Media OutReach
Maybank’s Insurance Arm, Etiqa Insurance, Pioneers the Return of Takaful Offerings in Singapore
New Shariah-compliant investment-linked product addresses the needs of customers looking for values-based insurance solutions; further strengthening the Group’s Islamic Wealth Management offerings
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 January 2025 – Maybank’s insurance arm, Etiqa Insurance Singapore (Etiqa), today jointly announced the launch of Invest future, Singapore’s first Takaful offering in over a decade, with Maybank Singapore (Maybank) as its exclusive distributor.
Invest future is designed to cater to the growing demand for Islamic financial solutions in Singapore. This investment-linked plan (ILP) is designed to support sustainable wealth accumulation goals through Shariah-compliant investing, tailored for the growing demographic seeking ethical investment options while offering flexibility and protection.
Mr Alvin Lee, Maybank Singapore Country CEO said, “Values-based financial solutions such as Etiqa’s Takaful ILP, is an integral component of Islamic Wealth Management (IWM) offerings based on Shariah principles. Maybank, as the regional offshore IWM hub for Maybank Group in Singapore, is the first Bank here to provide end-to-end values-based financial solutions. And as the exclusive distributor of Etiqa’s Takaful offering – a first in Singapore, we are very pleased to mark another milestone in scaling our capabilities with a comprehensive suite of solutions aligned to the five IWM pillars for customers through their different life stages. This is our ongoing commitment to meet evolving customers’ needs while upholding their values and ethical considerations.”
“We are excited to lead the way in launching Takaful ILP as our inaugural Takaful product in Singapore, recognising that ethical investing is increasingly gaining traction among Singaporeans,” said Raymond Ong, CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore. “”Our Takaful ILP promotes Shariah values of mutual cooperation and purposeful investing. By introducing values-based insurance that targets all sectors of the community, we aim to provide ethically crafted, holistic life journey solutions that all customers can trust. We believe that by aligning our products with strong ethical principles, we can create lasting value for our customers and contribute positively to society.”
By extending its insurance solutions with this new product offering, Etiqa Insurance Singapore hopes to offer financial solutions that adhere to the principles of cooperation, fairness, and shared responsibility.
Committing to customers as a priority with values-based insurance
Etiqa Insurance Singapore’s launch of the new values-based insurance is part of the company’s ethos to make insurance accessible, keeping customers’ interests and needs as the core foundation of its product and service offerings.
Unlike traditional insurance plans, which focus solely on financial protection, values-based insurance encompasses a broader perspective of protection that covers the ethical, social and personal concerns of customers. This emerging product offering resonates with the diverse needs and aspirations of policyholders while managing risks, enabling individuals to connect more deeply with their values.
The benefits of values-based insurance include:
- Risk Sharing: Policyholders of a values-based insurance product share the financial risks collectively, leading to a sense of community and shared responsibility among policyholders.
- Purposeful: Values-based insurance plans are aimed at sustaining protection for a group of individuals, rather than maximising profit.
- Transparency: Values-based insurance products offer a more transparent approach in terms of what the policy is invested in, how the funds are paid out, and underwriting profits, if any through stringent reviews by the Shariah advisors to ensure fairness to customers.
Maybank Singapore is the exclusive distributor of Etiqa’s Invest future solution in Singapore.
Note to Editors
About the five IWM pillars:
- Wealth Creation: Creates wealth through Shariah-compliant banking, savings and financial products in line with Islamic principles. It seeks to achieve sustainable and ethical growth over time.
- Wealth Accumulation: Generates and accumulates wealth through Shariah-compliant investment products, and is focused on values-based investing principles.
- Wealth Preservation: Protects the accumulated wealth as aligned with Islamic principles through risk management and Takaful (Islamic insurance).
- Wealth Purification: Purifies wealth through the concept of zakat. Zakat is the giving of alms to the less fortunate, and it is obligatory upon every Muslim who meets the requirements to pay zakat.
- Wealth Distribution: Distributes wealth for future generations, which involves the transfer of wealth or assets through will writing (wasiat), endowment (wakaf) and gift (hibah).
Takaful
Takaful is based on Shariah or Islamic religious law where protection is offered on the Islamic concept of mutual help. Although Takaful must operate according to Islamic cooperative principles, it is not limited to the Muslim community, as anyone who upholds personal ethical and social principles can purchase a Takaful plan for protection needs and objectives.
Invest future
Invest future is Etiqa Insurance Singapore’s first Takaful values-based ILP, designed for those seeking ethical investing aligned with Shariah principles. It is a values-based insurance product designed to combine wealth accumulation with life protection, offering flexible investment options, access to Shariah-compliant funds, and enhanced returns through multiple bonuses. Invest future is certified Shariah compliant by the Financial Shariah Advisory and Consultancy (FSAC) of Singapore Islamic Scholars & Religious Teachers Association (Pergas).
Key benefits of Invest future include:
- Investment bonuses, including start-up bonus up to 80% of first-year premiums, special bonus at 5% of regular premiums from the 6th policy year, and loyalty bonus at 0.2% of account value annually post premium payment term.
- Access to Shariah-compliant funds with investments from as low as S$200 per month with access to reputable, Shariah-compliant regional and global funds.
- Flexible plan options allow for two free partial withdrawals from the 4th policy year, plus options for premium adjustments, top-ups, premium-free periods, and free fund switching.
- Comprehensive coverage includes death and total permanent disability benefits up to 105% of net premiums or account value.
- Legacy and giving options enable policyholders to pledge benefits as a legacy gift to loved ones or *wakaf to charitable organisations (*wakaf is a voluntary charitable endowment from one’s personal belongings or wealth in the form of cash or property for pious and religious causes).
- Guaranteed issuance policy, no health checks needed.
- Option to add on rider for additional coverage subject to underwriting.
To learn more about Invest future, please visit: www.etiqa.com.sg/personal/investments/invest-future
Hashtag: #EtiqaSingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Maybank Singapore
Maybank is the fourth largest financial institution group in ASEAN by assets. It has been ranked the Best Bank in Asia Pacific and Singapore by The Banker in 2023; and the number one domestic bank in Malaysia for trade finance, according to the Euromoney Trade Finance survey in 2024.
Maybank Singapore is one of the Group’s largest overseas operations and a Qualifying Full Bank in Singapore. As at 31 December 2023, Maybank’s total assets in Singapore were approximately S$80.26 billion. With strategically located banking branches and over 2,000 employees in Singapore, Maybank is well-positioned to provide highly personalised services and locally-oriented solutions that will deliver more value to customers.
Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Etiqa Insurance Singapore)
Protecting customers since 1961, Etiqa Insurance Singapore is a licensed life and general insurance company regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. The local insurer is the Singapore operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group – a leading insurance and Takaful business in ASEAN offering life and general insurance and family and general Takaful products through its agents, branches, offices and bancassurance network in the region. Etiqa Insurance Singapore is rated ‘A’ by credit rating agency Fitch for the group’s ‘Favorable’ business profile and ‘Very Strong’ capitalisation.
Etiqa Insurance Singapore is owned by Maybank Ageas Holdings Berhad, a joint venture company that combines local market knowledge with international insurance expertise. The company is 69% owned by Maybank, the fourth largest banking group in Southeast Asia, and 31% by Ageas, an international insurance group with footprints across 16 countries and a heritage that spans over 190 years.
Media OutReach
Andrea Bocelli Celebrates 30 Years Anniversary Tour of Romanza with Two Spectacular Concerts in Indonesia
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2026 – Shoemaker Live and Jakarta International Expo are pleased to announce an extraordinary celebration of music and legacy as the incomparable Andrea Bocelli returns to Indonesia with Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia. Two Wonders, One Voice, the concerts commemorate three decades of the world’s most celebrated classical crossover albums. The highly anticipated Indonesia leg will present two distinctive performances, beginning at the majestic Borobudur Temple in Magelang on October 31, followed by a second performance at Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) Kemayoran, Jakarta, on November 3. These two concerts will be Andrea Bocelli’s only public performances in the Asia Pacific region in 2026, making Indonesia the exclusive destination in the region to experience this milestone celebration. Together, the two performances will offer audiences an extraordinary journey through music, artistry, and Indonesia’s diverse cultural landscape.
These two concerts will be Andrea Bocelli’s only public performances in Southeast Asia in 2026, making Indonesia the exclusive destination in the region to experience this milestone celebration. Presented across two remarkable settings, the concerts offer audiences from Indonesia and across Southeast Asia a rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s most celebrated voices live.
“It is truly an honor to bring a world-class maestro like Andrea Bocelli to Indonesia. Music and craftsmanship share a deep connection, both shaped by dedication, patience, and attention to detail. Romanza concert is especially meaningful as it brings this timeless artistry to two remarkable settings, Borobudur and Jakarta, creating moments audiences can cherish long after the music ends,” said Prajna Murdaya, Founder of Shoemaker.
Released 30 years ago, The Romanza album became a defining milestone in Andrea Bocelli’s illustrious career, introducing audiences worldwide to his signature voice and timeless repertoire, including the iconic “Con Te Partirò.” The anniversary tour celebrates the enduring legacy of an album that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
More than a celebration of an iconic album, Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia brings together two remarkable destinations and one legendary voice to create an immersive cultural experience. From the historic grandeur of Borobudur to the dynamic atmosphere of Jakarta, the performances reflect the meeting point between global artistry and Indonesia’s rich cultural identity, also to celebrating 30 years of Andrea Bocelli’s musical legacy and creating an unforgettable night that will be remembered and talked about for years to come.
The Indonesia tour also marks an important moment for the country’s growing cultural and entertainment landscape, demonstrating its ability to welcome internationally acclaimed artists while offering audiences The Borobudur performance is envisioned as a once in a lifetime cultural experience, continuing the tradition of Andrea Bocelli’s landmark performance staged at globally renowned heritage sites around the world, from the Pyramids of Giza, the Acropolis, to the Vatican, where extraordinary music, iconic locations and historic settings come together to create truly memorable experiences.
As part of the Borobudur experience, audiences will also discover a cultural village showcasing the best of culturally rich Magelang and Central Java, bringing together the region’s cultural heritage, traditions, and local character. Ticket holders will receive exclusive access to the cultural village on the day of the concert, allowing the experience to extend beyond the performance and into the cultural landscape surrounding Borobudur.
“InJourney plays a strategic role in connecting Indonesia’s aviation and tourism ecosystem from airport and aviation services to hospitality, destinations, and retail to create a seamless, world-class journey for every traveler. International events such as Andrea Bocelli at Borobudur demonstrate the power of this integrated ecosystem to bring Indonesia’s heritage, hospitality, and global connectivity together on the world stage, while strengthening Indonesia’s nation branding through culture and tourism. For us, Borobudur is more than a destination. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful national asset to elevate Indonesia’s position in global tourism. Our ambition is to develop Borobudur as a world-class spiritual, cultural, and pilgrimage destination, also creating meaningful, high-value experiences while preserving its legacy for generations to come,” explained Maya Watono, President Director of InJourney, PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero).
The Borobudur performance comes amid a growing calendar of cultural experiences around the destination, following Orchestra Month by InJourney and Borobudur Moon, organized by the Magelang Regency Government. Together, these initiatives contribute to a broader effort to position Borobudur and Central Java as destinations where cultural heritage and world-class artistic experiences can come together.
Bank SMBC Indonesia supports Andrea Bocelli’s Landmark Indonesia performance as presenting partner. Commenting on the partnership, Deputy President Director of Bank SMBC Indonesia, Michellina Laksmi Triwardhany, explained that the collaboration reflects Bank SMBC Indonesia’s commitment to bringing together meaningful experiences for its customers and the Indonesian community.
“As Presenting Partner, Bank SMBC Indonesia is proud to support Andrea Bocelli’s performance in Indonesia, particularly at Borobudur, one of Indonesia’s most significant cultural heritage sites. We believe in bringing together masterpieces, moments, and experiences that are meaningful to the Indonesian people. This collaboration is a celebration of extraordinary music, Indonesian’s rich cultural heritage, and the experiences that connect us, “said Dhany
She added that the partnership is aligned with Bank SMBC Indonesia’s commitment to continuously delivering meaningful services, experiences, and innovations that create a positive impact for customers, businesses, society, and the broader Indonesian economy.
Alexandra Askandar, Deputy President Director of Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BNI), said, “The arrival of Andrea Bocelli’s Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour in Indonesia is a special moment that further strengthens Indonesia’s position as a destination for world-class cultural experiences. We are proud to be part of bringing this exceptional international performance to audiences in Indonesia.”
Beyond the concert itself, BNI believes an international event of this caliber can create a meaningful multiplier effect for Indonesia’s tourism and creative economy, benefiting sectors ranging from hospitality, transportation, and culinary businesses to MSMEs, while further strengthening Indonesia’s position as a destination for world-class events.
“For BNI, supporting this event is also about creating greater value for our customers. Through various exclusive offers and seamless payment solutions, we aim to make this world-class performance more accessible and enjoyable for BNI customers. We are also pleased to offer our Priority customers special privileges that reflect our commitment to providing a more personalized experience when enjoying this exceptional performance,” said Alexandra
Tickets range for Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia starts from IDR 1,000,000 to over IDR 15,000,000 for premium categories. The highest priced ticket categories will also include access to an exclusive pre-event VIP lounge, offering guests a more elevated concert experience. An exclusive 72-hour presale for Jenius and BNI debit and credit cardholders will be held from Friday, August 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM WIB to Monday, August 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM WIB, offering up to 20% off. Tickets are available exclusively via Tiket.com during this period.
To complement the concert experience, ticket purchasers can also access travel bundles combining concert tickets with transportation and hotel stays through Tiket.com. Visitors can further explore curated experiences around Borobudur through InJourney’s MyCandiGuide app and website, making it easier to extend their visit into a broader cultural and destination experience.
Bank SMBC Indonesia and BNI present: Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia invites audiences to celebrate three decades of timeless music across two extraordinary destinations in Indonesia. More than an evening of iconic songs, it is an experience to be deeply felt, as Bocelli’s voice brings people together through moments of emotion, connection and wonder. Long after the final note, audiences will not only remember the performance, but carry the feeling of that extraordinary night with them for years to come.
For more information, please visit the official websites andreabocelli.id, and Instagram @shoemakerstudios.
Hashtag: #ShoemakerStudios
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About – Andrea Bocelli
Proclaimed around the world as the icon of the highest Italian vocal tradition, Bocelli has sold in-excess of 90 million albums to date. He improved his singing skills under the guidance of his mentor, Franco Corelli, and initially became widely famous for winning the Sanremo Music Festival in 1994 as the Newcomers section. At the same time, he started his dazzling classical career, performing masterpieces from the opera repertoire on stage – conducted by Lorin Maazel, Seiji Ozawa and Zubin Mehta. The more recent recordings of the Tuscan tenor include Manon Lescaut conducted by Plácido Domingo, Turandot and – released in 2016 – Aida conducted by Zubin Mehta. In 2017, Bocelli recorded La forza del destino and in 2018 he recorded – and performed in theatre – Lucia di Lammermoor.
About – Shoemaker Studios
Shoemaker Studios was founded by Prajna Murdaya, Harmoko Aguswan, and Nikita Dompas and Melon Lemon as a recording studio for world-class artists. It has since grown into a creative platform spanning live event production and live session content, bringing high-caliber music and cultural programming to Indonesian audiences.
In 2019, Shoemaker produced Yo-Yo Ma: The Bach Project Jakarta, the cellist’s first-ever Jakarta concert, setting a new benchmark for international performances in Indonesia. Its live session series, Hearafter, captures artists in unedited, one-take performances: no cuts, no retakes, just a song as it’s actually played.
Shoemaker is now expanding beyond recording and content production into live music, creative lifestyle experiences, and original IP — a shift anchored by its role in Andrea Bocelli’s Romanza 30th Anniversary Tour. The goal: spaces where artists, audiences, and communities meet, exchange inspiration, and experience creativity’s transformative power.
About – Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BNI)
PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI), one of Indonesia’s leading banks, is committed to offering a wide range of financial solutions for individuals and supporting the growth and success of businesses—both domestically and globally. Dedicated to building long-term partnerships, BNI provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including capital loans, trade finance, cash management, project financing, and treasury services. BNI supports Indonesian companies in expanding their global reach while also assisting multinational corporations in entering the Indonesian market.
To learn more about BNI’s products and services, please visit: 
https://www.bni.co.id/
Mr Munafò joined Allianz Trade in 2015 as part of the Multinationals team and has spent over a decade shaping the company’s commercial strategy across four regions. Rising through key account management roles spanning MMEA, APAC, and Northern Europe – including his appointment as Regional Account Director for Northern Europe in 2021 – he was named Group Head of Broker Management and Partnerships in 2025, where he was responsible for defining and executing Allianz Trade’s global commercial and distribution strategy and strengthening broker partnerships across multiple regions. Mr Munafò holds an MBA from POLIMI Graduate School of Management (Politecnico di Milano) and a degree in Law from Università Bocconi with a major in Public Sector and Law.
On this appointment, Rodrigo Jimenez, Regional CEO at Allianz Trade in Asia Pacific, says: “Over the past decade, Scott has built extensive experience across various regions, demonstrating a strong track record in growing commercial portfolios, building strategic partnerships, and maintaining exceptional customer retention. His international experience, commercial leadership, and deep understanding of our business make him exceptionally well positioned to lead our China operations. I am confident that, together with the local management team, Scott will successfully drive our growth ambitions and deliver continued success in this important and fast-growing market.”
Mr Munafò remarks: “Allianz Trade has been part of China’s trade story for nearly two decades – built on the strength of our team, our partners, and our customers who have trusted us through every cycle. I am honoured to be entrusted with what so many have built together. My commitment is simple: to keep listening, to keep creating lasting value and to ensure the next chapter sets a new standard.”
Hashtag: #allianztrade #tradecreditinsurance
https://www.allianz-trade.com/en_HK.html
https://www.linkedin.com/company/allianz-trade-apac/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Allianz Trade
Allianz Trade is the global leader in trade credit insurance and a recognized specialist in the areas of surety, collections, structured trade credit and political risk. Our proprietary intelligence network is based on instant access to data of 289 million corporates. We give companies the confidence to trade by securing their payments. We compensate your company in the event of a bad debt, but more importantly, we help you avoid bad debt in the first place. Whenever we provide trade credit insurance or other finance solutions, our priority is predictive protection. But, when the unexpected arrives, our AA credit rating means we have the resources, backed by Allianz to provide compensation to maintain your business. Headquartered in Paris, Allianz Trade is present in over 40 countries with 5,900 employees. In 2025, our consolidated turnover was EUR4 billion and insured global business transactions represented EUR1,400 billion in exposure. For more information, please visit allianz-trade.com.
A Broader Range of Functional Jelly Concepts
This year, Wel-Bloom will show how varied jelly can be, with examples including visible fruit pieces, whole chia seeds, and high-calcium and collagen-rich formulations. As gummies remain popular, jelly offers greater flexibility in serving size, sweetness and active-ingredient loading, while also allowing for lower-sugar concepts using natural flavoring ingredients.
Taking Jelly Beyond Conventional Formulations
Wel-Bloom’s patented Tri-Safe Jelly Technology forms the foundation of its functional jelly development, demonstrating 97.8% active-ingredient retention and a shelf life of up to two years without added preservatives.
Building on this foundation, Wel-Bloom expanded into oil-based nutrients through NutriOne® Micronized Oil-Fusion Technology. Oil-based nutrients are commonly delivered in capsules or softgels, but swallowable formats may not suit every consumer. NutriOne® provides another option by incorporating oil-based ingredients into a stable, easy-to-consume jelly. The technology received a Gold Award at the World Genius Convention 2026.
Supporting Development with Trusted Manufacturing
As a Taiwan-based CDMO, Wel-Bloom supports projects from formulation and sensory development through stability assessment, pilot testing, scale-up and commercial manufacturing. For brands, choosing a CDMO affects product reliability and the responsibility of their supply chain. Wel-Bloom’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory provides technical assurance, while its LEED Silver-certified facility, ISO 14064-1 greenhouse gas management and 2026 B Corp certification reflect its commitment to responsible manufacturing.
At Vitafoods Asia, visitors will be able to sample selected products and discuss product concepts, formulation possibilities and CDMO opportunities with Wel-Bloom’s sales team.
Vitafoods Asia 2026 will take place September 2–4 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. Wel-Bloom will exhibit at Hall 2 Booth #F01.
Hashtag: #WelbloomBioTech
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech
Wel-Bloom is a globally recognized CDMO expert in the health food industry, dedicated to delivering innovative, one-stop solutions. Guided by forward-looking market insights and supported by robust R&D capabilities, Wel-Bloom empowers clients to develop highly competitive, differentiated health food products.
For partnership opportunities and functional ingredient solutions, visit 
https://welbloom.com/ or search for Wel-Bloom online.
See Wel-Bloom in action — watch the latest highlights from our Malaysia forum on market insights and industry conversations: https://youtu.be/Y0VVoyV-NXU?si=lo9JbaI_Cjw5Cb4B
