Media OutReach
Consumer Goods Leaders Urged to Treat AI as Enterprise Mandate, Not IT Initiative
Presenting on the subject “CEO AI Playbook” for retailers and manufacturers, Malina shared that while many organisations have identified AI use cases, few have addressed the real barrier to scale: culture and system design.
“AI does not transform companies. Leaders do,” said Malina. “Culture moves when everyone moves. If AI sits in IT, it fails. If every function moves together, it scales.”
From Pilots to Enterprise Synchronisation
Malina challenged the traditional cascade model – CEO to IT to training to business units – calling it too slow for today’s environment.
Instead, she outlined a CEO-led synchronised approach in which all businesses and functions adopt AI simultaneously, supported by IT and HR. AI is horizontal, not vertical. Everyone moves in parallel, embedding AI directly into workflows, decisions, and performance management.
“This is not about experimentation at the edges,” Malina said. “It is about enterprise-wide execution.”
Redefining ROI: From Static Returns to Compounding Value
“Traditionally, we start with a defined investment. We build a business case, implement the solution, and drive initial adoption. Once deployed, we measure productivity gains and calculate ROI. The focus is on achieving a fixed financial return within a set timeframe. Value is captured once – not compounded.”
“In AS Watson, we begin with Value Creation – identifying high‑impact AI use cases aligned to strategy in each function. Once value is proven, we drive Adoption across workflows to embed it operationally.”
“As adoption deepens, we achieve Value Scaling – expanding across functions, geographies, and additional use cases . That leads to measurable Value Realisation which funds and accelerates the next wave of value creation. This is how ROI becomes compounding value.”
The Agility Equation
A central moment of the keynote was the introduction of a simple formula:
Agility = Acceleration – Friction
Acceleration comes from technology investment and ambition. Friction comes from complexity, silos, slow decision rights, and misaligned incentives.
“Agility is not a talent issue. It is not a capability issue, not a software issue,” Malina said. “It is a leadership choice and a system design issue.”
She opined that most companies overinvest in acceleration while underinvesting in friction removal – leaving AI initiatives stalled in pilots rather than scaled across the enterprise.
“The question is not how to add more speed,” she said. “It is what friction leaders are willing to remove.”
A CEO Agenda
Closing the session, Malina positioned AI as a defining leadership test for the industry.
“AI will not transform the company because you bought it. It will transform your company because you led it.”
“The return on AI doesn’t come from the tool. It comes from the courage to change how the company works.”
“GenAI will not just change how retailers and manufacturers work — it will change how we work together.”
“Retail will become more human, not less. Technology will be invisible. Customers will remember how we made them feel, not how advanced our systems were.”
In an environment defined by margin pressure, supply chain volatility, and shifting consumer expectations, the message resonated clearly: AI-driven agility is no longer optional – it is structural.
Hashtag: #ASWatson
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AS Watson Group
Established in 1841, AS Watson Group is one of the world’s longest-standing and most recognised retail companies with roots in Asia. Today, the company operates over 17,000 stores across 12 retail brands in 31 markets, employing 130,000 people globally. This makes AS Watson Group the largest international health and beauty retailer in the world.
In the fiscal year 2025, AS Watson Group reported revenue of over US$26 billion. The company’s technology-enabled O+O (Offline plus Online) platforms serve over 6 billion shoppers annually, seamlessly integrating physical and digital retail experiences.
AS Watson Group supported over 180 charitable and non-profit organisations every year, dedicating over 40,000 hours of volunteer work to serve over 370,000 people in need in our operating markets.
AS Watson Group is also a member of the world-renowned multinational conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, which has four core businesses ‐ ports and related services, retail, infrastructure and telecommunications in over 50 countries.
Please visit
www.aswatson.com/our-company/o-and-o-strategy/ for more information.
Media OutReach
YF Life Clinches Hong Kong Economic Journal’s “Outstanding Application of Diversified Investment Strategies” Award Once Again
Driving Sustainable Long-Term Value for Clients via the Innovative “Invesurance” Philosophy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 June 2026 – YF Life Insurance International Limited (YF Life) has once again been recognized at the Hong Kong Economic Journal (HKEJ) Insurance Excellence Awards 2026, clinching the prestigious “Outstanding Application of Diversified Investment Strategies” Award1. This accolade reaffirms YF Life’s leadership in insurance investment landscape, underscoring the company’s success in leveraging systematic asset allocation to generate long-term value for clients for its clients through its unique “Invesurance” (Insurance + Investment) philosophy.
Mr. Dennis Luk, Chief Investment Officer of YF Life, stated: “We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious recognition for the second consecutive year. At the core of YF Life’s investment strategy is the profound integration of ‘insurance’ and ‘investment’. Moving beyond traditional models, we utilize a dynamic, multi-asset allocation framework that spans fixed income, public equities, and private markets. Under our ‘1+N’ architecture, we partner with Barings2 to manage high-quality bond portfolios, while simultaneously collaborating with leading global asset management institutions to deploy capital across private equity and alternative investments. This strategic approach optimizes risk-adjusted returns and effectively mitigates market volatility.”
YF Life’s financial strength continues to be validated by leading international rating agencies. Following eight consecutive years of receiving an “A-” (Strong) Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating from Fitch, YF Life has also secured its “A3” Insurance Financial Strength Rating (IFSR) from Moody’s. These milestones are a testament to YF Life’s robust financial position, prudent capital management, and stringent risk-control capabilities.
Looking ahead, YF Life remains committed to deepening its “Invesurance” philosophy. The company will continue to focus on delivering sustainable and stable asset growth for clients, further building a forward-looking and resilient wealth management blueprint.
Organized by the Hong Kong Economic Journal, the Insurance Excellence Awards aim to honor outstanding enterprises within the insurance sector, recognizing industry peers who consistently innovate and enhance the quality of their products and services. This year, more than 10 awards were presented following a rigorous selection process conducted by a panel of professional judges.
Notes:
[1] https://features.hkej.com/template/features/html/isa2026/index.html
[2] https://www.barings.com/en-hk/guest
Hashtag: #YFLife
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Singapore Institute of Management: Student Life and Campus Communities Becoming a Key Deciding Factor in Higher Education
This shift reflects a broader trend across the sector, where institutions are being evaluated not only on academic outcomes, but also on their ability to provide holistic student experiences that support mental wellbeing, social integration, and career readiness.
At the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), student engagement has become a central pillar of the learning experience, with a wide network of student led clubs and communities designed to support both personal and professional development.
A Growing Priority: Belonging and Wellbeing
Industry observations indicate that students, particularly those transitioning from secondary education or arriving from overseas, often face challenges such as social isolation, cultural adjustment, and limited peer support networks. Research also highlights that being away from familiar support systems and adapting to a new cultural and academic environment can be an isolating process, contributing to increased stress, anxiety, and reduced perceived social support
To address this, SIM has developed a structured student life ecosystem supported by its Student Development initiatives and programmes such as Project1095, which emphasises learning beyond the classroom and holistic growth. With close to 80 student clubs and co-curricular activities available, students are provided with multiple avenues to build connections and integrate into campus life.
From Co-Curricular Activities to Career Readiness
Student clubs are increasingly seen as more than recreational clubs, playing a meaningful role in preparing students for the workforce. Participation in such communities enables students to develop transferable skills aligned with employer expectations, including leadership, collaboration, and communication.
At SIM, student led initiatives span a broad spectrum, from arts and cultural groups that foster creativity and teamwork through performances and events, to sports and wellness communities that promote physical resilience and discipline. Leadership platforms such as student councils provide opportunities for students to organise initiatives and represent the student body, while international student communities support cultural integration and inclusivity.
In addition, special interest and professional clubs offer exposure to industry trends and peer led learning. Collectively, these platforms provide practical experiences that complement academic programmes and contribute to graduates’ overall employability.
Reflecting a Broader Shift in Higher Education
The increasing importance placed on student life reflects a wider evolution in higher education, where institutions are expected to support both academic achievement and personal development.
By investing in student communities and engagement, institutions like SIM are responding to this shift, providing environments where students can not only gain qualifications, but also build networks, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.
As prospective students weigh their options, the availability of vibrant campus communities and support systems is likely to remain a key differentiator in the higher education landscape.
Reference:
- The experience of loneliness among international students participating in the BBC Loneliness Experiment: Thematic analysis of qualitative survey data – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666518223000189?
- Mental health concerns and needs of international students in higher education settings: A scoping review protocol – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12334020/
- SIM CCA – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/co-curricular-activities
- SIM Project 1095 – https://project1095.simge.edu.sg/
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 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% 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 www.sim.edu.sg
Media OutReach
Nexus Aesthetic Clinic to Host Pro Bono Aesthetic Literacy Talk for Women in Singapore
The session is designed to help members of the public ask clearer questions before deciding whether a medical aesthetic treatment is appropriate for them. Rather than focusing on any one procedure, the talk will cover consultation-first decision-making, how medical assessment should come before choosing treatments such as fil, and why natural-looking outcomes depend on suitability, restraint, and medical judgement.
As aesthetic treatments become more visible across social media and everyday conversation, consumers are often exposed to trend-led content before receiving a proper clinical assessment. Nexus Aesthetic Clinic says the pro bono session aims to bring the conversation back to patient suitability, risk-aware planning, and thoughtful decision-making.
The talk will be led by Dr Samantha Tay, Medical Director of Nexus Aesthetic Clinic. Attendees will learn what a responsible consultation should cover, including treatment history, skin condition, facial structure, medical considerations, expected trade-offs, and when a conservative approach may be more appropriate.
“Patients today are more informed than before, but they are also exposed to more aesthetic trends than ever,” said Dr Samantha Tay. “A good aesthetic decision should not begin with a treatment name. It should begin with a proper assessment of the patient’s face, skin quality, concerns, medical history, and whether treatment is appropriate in the first place.”
Community organisations interested in hosting similar pro bono education sessions may reach Nexus Aesthetic Clinic through the collaboration page.
Hashtag: #NexusAestheticClinic
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Nexus Aesthetic Clinic
Nexus Aesthetic Clinic is a natural-led medical aesthetic clinic located at TripleOne Somerset in Singapore. Led by Medical Director Dr Samantha Tay, the clinic focuses on consultation-led aesthetic care, conservative treatment planning, and natural-looking outcomes.
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