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AIA launches AIA Voluntary Health Insurance SelectWise Scheme Elevating in-patient care at designated hospitals[1]

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For a limited time, customers can enjoy up to 7 months’ premium refund[2] upon successful application with tax deduction benefits

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 February 2026 – In a strategic response to customers’ growing need for unparalleled medical and in-patient experience, AIA has launched the AIA Voluntary Health Insurance SelectWise Scheme (“SelectWise”), the first VHIS plan in the market to feature a dedicated medical journey.3 Designed for everyday consumers seeking more quality healthcare at an affordable budget, SelectWise has no sub-limits on individual benefit items,4 a feature typically seen in high-end medical insurance. By choosing in-patient care at SelectWise Designated Hospitals5 in Hong Kong, customers can also enjoy upgraded room types.1

A recent survey6 by AIA Hong Kong showed that nearly half (46%) of respondents across the city prioritise comfort and privacy during hospitalisation, while three in five (57%) have sought or considered medical care in Chinese Mainland. SelectWise allows customers to plan northbound medical care journeys with the first-in-industry7 Care Concierge8 services, including dedicated Service Ambassador.

Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said the AIA Voluntary Health Insurance SelectWise Scheme is a strategic response to customers’ growing need for access to quality private healthcare through product innovation.

Ms Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said, “With Hongkongers’ pressing need for quality private healthcare, medical insurance is more important than ever. At AIA, we are committed to addressing customer needs through innovation. SelectWise combines a curated medical network with one-stop services, giving customers access to quality private healthcare with peace of mind and a reasonable budget, delivering on our purpose of Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

SelectWise is more than a product innovation; it represents a significant step forward in AIA’s commitment to advancing our Integrated Health Strategy (IHS) and reshaping the medical insurance ecosystem. This initiative builds on the momentum of AIA’s inaugural Healthcare Financing Summit in June last year and reinforces our ongoing efforts to foster cross-sector collaboration in Hong Kong’s medical landscape. Through IHS, we aim to make healthcare more accessible, more affordable, and more effective for the communities we serve.”

Upgraded room types1 or quality in-patient experience at designated hospitals across Hong Kong, Macau and Chinese Mainland

In Hong Kong, customers opting for network doctors within the SelectWise Medical Network9 can enjoy semi-private rooms at designated hospitals,1,5 with all medical expenses during hospitalisation pre-approved10 for peace of mind. In Macau, semi-private room access is also available at designated hospitals.1,5 In Chinese Mainland, customers may choose between two groups of SelectWise Designated Hospitals5: standard private rooms (currently there are seven group A hospitals in the Greater Bay Area) or semi-private rooms (at over 1,700 group B hospitals across Chinese Mainland currently),11 addressing the growing demand in northbound medical treatment.

Ms Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau (centre), Dr York Chow, Head of Medical Office of AIA Hong Kong & Macau (sixth from left) and Dr Alexander Chiu, Head of Medical and Healthcare Provisions of AIA Hong Kong & Macau (sixth from right) with hospital representatives: Dr Yannie Soo of Union Hospital, Ms Grace Wong of Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, Mr Gilbert Lee of St. Paul’s Hospital, Mr Eric Wong of St. Teresa’s Hospital, Ms Qi Wei of Kiang Wu Hospital, Dr Jasperine Ho of The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Mr Brian Siu of Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital, Ms Lincole Lin of Guangzhou United Family Hospital, Ms Summer Suen of Zhongshan Chen Xinghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, and Mr Leo Shen of Shenzhen Heng Sheng Hospital, Guangzhou Xin Shi Hospital and Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital
Ms Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau (centre), Dr York Chow, Head of Medical Office of AIA Hong Kong & Macau (sixth from left) and Dr Alexander Chiu, Head of Medical and Healthcare Provisions of AIA Hong Kong & Macau (sixth from right) with hospital representatives: Dr Yannie Soo of Union Hospital, Ms Grace Wong of Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, Mr Gilbert Lee of St. Paul’s Hospital, Mr Eric Wong of St. Teresa’s Hospital, Ms Qi Wei of Kiang Wu Hospital, Dr Jasperine Ho of The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Mr Brian Siu of Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital, Ms Lincole Lin of Guangzhou United Family Hospital, Ms Summer Suen of Zhongshan Chen Xinghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, and Mr Leo Shen of Shenzhen Heng Sheng Hospital, Guangzhou Xin Shi Hospital and Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital

SelectWise has no sub-limits on individual benefit items4 for key medical expenses, offering customers greater flexibility in coverage to allocate payouts on items that matter most.

Hong Kong’s first VHIS plan delivering a dedicated medical journey with full care from doctor search to recovery3

SelectWise delivers a fully integrated medical journey through the combination of the curated SelectWise Medical Network9 and the industry-first7 Care Concierge8 services in Chinese Mainland. This one-stop approach ensures simplicity, predictability and confidence by connecting every stage of the healthcare experience.

The SelectWise Medical Network9 includes multi-disciplinary specialists and healthcare professionals across Hong Kong, supporting customers from doctor search and appointment booking to diagnosis, treatment, hospitalisation, payment and recovery. For customers seeking care in Chinese Mainland, unfamiliar procedures can be daunting. The dedicated 1-to-1 Service Ambassador from Care Concierge8 provides personalised assistance — from pre-approval of medical expenses10,12 to tailored medical and nursing support throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

First-in-industry13 instant online booking for specialists

Through the AIA+ mobile app, customers can access the industry-first13 “Find/Book Doctors” feature,14 enabling instant filtering of specialists within the SelectWise Medical Network,9 identification of designated hospitals5 and appointment booking. Network doctors also assist with pre-approval of medical expenses10 and cashless services,15 giving customers full visibility of their medical costs without the stress of bill payments and claims.

With roots in Hong Kong, AIA today provides personal medical insurance to one in three individuals in Hong Kong.16 The company tirelessly works with its partners and stakeholders to shape a sustainable future for medical protection in Hong Kong.

Key product features of the AIA Voluntary Health Insurance SelectWise Scheme include:

Option to stay in a comfortable room type1 during hospitalisation
  • Basic ward room coverage across Asia
  • Comfortable room types1 at SelectWise Designated Hospitals5 in Hong Kong, Macau and Chinese Mainland
    • In Hong Kong: Semi-private rooms,1 if all attending registered medical practitioners and surgeons who provides medical services during the confinement are network doctors of SelectWise Medical Network,9 with all medical expenses incurred during confinement pre-approved10
    • In Macau: Semi-private rooms1
    • In Chinese Mainland17: Two groups of SelectWise Designated Hospitals5 for selection – standard private rooms (for group A hospitals in the Greater Bay Area) or semi-private rooms (for group B hospitals across Chinese Mainland)11
  • Lifetime limit of up to HK$60 million and annual limit of up to HK$12 million
  • Extensive protection with no itemised benefit sublimit for key medical expenses4
Higher benefit amount for network benefit
  • Higher benefit amount for pre- and post-confinement / day case procedure outpatient care, Chinese medicine practitioner outpatient care, and day surgery cash benefit if customers meet the below conditions:
    • In Hong Kong: Medical services are directly prescribed, managed, supervised or carried out by network doctors of SelectWise Medical Network9 and all medical expenses incurred are pre-approved10 (if applicable)
    • In Macau and Chinese Mainland17: Receiving medical services at SelectWise Designated Hospitals5
Dedicated medical journey connected by quality SelectWise Medical Network9
  • Access to a network of multi-disciplinary medical specialists and healthcare professionals within the vast SelectWise Medical Network9
  • First-in-industry13 “Find/Book Doctors” feature14 via the AIA+ mobile app for instant online appointment with network doctors, enabling easy filtering of specialities, doctors, and SelectWise Designated Hospitals5 available for admission
  • Network doctors will assists customers in submitting applications for pre-approval of medical expenses10 and cashless services,15 offering customers peace of mind without the hassle of medical bill payments and claims
Tailored coverage and support to facilitate a supreme medical experience in Chinese Mainland
  • Upgraded first-in-industry7 value-added service Care Concierge8:
    • 1-to-1 concierge support of Service Ambassador
    • Medical Companion Service provides administrative support prior to applying pre-approval for medical expenses10,12 offering personalised care from diagnosis, treatment to recovery
    • Online family doctor service with delivery of designated medications18
  • Transportation fee subsidy benefit for receiving medical services for non-emergency treatment in Chinese Mainland19

Elderly cancer support – waiver of deductible
for designated cancer20, 21
  • The remaining balance of the annual deductible in relation to the medical services arising from the insured person’s designated cancer20 will be waived21 if the insured person is aged 75 or above and is unfortunately diagnosed with designated cancer20

Certified Plan under the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme
  • Quality medical coverage, while customers can apply for tax deduction on qualifying premium22

List of SelectWise Designated Hospitals5:

Hong Kong Macau Chinese Mainland
  • Union Hospital
  • Hong Kong Baptist Hospital
  • St. Paul’s Hospital
  • St. Teresa’s Hospital
  • Kiang Wu Hospital
Group A

  • The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (International Medical Center)
  • Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital
  • Shenzhen Heng Sheng Hospital
  • Guangzhou United Family Hospital
  • Guangzhou Xin Shi Hospital
  • Zhongshan Chen Xinghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
  • Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital

Group B

  • Over 1,700 hospitals across Chinese Mainland

(as of October 2025)

From now until 31 March 2026, customers who successfully apply for SelectWise and designated insurance plans can enjoy up to 7 months of premium refund.2 The SelectWise Medical Series is available in Macau and Pearl editions, offering tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of customers.

Notes:

  1. To be eligible for semi-private room during confinement in SelectWise Designated Hospitals in Hong Kong, all of the following conditions must be fulfilled: (i) the insured person is confined in a SelectWise Designated Hospital in Hong Kong; (ii) all of the attending registered medical practitioners and surgeons who provide medical services during the confinement are network doctors of SelectWise Medical Network; and (iii) the network doctor of SelectWise Medical Network must have submitted the completed Prior-Authorization Request Form for pre-approval of medical expenses on behalf of the insured person to the Company in respect of all medical services to be obtained by the insured person for the disability during the confinement, and the Company must have approved such Prior-Authorization Request Form before the network doctor of SelectWise Medical Network provides medical services to the insured person. Alternatively, if all of the eligibility requirements for semi-private room set out above are met, a lower ward class cash benefit will be paid if the insured person is confined in a ward class lower than the eligible semi-private room in a SelectWise Designated Hospital in Hong Kong. When the network doctor of SelectWise Medical Network fills in the Prior-Authorization Request Form for application for pre-approval of medical expenses on behalf of the insured person, please be reminded to inform the network doctor of SelectWise Medical Network of the insured person’s personally preferred room type.
  2. Terms & conditions apply. Refer to the promotional leaflet for details. Premium refund and premium discount (including e-premium coupon, if any) are not eligible for tax deductions.
  3. The first VHIS plan in the market that enables the insured person to be eligible for a semi-private room instead of a ward room during confinement, if all of the following conditions are fulfilled: (i) the insured person is confined in a SelectWise Designated Hospital in Hong Kong; (ii) all of the attending registered medical practitioners and surgeons who provide medical services during the confinement are network doctors of SelectWise Medical Network; and (iii) the network doctor of SelectWise Medical Network must have submitted the completed Prior-Authorization Request Form for pre-approval of medical expenses on behalf of the insured person to the Company in respect of all medical services to be obtained by the insured person for the disability during the confinement, and the Company must have approved such Prior-Authorization Request Form before the network doctor of SelectWise Medical Network provides medical services to the insured person, as of 27 October 2025 compared against VHIS plans offered by major Hong Kong insurance companies. A “dedicated medical journey” means that SelectWise Medical Network supports customers at every touchpoint – from doctor search to diagnosis, treatment, payment and recovery – integrating the key stages of customers’ medical journey.
  4. No itemised benefit sublimit for medically necessary services, provided the claims will be evaluated based on reasonable and customary charges. Claim amount is subject to the benefit limits as set out in the benefit schedule including annual benefit limit, lifetime benefit limit and annual deductible. Please also refer to the product brochure for the details and definition of “reasonable and customary” and “medically necessary”. Benefits payable related to the confinement are subject to the applicable covered room.
  5. The list of SelectWise Designated Hospitals can be retrieved from AIA’s website (www.aia.com.hk) and may be varied, updated and amended from time to time at AIA’s sole discretion. Any change shall be deemed as effective on the date of publication on the Company’s website irrespective of whether any separate notice is given. All the claims settlement will be subject to the final bill and the policy terms and conditions. For confinement in SelectWise Designated Hospitals in Chinese Mainland, the covered room shall be determined according to the group of hospitals (either group A or group B) which the relevant SelectWise Designated Hospital falls within. Please note that the list of SelectWise Designated Hospitals (group B) in Chinese Mainland is only available in Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese. AIA shall not be responsible for any act, negligence or omission of any of the hospital within the list of SelectWise Designated Hospitals in the provision of services, treatments, opinions and advice.
  6. In August 2025, AIA conducted an online survey with 1,000 Hong Kong residents aged 18 to 65.
  7. For Care Concierge, the first-in-industry statement refers to Hong Kong insurance industry-first healthcare support that integrates (a) dedicated concierge service with a suite of healthcare and support services for the eligible insured person and (b) the medical home visit service in Chinese Mainland for the eligible insured person’s parents, as of 31 January 2024 compared against similar services offered by major Hong Kong insurance companies. AIA is not the service provider or the agent of the service provider.
  8. The services are provided in Chinese Mainland by the designated third party service provider engaged by AIA, subject to change from time to time at our discretion. It is an additional value-added service and does not form part of the contractual benefits. AIA is not the service provider or the agent of the service provider. AIA makes no representation, warranty or undertaking as to the quality and availability of the service and shall not accept any responsibility or liability for the services provided by the service provider(s). Under no circumstance shall AIA be responsible or liable for the acts or omissions or negligence in provision of the services (including but not limited to diagnosis, treatment and medical and healthcare services) by the service provider.
  9. SelectWise Medical Network is only available in Hong Kong and refers to designated third party medical network service providers engaged by AIA. The designated third party medical network service providers are independent contractors and are not agents or employees or representatives of AIA. AIA does not guarantee the provision of services or treatment by a particular medical network / service provider or the number of medical network(s) / service provider(s) available. For details, please refer to the product brochure.
  10. Request for pre-approval of medical expenses is subject to AIA’s approval. It is an additional value-added service and does not form part of the contractual benefits. Depending on your policy coverage, you may be required to pay part of the bill later.
  11. For details on the exact room entitlement, please refer to the Covered Room as stated in the benefit schedule of the product brochure. For any confinement and / or medical services received in non-SelectWise Designated Hospitals in Chinese Mainland, only the benefits stated in the VHIS Standard Plan will be payable under this plan, subject to the benefit limits of the VHIS Standard Plan; while benefits are not payable under the SelectWise Medical Plan and the SelectWise Pearl Medical Plan.
  12. The insured person is required to submit the application form for the pre-approval & cashless service of medical expenses to AIA. We use the “Reasonable & Customary” guideline to ensure all procedures are medically necessary, and costs are fair, based on market data.
  13. For online instant booking, the first-in-industry statement refers to Hong Kong insurance industry-first online instant booking service for specialists within the medical network, as of 13 October 2025 compared against similar mobile applications / web portals offered by major Hong Kong insurance companies. Applicable to SelectWise Medical Network only.
  14. Applicable to designated third party medical network service provider(s) only.
  15. Availability of the cashless service is subject to designated third party medical service providers and AIA’s approval. It is an additional value-added service and does not form part of the contractual benefits. Depending on your policy coverage, you may be required to pay part of the bill later.
  16. Based on Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Census and Statistics Department – Thematic Household Survey Report No. 78, January 2024, Table 7.1a and AIA internal data.
  17. For any confinement and / or medical services for the insured person which are rendered or undertaken in a non-SelectWise Designated Hospital in Chinese Mainland, only the benefits stated in the VHIS Standard Plan will be payable under this plan, subject to the benefit limits of the VHIS Standard Plan, while benefits are not payable under the SelectWise Medical Plan and the SelectWise Pearl Medical Plan.
  18. The medications which can be prescribed under Online Family Doctor Service of Care Concierge are certain over-the-counter medications (i.e. medications without the requirement for a prescription issued by registered medical practitioners), and certain prescription medications. The prescription medications may only be prescribed if the insured person submits the valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner in Chinese Mainland subject to the relevant local laws and regulations. The prescription of any medication, regardless of whether it is over-the-counter or prescribed medication, is subject to the availability and certain limitations and requirements of the relevant medications, the review of the valid prescription submitted by the insured person (applicable to the prescribed medications), and the assessment by the designated family doctor on the suitability and conditions of the insured person at the sole discretion of the designated family doctor and / or the service provider. The delivery of medications is subject to geographical limitation and certain limitations and / or requirements of the medications. The costs of the medications and the medications delivery shall be borne by the customer and be settled directly with the service provider. For details of the prescription and delivery of the medications, please contact the service provider.
  19. This benefit shall be payable for each day the insured person receives medical services for non-emergency treatment in SelectWise Designated Hospitals in the Chinese Mainland for which designated benefits are payable, subject to the maximum limits as stated in the benefit schedule.
  20. The term “designated cancer(s)” shall mean all stages of malignant cancer and carcinoma-in-situ, but will specifically exclude any of the following: (a) any tumour which is histologically classified as pre-malignant; (b) abnormal lesions of cervix uteri classified as cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia grade I (CIN I) and grade II (CIN II); and (c) any cancer where HIV infection is also present. The designated cancer must be confirmed by the insured person’s attending specialist in writing and supported by clinical, radiological, histological or laboratory evidence reasonably acceptable to us. Please refer to the policy contract for details and the claim conditions.
  21. This waiver of deductible is not applicable if the policyholder or the insured person is aware of, or shall be reasonably aware of, such designated cancer within the first 90 days from the policy effective date. If the insured person is diagnosed with sickness other than designated cancer with eligible expenses incurred, such eligible expense is subject to the remaining balance of annual deductible amount (if any). The elderly cancer support – waiver of deductible for designated cancer is not applicable to policy with $0 annual deductible option.
  22. Qualifying premiums under a Certified Plan of VHIS is one of the allowable tax deductions under salaries tax and personal assessment, it does not equate to a direct deduction from total tax payable. For details on tax deductions (e.g. eligibility for tax deductions), please visit www.vhis.gov.hk and www.ird.gov.hk/eng/faq/vhis_qp.htm and consult your own tax and accounting advisors for tax advice. Premium refund and premium discount (including e-premium coupon, if any) are not eligible for tax deductions.

Important disclaimer

AIA Voluntary Health Insurance SelectWise Scheme is only available in Hong Kong and can be purchased as a basic plan or as an add-on plan. You can also choose to purchase AIA Voluntary Health Insurance Standard Scheme. SelectWise Medical Plan (only available in Macau) and SelectWise Pearl Medical Plan (available in Hong Kong and Macau) can be purchased as a basic plan or as an add-on plan. You have the right to purchase AIA Voluntary Health Insurance SelectWise Scheme / SelectWise Medical Plan / SelectWise Pearl Medical Plan as a standalone plan without purchasing other insurance products at the same time.

All information above is for reference only and does not constitute any offer and/or insurance product recommendation. The product information in this material does not contain the full terms of the product. For the details of the product features, terms and conditions, exclusions and key product risks, please refer to the product brochure and policy contract of relevant products or visit AIA Hong Kong’s website. In case you want to read policy contract sample before making an application, you can obtain a copy from AIA. Life insurance policies are long-term contracts of insurance.

Hashtag: #AIA

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

About AIA Hong Kong & Macau

AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have about 18,000 financial planners1, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers2, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.

1 As at 30 June 2025
2 Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as at 30 June 2025)

Media OutReach

MET Group’s Climate Impact Report Confirms The Company’s Contribution to Profitable Decarbonisation

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2026 – MET Group has published its Climate Impact Report 2025, highlighting how the company continues to balance decarbonisation, security of supply, and affordability through an integrated portfolio of gas, LNG, renewables, and energy storage solutions.

Executive Summary of MET Group Climate Impact Report 2025

The report comes amid European debates about how to preserve climate ambition while also maintaining industrial competitiveness and investment attractiveness. It describes the way MET Group’s integrated gas, LNG, power, renewables, and battery storage portfolio supports Europe’s efforts to address the energy trilemma.

The Climate Impact Report reflects a year of continued progress in MET Group’s climate journey, including growth in green electricity generation, an increased share of energy transition investments in the company’s capital allocation, and the first GHG inventory subject to third-party limited assurance.

  • In 2025, the Group increased the proportion of its CAPEX directed toward renewable energy and BESS projects to 39%. Renewable generation reached 625 GWh, supported by new solar parks in Germany and Italy, including the Group’s first Agri-PV project. MET also inaugurated one of Hungary’s largest BESS facilities at Dunamenti Power Station, supporting grid flexibility and renewable integration.

  • MET Group’s average grid emission factor across its retail power markets improved from 279 to 255gCO₂e/kWh, which was primarily driven by significant portfolio growth in cleaner markets such as Spain.

  • For the first time, MET Group’s greenhouse gas inventory has been subject to limited assurance by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, Zurich.

  • MET Group’s climate approach strives to achieve alignment with the EU Fit for 55 framework and integrates climate-related risk management into long-term strategic planning and investment decisions. The report outlines MET’s approach to managing both physical and transition risks, while reinforcing the role of diversified assets, flexible infrastructure, and integrated trading operations in supporting resilience across evolving energy markets.
In his first Climate Impact Report statement as Group CEO, Huibert Vigeveno emphasised: “Our ambition to be a European energy champion, able to provide our customers with cleaner energy, positions us to support Europe in addressing the energy transition trilemma of decarbonisation, security of supply, and affordability – advancing the transition in a way that is commercially sustainable, operationally reliable, and affordable for the customers and stakeholders we serve.”

Huibert Vigeveno added: “Europe should move beyond framing the energy transition primarily as a climate obligation and instead position it as an industrial and technological opportunity. Sustained leadership in climate action will ultimately depend on Europe’s ability to remain an attractive hub for investment, foster innovation, and enable the large-scale industrial deployment of new solutions.”

Hashtag: #METGroup #ESG #ClimateImpactReport


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

MET Group

MET Group is an integrated European energy company, headquartered in Switzerland, with activities and assets in natural gas, LNG, power, and renewables. MET serves customers in 24 countries through subsidiaries, and is present in 33 national energy markets as well as 51 international trading hubs. The company’s 1,400+ employees represent close to 60 nationalities. MET has extensive experience operating renewable and flexible assets, thus providing the widest possible support to energy transition. In 2025, MET Group’s consolidated sales revenue amounted to EUR 28.5 billion, with a total transacted volume of natural gas amounting to 241 BCM and total traded electricity of 160 TWh.

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SCG Showcases Green Innovations and Low-Carbon Cement at Cemtech Asia 2026, Reinforcing ASEAN Leadership and Commitment to the Net Zero Pathway

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2026 – SCG, ASEAN’s leading low-carbon cement manufacturer, co-hosted Cemtech ASIA 2026, a world-class conference and exhibition for the global cement sector held from June 14 to 17, 2026. Driven by a shared commitment to accelerating low-carbon transition and achieving Net Zero goals, industry executives and experts from across the world gathered to explore breakthrough innovations, expand business networks amidst global challenges, and navigate sustainable business transformations in response to tightening environmental regulations and resource conservation demands.

Mr. Surachai Nimlaor, President of SCG Cement and Green Solutions

At Cemtech Asia 2026, SCG demonstrated its commitment to advancing the cement industry through tangible low-carbon cement innovations. Mr. Surachai Nimlaor, President of SCG Cement and Green Solutions, stated:

“As the region’s leader in the low-carbon cement industry, SCG is dedicated to developing breakthrough innovations that minimize resource consumption and maximize eco-friendliness. By steadily reducing carbon dioxide emissions, we directly address the evolving demands and adaptation challenges of the construction industry across ASEAN and global markets.”

Alongside showcasing its cutting-edge LC3 low-carbon cement prototype at the exhibition, SCG hosted an exclusive site visit to its Ta Luang Cement Plant in Saraburi Province for global delegates. Key highlights of the showcase and tour included:

  • SCG LC3 Structural Cement: Developed from limestone, calcined clay, and specialized additives, this next-generation low-carbon cement reduces CO2 emissions by up to 30–40%. Its production process incorporates up to 40% biomass alternative fuels (such as rice husks and straw) and over 35% renewable energy. This is achieved without compromising any product performance or structural integrity, with its environmental performance independently verified through an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
  • Rondo Heat Battery: SCG has pioneered ASEAN’s first installation of the Rondo Heat Battery at the Ta Luang Cement Plant. Developed in collaboration with Rondo Energy, this breakthrough thermal energy storage solution converts intermittent renewable power into high-temperature thermal energy, storing it at up to 1,500°C in thermal media. With an exceptional energy recovery efficiency of up to 97% and a lifespan exceeding 40 years, the system provides a continuous 24/7 supply of clean heat, supporting the decarbonization of industrial manufacturing processes.
  • Refractory Solutions by The Siam Refractory Industry Co., Ltd. (SRIC): As a leading global refractory solutions provider, SRIC showcased its advanced technologies and innovative solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, including:
    1. Anti-Hydration Brick: The world’s first Anti-Hydration brick, extending shelf life from 6 to 24 months. This breakthrough innovation helps minimize material degradation, reduce production downtime, and improve overall operational efficiency.
    2. Thermal Media for Heat Battery: Co-developed with Rondo Energy, these high-performance heat storage blocks deliver up to 97% thermal efficiency, enabling reliable 24-hour energy availability and supporting the transition toward cleaner industrial energy solutions.
      • Solar Floating: Installed at the Ta Luang Cement Plant, this floating solar array generates 16.6 million kWh of clean electricity annually, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by over 8,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year. By repurposing the plant’s industrial reservoirs, the system optimizes resource efficiency and highlights SCG’s integration of green energy into heavy industry.

As co-host of Cemtech ASIA 2026, SCG reaffirmed its role as a trusted industry leader on the global stage. The event served as a major catalyst for expanding business networks and facilitating high-level technology and knowledge exchanges with world-class industry players. Moving forward, SCG is dedicated to cultivating global alliances to propel Thailand’s cement industry toward a Net Zero pathway, solidifying its position as ASEAN’s cement leader.

Watch the video:

CEMTECH ASIA 2026 | SCG Driving ASEAN’s Cement Industry Towards Net Zero

https://youtu.be/wCvSYeumGLY?si=nFle1kClP8sYR9z3

Hashtag: #SCG

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

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Mannings Continues “Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme” for the Fourth Year Partnering with Community Organisations to Expand Network to 75 Collection Points

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Free Medication Counselling Service to Prevent Misuse of Medicines and Protect Public Health

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Mannings is launching its “Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme” for the fourth consecutive year. This year, the programme further expands its collection network through collaboration with six community organisations, increasing the number of collection points across Hong Kong to 75. From 26 June to 23 July 2026, citizens can visit any of the 62 Mannings stores with pharmacies (except Elements, Landmark, Uptown Plaza, and Airport branches) or 13 designated community organisation collection points to dispose of leftover or expired medications (pills only, excluding dangerous drugs, liquid medications, and Chinese medicines) in the “Unused Medicines Collection Box.”

Mannings’ Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme 2026

The participating community organisations this year include the Christian Family Service Centre, Hong Kong Christian Service, St. James’ Settlement, The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, Hong Kong Family Community Pharmacy, and HKUMed Community Pharmacy. These organisations will set up “Unused Medicines Collection Boxes” at 13 designated service centres to facilitate proper disposal. Hong Kong Christian Service will also continue to collect the unused medicines and provide pharmaceutical knowledge directly to the elderly through its home care outreach services, promoting safe medication use.

All collected medicines will be handed over to a chemical waste collector licensed by the Environmental Protection Department and then properly destroyed at a chemical waste treatment centre. The programme encourages citizens to join hands with Mannings in safely disposing of unused medicines, enhancing medication knowledge, and safeguarding both the environment and community health. Please note that the disposal service is available only during the hours when Mannings pharmacists or healthcare professionals at community organisations are on duty. For more details, you can visit any Mannings pharmacy branch or consult a pharmacist on duty via WhatsApp (https://bit.ly/400s4sc).

Complimentary Medication Counselling Service to Educate the Public on Reducing Pharmaceutical Waste at Source
Mannings aims to address the issue at its source by encouraging citizens to develop the habit of regularly checking their home medicine cabinets. This helps prevent excessive storage of medicines, reduces waste, and minimises environmental pollution, while ensuring safe medication use. In addition to the Collection Boxes, Mannings registered pharmacists will enhance support in providing free medication counselling services to assist citizens with any medication-related questions. Citizens who have medication-related enquiries can bring their medicines to any Mannings pharmacy or consult a pharmacist via WhatsApp (https://bit.ly/400s4sc). Pharmacists will explain in detail whether medications overlap or interact, and guide proper usage to reduce accumulation and waste. The service requires no appointment and is completely free of charge.

Over 15 Million Tablets Collected since Programme Launched in 2023

As the first major community pharmacy chain in Hong Kong to pioneer unused medicine disposal services, Mannings has successfully collected and properly disposed of over 15 million tablets between 2023 and 2025. Mannings’ registered pharmacists also sort, tally, and analyse the collected medicines, helping to reduce environmental impact while gaining insights into and educating the public on proper medication practices. This reflects Mannings’ commitment to fulfilling its social responsibility as a community pharmacy and safeguarding public health.

Philip Chiu, Chief Pharmacist of Mannings
says, “From the past few years of the programme, we observed that many households accumulate significant amounts of unused medicines, including those requiring completion of the entire course, such as antibiotics or chronic disease medications. When citizens fail to follow doctors’ instructions and complete the course, it not only delays recovery but may also increase healthcare costs in the long run. This year, we would like to further promote the idea of ‘home pharmacy checks,’ reminding citizens to regularly review their medicine cabinets to avoid expired or misused medicines, and to feel more reassured in medication use. ”

Chiu further states, “Community pharmacists play a vital role in this process. Beyond providing disposal services, they also educate and counsel citizens to establish correct medication habits. Through this programme, Mannings hopes to help the public understand that medication management and environmental protection are equally important, and that both can progress hand in hand to contribute to community health and sustainable development.”

For details on participating Mannings pharmacies and other designated community collection points for the “Mannings Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme,” please visit
https://bit.ly/3UuWGy5.

Hashtag: #Mannings #TrustedAdvisorForWellness #HealthandBeauty #SafeDisposalofUnusedMedicines #DFIRetailGroup

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

About Mannings

Mannings is Hong Kong’s largest health and beauty products chain store with over 320 outlets and over 60 in-store pharmacies operating in Hong Kong and Macau, providing a wide range of quality health care, personal care, skin care and baby products to customers. Our team of Community Health Professionals is available at many of our stores, offering expert advice and free consultations from registered Pharmacists, Dieticians, Beauty and Health Advisors. Mannings has been named by the Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA) as “Quality Service Retailer of the Year – Personal Care Products Category” for 15 consecutive years (2011 to 2025). Mannings has also been recognised as the “No.1 Most Preferred Brand” in online surveys conducted by global market research company Ipsos (2021-2024) and Nielsen (2025-2026) in Hong Kong for six consecutive years.

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