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Early family and cultural adaptation support central to international assignment success – AXA Global Healthcare

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2026 – New research from AXA Global Healthcare across ten international markets highlights family wellbeing, cultural adaptation and social integration as three of the strongest predictors of successful global assignments.

Building on eight years of research, AXA’s latest study draws on insights from 689 HR decision-makers and 641 non-native assignees, offering a detailed view of the factors shaping international assignment outcomes.

The research found that family concerns (49%) cultural adjustment (47%) and social isolation (47%) are the three most common drivers for employees ending assignments early.

With the average cost of an international assignment rising by over 50% since 2017 to $79,636 per year above base salary, the case for preparing against these common drivers is made clear to HR leaders.

The importance of family, health and home

The research findings suggest a greater demand for early support beyond the logistics and legalities of moving abroad than that which is currently provided.

When asked, just 1 in 5 (20%) said their family received help with relocation services for their current assignment, yet one in three (33%) say they would expect this type of support from their employer for future placements.

Expectations outweigh provision on health-related assurances too. Whilst current support matches expectation for local health insurance, there is a seven-point gap between the global health insurance currently provided (32%) and the expectation for future assignments (39%). This demand falls in line with broader mobility trends – 73% of HR decision-makers expect more digital nomadism in their workforce over the next five years – global health cover caters to just that.

For organisations, this means reassessing what preparation involves.

“When we think about mobility strategies, the focus should not only be on business outcomes but on how well we prepare people, and their loved ones, for change.” says Ellen Hughes, Chief People Officer, AXA Health Business.

Assignment success requires adaptive support

Of assignments that end early, one in three do so because of difficulty adapting to local culture – and this has been a top three reason for early returns for the last eight years.

Demand for cultural preparation has also increased by 24% since AXA Global Healthcare’s last report in 2020, suggesting that assignees are becoming more aware of the importance of forward planning – and the latest research findings suggest wellbeing provision needs to meet expectations.

Language training support was found to be 12.5% short of expectation, while cultural adaptation support fell further behind, at nearly 20%. The nature of this support – whether it be learning a language or getting to grips with an entirely new culture – suggests that the key is in preparation well in advance of placement to give assignees a better shot at success.

Social isolation: creating the conditions for connection

Over half (54%) of assignees feel their mental health being challenged within the first three months of their assignment. At this point, the environment feels most unfamiliar and assignees that are not adequately equipped are most likely to struggle.

Isolation can be prevented in a variety of ways. The findings suggest expat forums (27%) and support groups (23%) are two valued support mechanisms for assignees. Opening up conversations about psychological preparation for the lifestyle change and providing connections through the workplace with buddy and mentoring systems can also be effective for establishing a social baseline for employees on placement.

Assignees themselves must also take responsibility. Excitement about a new posting can distract from thorough preparation for potential social challenges.

Sean Dubberke, intercultural specialist and Chief Learning Officer at professional training firm RW3 highlights: “Employees can often misunderstand relocation because of simple excitement. This adventurous enthusiasm can delay preparation for the practical and psychological realities of living in a new cultural environment.”

Personal preparation means thinking ahead – maintaining home connections, identifying how to build new ones, and understanding how daily social life will change.

Closing the awareness gap

Across all three areas, employers are providing more support than assignees recognise. Just 19% of assignees cited access to language preparation, against 36% of HR leaders who say they provide it. Similarly, 17% of assignees cited cultural preparation support, compared with 34% of HR leaders. Gaps are consistent for mentoring and buddy systems (28% vs 46%) and expatriate support groups (24% vs 45%).

This is not a problem with resourcing, but communication. Support covering exactly the family, cultural, and social challenges that can drive early returns exists, but isn’t reaching the people who need it. Closing this gap requires clearer communication from employers and active engagement from assignees.

The evolution of global mobility

Short-term placements are predicted to increase by 69% in the next five years and are predicted to shorten further with the rise of digital nomadism. As assignment models evolve, the risks of cultural disconnection, family strain, and social isolation won’t disappear – they’ll become more acute as the window for preparation gets shorter.

For HR decision-makers, two preparation priorities stand out: keep family, cultural, and social support central as these factors become more strongly linked to successful outcomes; and close the awareness gap through consistent communication and shared accountability.

“AXA Global Healthcare’s research demonstrates that in order for preparation to deliver the best outcomes, businesses should design mobility strategies which recognise the full experience of relocation, and individuals must actively engage with the support available to them. Only then can the value and investment at this stage of an assignment be realised.

By strengthening preparation at every level, we can create the conditions for mobility to deliver on its promise: growth for our organisations and meaningful opportunities and experiences for our people.” says Hughes.

Hashtag: #Insurance #AXAGlobalHealthcare




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

AXA Health International (AXA Global Healthcare)

AXA Health International is part of the AXA Health business and specialises in international health and wellbeing solutions. AXA Global Healthcare operates as one of the commercial entities functioning within AXA Health International, providing premium international health insurance to individuals and businesses worldwide and has been protecting the healthcare needs of globally mobile citizens for more than 60 years. Customers are supported in more than 200 countries through a global virtual doctor service, second medical opinion, personal case management, and evacuation and repatriation assistance, with access to AXA’s global medical network of over 2 million healthcare providers. For more information visit axaglobalhealthcare.com.

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Linkflow Capital: SME Borrowing Costs Ease to 8.18% in 2025 as Larger Loans Return, but Middle East Conflict Threatens 2026 Outlook

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29/04/2026

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Annual Linkflow Capital research finds SME credit conditions thawed modestly in 2025, with SME borrowing rate declining to an average of 8.18% from a high of 8.47% the preceding year. Bank disbursement times stretched to 33 days on average, against just 7 days for non-bank funders, reshaping where SMEs source credit.

SINGAPORE – Media Outreach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Singapore’s SMEs experienced their first easing in borrowing costs in three years, with average unsecured lending rates falling to 8.18% per annum in 2025 from a multi-year high of 8.47% in 2024, according to Linkflow Capital’s latest SME Financing Accessibility Survey. Larger loan approvals above $500,000, which had disappeared entirely in 2024, also returned to form 5% of approvals in 2025.

The recovery, however, was uneven. Bank loan processing times stretched to 33 days on average, up from 22 days in 2024, while non-bank funders disbursed approved cases in just 7 days. The widening gap reshaped lender competition through the year.

Key findings from the 2025 survey:

  • Borrowing costs eased modestly: Average SME loan interest rate fell 29 basis points to 8.18% per annum but remain stubbornly high against the backdrop of a significant decline in benchmark 3-month SORA rate throughout 2025.
  • Larger loans returned: Approvals above $500K returned to 5% of approved loan dollar volume in 2025 after disappearing entirely in 2024. Loans in the $300K–$500K bracket also expanded from 3% to 7%.
  • Loan approval rate recovered to 74%, up from 70% in 2024 (a 5-year low).
  • Foreign banks extended their market share of loan origination within our platform: Foreign lenders grew their share of approved loan dollar volume to 38% in 2025, up from 26% in 2024 and 19% in 2023, while local banks fell to 46% (from 59%). Digital banks recovered modestly to 11% (from 8%).
  • Credit-related rejections nearly tripled: Among unsuccessful applicants, those rejected due to adverse personal credit records jumped from 3% in 2024 to 11% in 2025, signalling rising personal credit stress among SME owners.

“2025 was the year SME credit conditions began to thaw after the 2024 squeeze, but the recovery was uneven,” said Benjamin Teo, spokesperson for Linkflow Capital. “Banks gradually reopened to larger loans, yet took meaningfully longer to process applications. Some SMEs facing immediate cash flow pressure turned to non-bank funders for speed, even at higher costs.”

A new and more severe headwind for 2026

Linkflow Capital flagged the Middle East conflict which began in February 2026 as the most consequential macroeconomic event facing Singapore SMEs in the year ahead. The conflict has elevated freight, energy and shipping costs through Iran’s intermittent disruption of the Strait of Hormuz.

“Singapore SMEs entered 2026 facing a potential macro shock with the Middle East conflict,” Teo said. “The inflationary price pressures feed directly into SME operating costs through fuel, freight, and energy. We expect credit conditions to re-tighten, and the modest 2025 thaw could partially reverse if the conflict escalates.”

The full survey findings and detailed charts are available at: https://smeloan.sg/blog/2025-sme-finance-accessibility-survey/

Website: smeloan.sg
LinkedIn: sg.linkedin.com/company/linkflow-capital-pte-ltd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LinkflowSG/
Hashtag: #LinkflowCapital #SMEFinancing #SMELoan #SingaporeSME #BusinessLoan #SMEBanking #SMECredit




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

Linkflow Capital

Founded in 2012, Linkflow Capital is a leading SME loan consultancy in Singapore. Through its loan comparison portal and advisory services, Linkflow Capital assists SMEs in navigating the financing landscape and securing funding solutions from an extensive network of banks and financial institutions.

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SUNeVision Concludes Third Edition of Startup Programme

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12 hours ago

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29/04/2026

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Recognising AI Startups to Lead New Momentum in Hong Kong’s I&T Development

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – SUNeVision Holdings Ltd. (“SUNeVision”, SEHK: 1686), the largest data centre provider in Hong Kong and the technology arm of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (“SHKP”), announced the successful completion of the third edition of its Startup Programme. The final winners emerged from a distinguished cohort of home-grown startups that showcase AI-driven innovations integrating advanced technology with sustainability, while contributing to Hong Kong’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

This year’s programme attracted nearly 100 high-calibre applications, the majority of which showcased AI-native solutions across smart city, green technology, digital assets, EdTech, and immersive entertainment. Through a structured series of intensive workshops, expert mentorship, and ecosystem engagement, SUNeVision supported participating startups in refining their business models and pitches, strengthening their technological capabilities, and accelerating go‑to‑market strategies.

The award-winning startups from this year’s programme include:

  • AquaSage Group: A maritime fintech startup specialising in vessel tokenisation, converting traditional maritime business into regulated digital assets.
  • ChatnLearn EdTech Limited: An AI‑powered platform delivering interactive and personalised English learning and speaking training.
  • Green Vigor Limited: A greentech innovator deploying hydropower recycling systems within building water tanks and cooling infrastructure to generate renewable energy.
  • Oh My Ink Technology Limited: An AI‑enabled tattoo try‑on platform offering real‑time skin visualisation before permanent application.

Helen Lo, Executive Director & Director, Commercial at SUNeVision, said: “We are impressed by this cohort’s exceptional ideas, which demonstrate how AI can be harnessed to deliver smarter, more personalised experiences and propel sustainable energy advancements, transforming technological innovation into tangible, real-world impact for the industry. Now in its third year, our Startup Programme has become a launchpad for high-impact innovation, empowering startups to accelerate their growth journeys and expand into global markets. We remain committed to fostering a dynamic AI ecosystem and strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a global innovation hub.”

The programme winners will receive SUNeVision Credits valued at up to HK$160,000, redeemable for support services offered by SUNeVision and the programme partners. The initiative equips startups with a solid digital foundation to deploy and scale AI‑driven applications within SUNeVision’s hyperscale data centre facilities, supported by low-latency connectivity. Participants will also gain access to a vibrant ecosystem of more than 300 technology and business partners, service providers, and key stakeholders. An array of tailored support will be provided by the programme partners, covering:

  • Angelflow: Syndicate technology infrastructure
  • Dataplugs: Internet and managed hosting
  • Finda Cloud: Value-added cloud services and SaaS
  • Nexusguard: DDoS protection and cybersecurity
  • SUNeVision: Data centre colocation and hosting
  • Sustainable SmartTech Ventures: AI-powered smart building management technologies
  • the Hive.: Co-working space
  • Votee AI: Authentic Cantonese translation
  • WeExpand: Agentic AI services for sales and marketing automation

For more details about the SUNeVision Startup Programme, please visit [website].

Hashtag: #SUNeVision

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

About SUNeVision

SUNeVision (SEHK: 1686), the technology arm of Sun Hung Kai Properties (SEHK: 0016), is the largest data centre provider in Hong Kong. We provide industry-leading carrier and cloud-neutral data centre services with Asia’s number one connectivity. We connect providers of telecommunications, cloud, ISP, CDN, OTT from local, mainland China and global with enterprises of different businesses on our Asia leading data centre ecosystem.

SUNeVision forms MEGA Campus by extending the connectivity edge from highly connected MEGA-i to other high-tier data centres, including MEGA Gateway, MEGA IDC, MEGA Plus and MEGA Two. Facilities on MEGA Campus are interconnected through a dedicated dark fibre network and around 15,000 cross-connects. Together with City PoPs of major submarine cables in our facilities, we enable our customers for direct connections to multi-cloud platforms and multi-cloud exchanges with the best connectivity in town. The addition of cable landing stations HKIS-1 and HKIS-2 to our data centre portfolio will provide a one-stop-solution to cable owners and users, strengthening our position as the leading connectivity hub in Asia. We are committed to supporting Hong Kong as a regional information hub and a strategic gateway to mainland China.

For more information, please visit SUNeVision’s , .

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De Beers Group Launches New Bridal Campaign Celebrating Desert Diamonds

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12 hours ago

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29/04/2026

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NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – De Beers Group recently announced the launch of its new Desert diamonds Bridal campaign undersigned by A Diamond Is Forever, celebrating a fresh and authentic vision for the modern proposal. This campaign marks a significant moment in De Beers’ ongoing commitment to redefining how natural diamonds express individuality, love, and timeless beauty.

Desert diamonds, first unveiled as a beacon in October 2025, draw inspiration from the colors of the earth from which they originate. The campaign celebrates a unique spectrum of colors — each shade telling a story of resilience, authenticity, and enduring love. The bridal campaign will build upon the success and momentum of the Q4 Desert diamonds launch.

Evolving the modern bridal aesthetic and highlighting the distinct character of each stone, Desert diamonds’ warm hues echo diverse forms of love, with sunlit whites and champagnes, soft sand tones and sunset blush and dawn colors reflecting the uniqueness of nature’s beauty. Together, these colors celebrate the evolving journey of love in all its forms – authentic, true and timeless.

The Desert diamonds bridal campaign is an industry-wide umbrella program, the goal of which is to create demand for natural diamonds by reigniting consumer desire with a new and relevant message. Retailers and designers across the industry have been working to develop pieces that showcase the full desert-inspired palette, including notable jeweler Kindred Lubeck, who will unveil her first bridal collection in conjunction with the campaign launch.

Launching 13 April 2026 across the United States, De Beers’ A Diamond Is Forever Desert diamond bridal campaign is supported by an integrated marketing effort across digital, social, and experiential channels, while also including out-of-home, social media and publishing partnerships. Using evocative storytelling, that creative spotlights how each natural diamond is as unique as the love it represents. Premium targeting efforts across digital platforms and geotargeting around key retailers will result in an estimated reach of 25 million American consumers – placing Desert diamonds in bridal content while leveraging shopper data and look-a-like audiences. Further amplification across the Brides, Martha Stewart, and greater People Inc. portfolio will educate, inspire and reinforce Desert diamonds as the enduring choice.

Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands & Diamond Desirability, said:
“The success of Desert diamonds reinforces the spirit of authentic, evolving love. Today’s brides want something truly unique that delivers meaning and individuality. Natural diamonds, forged by nature over billions of years, in a range of color choices are the perfect symbol of a love that is uniquely theirs – resilient, genuine, timeless, colorful. This soft palette of natural colors celebrates the modern couple’s desire to celebrate the individuality of their commitment and the promise of a forever that truly reflects their story.”

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #Desertdiamonds #DesertBridal #adiamondisforever #naturaldiamonds #diamonds





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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

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