant hot broth, the dish delivers both culinary theatre and heart-warming comfort.
The summer menu further celebrates seasonal ingredients such as bitter melon, night-blooming jasmine and winter gourd, alongside premium seafood including young mud crab, fresh abalone, wild grouper and razor clams. Through masterful Cantonese techniques ranging from slow-simmered soups and velvety broths to expertly executed wok-frying, Chef Xu reveals the purest expression of each ingredient.
Among the highlights, Stir-Fried Conch and Partridge with Night-Scented Flower combines the delicate floral fragrance of jasmine blossoms with conch, shrimp, partridge and fresh lily bulbs, finished with crunchy walnuts for added texture and a captivating wok hei. The classic Double-Boiled Winter Melon and Frog with Dried Scallop, inspired by the celebrated Tai Shi Banquet tradition, features tender frog leg and sweet winter melon in a crystal-clear broth simmered for four hours. Equally enticing is Braised Hairy Gourd with Crab Roe Paste, where the natural sweetness of the gourd is elevated by the rich umami of aromatic crab paste.
Meanwhile, the comforting Rice Noodle Soup with Geoduck and Wild Sole embodies the warmth of a traditional family banquet, while the Crab Meat and Duran Bitter Melon Soup, featured on both the lunch and seasonal menus, offers guests a refreshing expression of summer that is both heart-warming and refined.
For the latest updates on Galaxy Macau and House of Origin, please visit: www.galaxymacau.com.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort
Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.
Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
For more details, please visit 
www.galaxymacau.com, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.
Media OutReach
Breaking the Bed Bug Control Industry Bottleneck: Nobedbugs-HK Redefines Global Bed Bug Eradication Standards with Proprietary Technology
Targeting Limitations of Conventional Practices: Nobedbugs-HK Engineers Precision-Driven Bed Bug Remediation Solutions
The pest control industry is marked by uneven entry barriers. Most traditional exterminators rely solely on chemical sprays, which only eliminate surface bed bugs. Eggs and nymphs concealed within wall crevices and furniture remain untouched, failing to resolve infestations at their source and leading to frequent recurrences. This superficial treatment model has triggered a steady stream of consumer complaints and dissatisfaction. Compounding the issue, many pest control firms lack the technical expertise and field experience to address tight spaces or cluttered environments, creating treatment blind spots that compromise eradication efficacy and introduce potential safety hazards during operations.
Contrary to the industry’s prevalent profit-driven, perfunctory service model that overpromises underdelivers, Nobedbugs-HK upholds its founding mission of sharing technical expertise to advance the entire sector. Its team regularly conducts technical seminars and exchange programs for property management, hospitality and pest control practitioners across multiple countries and regions. These sessions elaborate on bed bug breeding triggers, transmission pathways, scientific eradication methodologies and routine prevention protocols. The global pest control industry has long grappled with stagnant technology and outdated operational standards. Nobedbugs-HK’s cross-border knowledge exchange initiatives bridge regional technical gaps, steering the industry away from crude, slipshod treatment protocols toward rigorous, science-led remediation. These global outreach efforts have also equipped the brand with an extensive international perspective and cross-jurisdictional service expertise.
Driven by proprietary technological innovation and a global operational vision, Nobedbugs-HK has built its market footprint and sterling professional reputation through consistent, reliable eradication results. Its technological breakthroughs and contributions to the industry have garnered coverage from leading international media outlets. This authoritative global recognition underscores overseas markets’ high regard for Hong Kong’s pest control innovations and validates the city-developed bed bug treatment framework as a benchmark for global adoption.
Self-Developed Thermal Treatment Technology Boosts Bed Bug Remediation Efficiency in High-Rise Buildings
Bed bug control in high-rise structures remains a longstanding technical challenge plaguing pest control professionals worldwide. Conventional extermination methods are only viable for low-rise or open-plan spaces and prove ineffective against the complex structural layouts of high-rises, enabling persistent, recurring bed bug infestations. Addressing this global technical gap, Nobedbugs-HK independently engineered the world’s exclusive thermal treatment system and custom operating procedures tailored specifically for high-rise complexes, delivering a transformative solution to this decades-long industry pain point.
A radical departure from traditional chemical pesticide applications, this proprietary technology leverages physical high-temperature treatment to penetrate the most concealed structural recesses. It eliminates 95% of all bed bug life stages—adults, nymphs and deeply embedded eggs—to sever their reproductive cycle at the root. Complemented by the brand’s exclusive formulations, the treatment creates a long-lasting residual protective barrier that blocks cross-unit bed bug migration from adjacent premises. Unlike chemical-based extermination, high-temperature thermal treatment leaves zero chemical residues, generates no indoor contamination and poses no harm to human occupants, rendering it ideal for residential complexes, hotels, office towers and shopping malls. It resolves the core challenges of bed bug remediation in high-rise buildings with unmatched precision, with no comparable technology or service available globally to date.
Over 10,000 Cases Inform Standardised Service Protocols
Real-world case outcomes serve as the ultimate metric for gauging technological performance. Many industry players offer no efficacy guarantees and provide virtually non-existent after-sales support, leaving clients burdened with recurring infestations and repeated service fees. To date, Nobedbugs-HK has completed over 10,000 bed bug remediation projects solely within Hong Kong, serving residential properties, five-star hotels, corporate office towers and chain enterprises across diverse urban residential and commercial environments. Backed by its proprietary thermal treatment technology and standardised construction workflows, the brand maintains a flawless 100% permanent eradication track record across all cases, effectively suppressing bed bug resurgence with zero treatment failures. Its proven track record of thousands of successful cases has countered widespread industry malpractice, earning widespread acclaim and positive client testimonials across Hong Kong’s online forums and social media platforms.
Beyond its core treatment technology, mainstream commercial pest control products lack targeted efficacy against bed bugs’ unique nesting and reproductive traits, a key driver of recurring infestations. Generic formulations fail to counter the pests’ elusive hiding instincts and rapid breeding cycles, drastically diminishing treatment outcomes. Drawing on data accumulated from over 10,000 field cases, Nobedbugs-HK independently develops and manufactures custom bed bug control formulations. Iteratively refined for deployment across diverse global environments, these safe, non-toxic and long-lasting products are widely recognised by industry practitioners as the gold standard for bed bug mitigation. The brand delivers bespoke, meticulous bed bug eradication solutions tailored for Hong Kong residents, standing in stark contrast to competing service providers that offer minimal after-sales support.
Industry specialists identify two critical barriers to effective bed bug control: the stringent technical requirements for densely populated premises and the complete elimination of infestations at their source—two persistent flaws that have hindered conventional pest control operations for years. Armed with its one-of-a-kind global thermal treatment technology, in-house proprietary formulations, international operational insights and thousands of successful remediation cases, Nobedbugs-HK comprehensively rectifies the shortcomings of traditional extermination models. Beyond providing permanent relief for household and commercial bed bug infestations, the brand has established a new universal benchmark for the global bed bug control industry.
Hashtag: #NobedbugsHK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
