Connect with us

Media OutReach

Allianz Risk Barometer 2026: Cyber remains top business risk but AI fastest riser at #2 in Asia Pacific

Published

on

  • Cyber, especially ransomware attacks, ranks as the #1 risk for companies of all sizes (36% of responses)
  • Artificial Intelligence is the biggest riser and jumps from #9 to #2 (32%), highlighting the emerging risks for companies in almost all industry sectors
  • Business interruption, strongly connected to geopolitical risks and natural catastrophes, remains a significant concern at #3

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2026 – Cyber incidents created many headlines in 2025 and are still the biggest worry for companies in Asia Pacific and globally in 2026, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer. The past year has also been a significant one for accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), which is reflected in its ranking as the biggest riser in the annual survey at #2 as a complex source of operational, legal, and reputational risk for businesses. For the first time in five years, Business interruption is not in the top two risks for Asia Pacific, dropping to #3. Yet, this peril remains a significant concern given it can be a consequence of other risks in the top 10.

Asia Pacific Top 10 risks

Allianz Commercial CEO Thomas Lillelund comments: “Following the volatility and uncertainty of 2025, businesses continue to face interconnected and highly complex risks in 2026’s fast-changing environment. Given the continuing rise of AI across society and industry, it is unsurprising that it is the big mover in the Allianz Risk Barometer. As well as bringing huge opportunities, its transformative potential and rapid evolution and adoption are also reshaping the risk landscape, making it a standout concern for firms of all sizes worldwide, alongside other more established threats.”

Christian Sandric, Allianz Commercial President, Commercial, Asia Pacific, says, “The evolving risk landscape, particularly in the areas of cyber threats and the adoption of AI, pose new challenges to businesses in the region. With Asian economies playing a pivotal role in global and regional trade, the potential for business interruption also remains a significant concern. This volatile environment stresses the importance of resilience in a business’ supply chain, response measures, and risk management strategies to withstand and recover from disruptions.”

Cyber risks the biggest concern for companies

Cyber incidents is the top risk in Asia Pacific, and a top three risk in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. The Asia Pacific region experienced the most cyberattacks in 2024, increasing 13% year-on-year and accounting for 34% of attacks globally. While businesses in Asia, in particular large companies, have shown an increase in cyber resilience and appetite for cyber risk transfer solutions, their overall cyber coverage is generally lower compared to American or European peers and a significant portion of large organizations still remain self-insured.

Globally, cyber incidents is the top risk for the fifth year in a row, with its highest-ever score (42% of responses), and by a higher margin than ever before (+10%). It ranks as the main corporate concern in every region (Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa and Middle East). The continued presence of cyber at the top of the Allianz Risk Barometer reflects a deepening reliance on digital technology at a time when the cyber threat landscape, and geopolitical and regulatory environments, are fast evolving.

AI creates emerging risks as well as new business opportunities

Ranking #2 in Asia Pacific, AI is a top three risk and biggest riser in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, and Singapore, economies which are in the top 50% in terms of AI readiness. More than 90% of companies in the region are planning to scale up Generative AI over two years, with a focus on managing costs and lifting revenues.

Globally, AI has surged into the top tier of business concerns, rising to #2 (32%) in 2026 from #10 in 2025 – the biggest jump in this year’s ranking. It is a big mover in all regions – ranked #2 also in the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, and #3 in Europe – and is a growing risk for companies of all sizes too, moving into the top three for large, mid-sized and smaller firms. As AI adoption accelerates and becomes more deeply embedded in core business operations, respondents expect AI-related risks to intensify, especially when it comes to liability concerns. The rapid spread of generative and agentic AI systems, paired with their growing real-world use, has raised awareness of just how exposed organizations have become.

Business interruption strongly connected to geopolitical risks and natural catastrophes

Business interruption (BI) is the third most significant risk in Asia Pacific and a top three risk in China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea. The closely linked risk of changes in legislation and regulation – which includes trade tariffs – ranks #4 (25%), unchanged year-on-year driven by concerns over growing protectionism. Commerce is increasingly taking place between geopolitically aligned economies, resulting in new paths in global trade and the emergence of next generation trade hubs, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand in the region.

2025 marked a shift towards protectionist trade policies and tariff wars that brought uncertainty to the world economy. Geopolitical risks are putting supply chains under increasing pressure, but as risks rise, just 3% of Allianz Risk Barometer respondents view their supply chains as “very resilient”. In the past year alone, trade restrictions have tripled to affect an estimated US$2.7trn of merchandise – nearly 20% of global imports according to Allianz Trade – fueling companies exploring trends such as friendshoring and regionalization. These developments lead to a high-risk perception – 29% of respondents rank BI as a top peril, placing it at #3 globally, although it drops a position year-on-year.

Natural catastrophes ranks #5 (22%) in Asia Pacific, and is a top three risk in Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. The region experienced several natural catastrophes in 2025, including the Myanmar Earthquake, Typhoons Matmo, Ragasa, and Bualoi, Cyclone Alfred, wildfires in South Korea, as well as floods in Malaysia and Thailand. A delayed onset of the tropical cyclone season resulted in flooding and landslides, exerting a high human and economic toll in Asia where the insurance gap remains high at over 80%. According to research, there has been a significant increase in the intensity of tropical cyclones in recent decades, and these trends are linked to rising ocean temperatures and climate change, which retains its #6 ranking (19%) in the survey.

Resources:

Hashtag: #Allianz #AllianzCommercial #AllianzRiskBarometer #ARB2026

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

About Allianz Commercial

Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world’s largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry as well as family-owned and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions. Powered by the employees, , and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us in providing a wide range of traditional and risk transfer solutions, outstanding and services as well as seamless handling. Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2024, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated around €18 billion in gross premium globally.

Advertisement

Media OutReach

St. George’s University Prepares Future South Korean Physicians for the Growing Global Cancer Care Challenge

Published

on

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 February 2026 – Rising global cancer incidence is straining healthcare systems, which already face workforce shortages. In East Asia, the number of trained physicians in cancer care, spanning diagnosis, treatment coordination, and long-term management—has not met the increasing demand. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, South Korea reported over 230,000 new cancer cases and more than 97,000 fatalities in 2022. A recent original academic research by Myongji College and The Catholic University of Korea warned that simply increasing medical school enrollments alone does not fix shortages in key specialties and underserved regions where medical demand is rising fastest.

Source: St. George’s University

Recognizing the importance of addressing workforce shortage in South Korea, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, highlights how its medical education approach supports the development of clinical competencies relevant to cancer care across healthcare settings.

These challenges reflect broader global trends, where cancer care increasingly depends on multidisciplinary teams rather than specialty expansion alone. SGU’s curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in clinical diagnosis, patient communication and multidisciplinary care, which are essential skills for effective oncology and cancer-related care. Through anatomy labs, simulation-based learning, and integrated digital tools, students develop foundational clinical skills in structured, supervised environments designed to reflect real-world medical practice.

The curriculum also integrates traditional cadaveric dissection with modern 3D anatomical modeling. This blend helps students visualize the human body in a holistic way while reinforcing knowledge through their hands-on interaction. SGU’s simulation lab also enables medical students to have their first direct interaction with ill patients in a safe, simulated learning environment.

On top of core medical training, SGU offers early exposure to prevention, diagnosis and patient-centered care to prepare graduates to tackle complex health issues. SGU has developed long-standing relationships with more than 75 established hospitals and clinical centers in the US and UK. These clinical placements provide exposure to diverse patient populations and care environments, including settings where cancer diagnosis and management are part of routine clinical practice.

South Korean SGU alumni are contributing to healthcare systems through roles that intersect with cancer diagnosis, treatment coordination, and long-term patient care. For example, Dr. Julia Hweyryoung Cho, MD 2022 is practicing internal medicine, which plays a crucial role in cancer care. Internal medicine physicians are often involved in the initial diagnosis of cancer, managing complex medical conditions that may arise during treatment and providing long-term comprehensive care and survivorship planning for patients with a history of cancer.

In observance of World Cancer Day 2026, SGU encourages all medical professionals and organizations to collaboratively address global cancer care challenges. This includes recognizing and meeting the cancer healthcare needs of individuals and communities in South Korea.

For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.Hashtag: #St.George’sUniversity

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

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Finalists and Semifinalists for $1 Million Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge Announced

Published

on

BONN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 3 February 2026 – The Seed Grant Finalists and Growth Grant and Seeding the Future Grand Prize Semifinalists of the 5th annual Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge (GFSC) have been announced, marking a key milestone in the USD 1 million global Challenge supporting impactful and innovative solutions to transform food systems.

Created and funded by Seeding The Future Foundation and, for the first time, hosted by Welthungerhilfe (WHH), the Challenge attracted a record 1,600+ applications from innovator teams in 112 countries, underscoring growing global momentum for food systems transformation.

Following a multi-stage, rigorous international review process, 36 teams have advanced across three award levels. These include 16 Seed Grant Finalists (competing for 8 awards of USD 25,000), 12 Growth Grant Semifinalists (competing for 3 awards of USD 100,000), and 8 Seeding The Future Grand Prize Semifinalists (competing for 2 awards of USD 250,000).

“Hosting the GFSC reflects Welthungerhilfe’s commitment to accelerating bold, scalable innovations where they are needed most. This year’s diversity of solutions underscores the complexity of food system challenges and the creativity of innovators worldwide.” said Jan Kever, Head of Innovation at Welthungerhilfe

The submitted innovations span diverse themes and approaches, including climate-smart production, nutrient-dense foods, food loss reduction, and inclusive market models, reflecting the complexity and interconnected nature of today’s food systems challenges.

“The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge exists to catalyze impactful, bold, and scalable innovations that advance food systems transformation. We are excited to work alongside Welthungerhilfe as a trusted partner and host of the Challenge and are encouraged by the quality and diversity of innovations emerging from this first year of collaboration.” said Bernhard van Lengerich, Founder and CEO of Seeding The Future Foundation

While the number of awards is limited, all semifinalists and finalist applicants plus all applicants with any prior recognition of other innovation competitions can join the STF Global Food System Innovation Database and Network—currently in beta testing with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations—vastly expanding their visibility and reach across a global audience.

List of 2025 GFSC Seed Grant Finalists, Growth Grant and Seeding The Future Grand Prize Semifinalists

Find details here: welthungerhilfe.org/gfsc-finalists

Seeding The Future Grand Prize Semi-Finalists

Growth Grant Semi-Finalists

Seed Grant Finalists

Hashtag: #TheFutureGlobalFoodSystemChallenge

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

About Seeding The Future Foundation

STF is a private nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equitable access to safe, nutritious, affordable, and trusted food. It supports innovations that transform food systems and benefit both people and planet. More at .

About Welthungerhilfe
WHH is one of Germany’s largest private aid organizations, striving for a world without hunger since 1962. More at:

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

PolyU develops novel antibody targeting fat cell protein, offering new approach to treating metabolism-related liver cancer

Published

on

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 February 2026 – Liver cancer is one of the three deadliest cancers worldwide, and metabolic dysfunction-related cases have become increasingly common in recent years. A research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has identified a protein secreted by fat cells that promotes cancer growth and has successfully developed a novel antibody that neutralises this protein, marking a significant breakthrough in impeding the progression of liver cancer. The research findings have been published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Prof. Terence Lee, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and his research team have developed a novel antibody targeting the adipocyte-derived protein FABP4, offering a new approach to treating metabolism-related liver cancer.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, currently affects around a quarter of the global population and is an important risk factor for liver cancer. In affected individuals, fat cells induce insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, leading to excessive fat accumulation in the liver. This ultimately impairs liver function and may progress to liver cancer. Treatment options for MASLD-induced liver cancer remain limited and the effectiveness of current immunotherapies is suboptimal.

A breakthrough study led by Prof. Terence LEE, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and his research team has revealed that an adipocyte-derived protein, known as fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a key driver that accelerates tumour growth. Through mass spectrometry, the team confirmed that patients with MASLD-induced liver cancer had markedly elevated FABP4 levels in their serum. Further investigations showed that FABP4 activates a series of pro-proliferative signalling pathways within cells, causing cancer cells to multiply and grow more rapidly.

Prof. Lee’s team has successfully developed a monoclonal antibody that neutralises FABP4. This antibody not only inhibits the growth and proliferation of FABP4-driven cancer stem cells, but also enhances the ability of immune cells to combat cancer.

Prof. Lee said, “This neutralising antibody against FABP4 demonstrates significant potential in inhibiting tumour growth and activating immune cells, providing a complementary approach to current immunotherapy strategies. Our findings highlight that targeting adipocyte-derived FABP4 holds promise for treating MASLD-induced liver cancer.”

Prof. Lee added that gaining deeper insights into how adipocyte-derived FABP4 affects liver cancer cells helps to explicate the disease mechanisms of liver cancer, particularly in obese individuals. Intervening in the relevant signalling pathways could provide effective methods to combat this aggressive malignancy.

Prof. Lee believes that, as this adipocyte-targeted immunotherapy continues to mature, it will bring more treatment options to MASLD patients. He remarked, “If its efficacy can be proven in clinical trials, it could offer new hope to many affected individuals.”

The research is supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. PolyU has filed a non-provisional patent for the developed antibody and is continuing to optimise its binding affinity to facilitate future clinical applications.
Hashtag: #PolyU #FattyLiver #Cancer #LiverCancer #理大 #香港理工大学 #肝癌 #癌症 #脂肪肝

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

Continue Reading

Trending