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Over 340 young scientists from 49 countries converge at the 2025 Global Young Scientists Summit

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 January 2025 – More than 340 young scientists[1] will have a rare chance to engage with leading experts in science and technology from around the world at the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2025. The Summit has drawn participants from 49 countries, a 40 per cent increase from 2024[2], marking the highest number in the past five years and reflecting the GYSS’s increasing global prominence.

2 Taking place from 6 to 10 January 2025 at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Summit continues to have the highest participant selection rate from Singapore at 100 participants since 2024[3], accounting for about 27 per cent, along with 22 per cent from Europe and 17 per cent from Asia. The Summit was launched on 7 January 2025 at an opening ceremony by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF).

Deepening Engagements for Young Scientists

3 Organised by the NRF, GYSS 2025 will offer more opportunities for young scientists to showcase their work and interact with established scientists, engineers, and technopreneurs. These include 18 eminent scientists, including Nobel Laureates, Fields Medallists, Turing Award recipients, and winners of other top international science awards.

4 One of the main highlights of the Summit is the small group sessions, now referred to as Fireside Chats. These sessions allow young scientists to interact with top minds in an intimate setting, typically with around 25 participants. This year, the Summit will feature 26 sessions, an increase from 20 in 2024, including four double-speaker Fireside Chats.

5 Participants will get opportunities to engage in Young Scientists Quickfire Pitch sessions with 16 young scientist presenters and two dedicated Poster Sessions with 100 posters in total, where they can present their research to esteemed scientists and fellow researchers. Part of the Summit experience also includes visits to local universities and research institutions, providing participants with a firsthand look at the research and technologies developed in Singapore.

Other Highlights at the GYSS 2025

6 To champion the values of science and inspire a passion for STEM education, esteemed scientists will engage in talks and workshops at local institutions that are open to the public. These include NUS, NTU, A*STAR, Singapore Science Centre, Singapore Management University, SGInnovate, and SUTD. They will also engage local students at the International Science Youth Forum (ISYF) organised by Hwa Chong Institution.

7 Among the 19 scientists this year, the Summit welcomes four who will be speaking for the first time: Prof Joan Rose, Prof Louis Ignarro, Prof Steven Chu, and Prof Yael Kalai. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand will also attend the opening ceremony and engage with young Thai researchers.

8 The GYSS is the only international summit in Asia that allows young scientists to engage with esteemed experts across various fields, including healthcare, quantum and physics, forensic science, computer science, and engineering. For example, this year, Prof Joan Rose will delve into the evolution of viruses in our environment and their impact on health. The summit also looks ahead at the future of artificial intelligence, as Prof Joseph Sifakis will share more on the current state of AI and its potential to merge with other technologies, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.

9 NRF Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Lim said, “Young scientists are the future of technology, innovation, and enterprise. Initiatives like the Global Young Scientists Summit provide opportunity for young scientists worldwide to gather for a five-day immersion, to engage with groundbreaking ideas, be inspired by world leaders in their fields, learn from each other, and imagine new possibilities for the future of science and humanity.”

10 DPM Heng’s speech will be issued after delivery at the Opening Ceremony on 7 January 2025. Please refer to Annexes A to C for quotes from speakers and participants, the complete list of speakers for GYSS 2024, and the Summit’s full programme.

[1] The young scientists were nominated by 93 institutions and universities worldwide, including local entities such as NUS, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

[2] At GYSS 2024, approximately 350 young scientists from around 35 countries participated.

[3] GYSS 2024 had 96 participant selection rate from Singapore, which was a 70 per cent increase from a steady state of 58 since 2020. The GYSS was conducted virtually in 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19 and participant profile details for these years are unavailable.

ANNEX A: ADDITIONAL QUOTES FOR REPORTING

Speakers
1. Professor Louis Ignarro, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (1998) has an inspiring story— from his upbringing in New York City as the son of first-generation immigrant parents to his groundbreaking research on nitric oxide as a signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system—highlighting the transformative power of mentorship and support in his scientific journey.
Prof Ignarro shared his thoughts on the importance of perseverance in science: “Science is full of challenges, and the journey is often tough, but it is precisely these struggles that make every breakthrough so rewarding. As young scientists, it’s important to embrace these challenges, knowing that they are part of the process that will eventually lead to discovery. The Global Young Scientists Summit is a place where young researchers can find inspiration, learn from each other, and push the frontiers of science together.”
2. Professor Joan Rose, the 2016 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate, emphasises the critical role of young scientists in addressing global water challenges: “The future of our planet’s water quality and public health rests in the hands of the next generation of scientists.
“Their innovative approaches and designs of novel technologies are essential to developing global water quality data, which is so desperately needed, and their dedication will help achieve sustainable solutions for clean water access worldwide. Platforms such as the Global Young Scientists Summit provide an invaluable platform for these emerging leaders to collaborate, learn, and be inspired to drive meaningful change.”
Participants who attended the GYSS 2024
1. [Singaporean Male] Adolphus Lye, 30, Research Fellow at NUS, said, “Collaboration is an important aspect of science today, especially given that the problems we deal with are interdisciplinary. One cannot simply solve a problem on their own. Through collaboration, we gain access to a wider pool of knowledge from people across different scientific disciplines. The Summit’s discussions help spark better ideas and novel approaches to solving research problems better and more creatively. That is the beauty of GYSS, in that it fosters interactions between participants from different disciplines, generates opportunities for collaborations, and solves problems of today.”
2. [Singaporean Female] Uma Jingxin Tay, 25, Graduate Student at A*STAR, said, “My biggest takeaway is from listening to the Nobel Laureates, which is not an opportunity I get every day. Listening to them has made me more curious and perceptive in my research, such as viewing anomalies as opportunities for discovery and research rather than obstacles.”
3. [Tanzanian Female] Doreen Steven Mlote, 27, Graduate Student at SUTD, said, “Presenting my research at GYSS reignited my confidence in sharing research with other researchers worldwide. Standing in front of thousands of people can be intimidating, but it can also be a turning point and a reminder that anything is possible, which is what GYSS did for me.”

ANNEX B: LIST OF EMINENT SCIENTISTS AT THE GYSS 2025

1. Aaron Ciechanover
o Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2004)
o Field: Biochemistry, for the discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation
2. Adi Shamir
o Award: Turing Award (2002)
o Field: Cryptography, co-inventor of the RSA algorithm
3. Brian Schmidt
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2011)
o Field: Astrophysics, for the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe
4. Dame Sue Black
o Field: Forensic Anthropology, recognised for research into identification from the hand
5. Duncan Haldane
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2016)
o Field: Condensed Matter Physics, for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter
6. Hartmut Michel
o Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1988)
o Field: Biochemistry, for the determination of the three-dimensional structure of a photosynthetic reaction center
7. Joan Rose
o Award: Stockholm Water Prize (2016)
o Field: Environmental Microbiology, for work on water quality and public health
8. Joseph Sifakis
o Award: Turing Award (2007)
o Field: Computer Science, specialising in the design of trustworthy systems
9. Leslie Valiant
o Award: Turing Award (2010)
o Field: Computer Science, for contributions to computational learning theory
10. Louis J. Ignarro
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1998)
o Field: Pharmacology, recognised for discoveries concerning nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system
11. Sir Richard Roberts
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1993)
o Field: Molecular Biology, for the discovery of split gene
12. Sir Konstantin Novoselov
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2010)
o Field: Condensed Matter Physics, specifically the isolation and study of graphene
13. Sir Tim Hunt
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2001)
o Field: Cell Biology, for discoveries of key regulators of the cell cycle
14. Stefan Hell
o Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2014)
o Field: Physical Chemistry, for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy
15. Steven Chu
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (1997)
o Field: Atomic Physics, known for research in laser cooling and trapping of atoms
16. Takaaki Kajita
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2015)
o Field: Particle Physics, for the discovery of neutrino oscillations
17. Wendelin Werner
o Award: Fields Medal (2006)
o Field: Mathematics, for work on stochastic Loewner evolution and the geometry of two-dimensional Brownian motion
18. Yael Tauman Kalai
o Award: ACM Prize in Computing (2022)
o Field: Computer Science, with contributions to cryptography and verifiable delegation of computation

ANNEX C: FULL GYSS 2025 PROGRAMME

Tue, 7 Jan Wed, 8 Jan Thu, 9 Jan Fri, 10 Jan
Media registration at 0830
Opening Ceremony
(0900 – 1030)

Speech by DPM Heng
Opening Plenary by Prof Louis Ignarro

Two Plenary Lectures
(0900 – 1030)

Prof Wendelin Werner, Prof Joan Rose

Two Plenary Lectures
(0900 – 1030)

Prof Adi Shamir, Prof Steven Chu

Two Plenary Lectures
(0900 – 1030)

Prof Leslie Valiant & Prof Hartmut Michel

Morning Break (1030 – 1100)
Panel Huddle
(1100 – 1230)

“Interdisciplinary Approaches to Solving Global Challenges”

Prof Wendelin Werner, Dame Sue Black, Prof Takaaki Kajita

Panel Huddle
(1100 – 1230)

“Future of Medical Research and Healthcare”

Prof Louis Ignarro, Prof Aaron Ciechanover, Prof Richard Roberts

Panel Huddle
(1100 – 1230)

“Human Wellbeing and Sustainability – Physicists’ Perspective”

Prof Brian Schmidt, Prof Duncan Haldane, Prof Konstantin Novoselov, Prof Steven Chu

Panel Huddle
(1100 – 1230)

“Ethics of Scientific Research in the Age of AI”

Prof Joan Rose, Prof Yael Kalai, Prof Adi Shamir

Lunch Break (1230 – 1330)
Two Plenary Lectures

(1330 – 1500)

Prof Richard Roberts (TBC), Prof Brian Schmidt

Eight Young Scientist Quickfire Pitches

(1330 – 1500)

Eight Young Scientist Quickfire Pitches

(1330 – 1500)

One Plenary Lecture
(1330 – 1415)

Prof Yael Kalai

Afternoon Break (1500 – 1530) Closing Plenary Lecture
(1415 – 1515)

Dame Sue Black

Five Fireside Chat Sessions
(1530 – 1615)

1. Prof Tim Hunt
2. Prof Richard Roberts
3. Prof Duncan Haldane
4. Prof Konstantin Novoselov
5. Prof Adi Shamir

Two Plenary Lectures
(1530 – 1700)

Prof Stefan Hell

Prof Tim Hunt

Two Plenary Lectures
(1530 – 1700)

Prof Joseph Sifakis

Prof Duncan Haldane

Afternoon Break
(1515 – 1600)
Fireside Chat (x7)
(1630 – 1715)

1. Dame Sue Black & Prof Joan Rose
2. Prof Yael Kalai & Prof Leslie Valiant
3. Prof Wendelin Werner & Prof Louis Ignarro
4. Prof Steven Chu & Prof Takaaki Kajita
5. Prof Hartmut Michel
6. Prof Aaron Ciechanover
7. Prof Brian Schmidt

Travel to Closing Event
(1600 – 1730)
Dedicated Poster Session for Participants
(1715 – 1800) 		Five Fireside Chat Sessions
(1700 – 1745)

1. Prof Richard Roberts
2. Prof Louis Ignarro
3. Prof Takaaki Kajita
4. Prof Leslie Valiant
5. Prof Hartmut Michel

Seven Fireside Chat Sessions

(1700 – 1745)

1. Prof Duncan Haldane
2. Prof Brian Schmidt
3. Prof Yael Kalai
4. Prof Tim Hunt
5. Dame Sue Black
6. Prof Steven Chu
7. Prof Joan Rose

Dedicated Poster Session for Participants
(1745 – 1830) 		[Speakers & Participants]
Closing Event@Sentosa
(1730 – 2030)

Hashtag: #NRF

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About the Global Young Scientists Summit

The Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) is an international gathering of bright young researchers from all over the world in Singapore, who will be mentored by eminent scientists over a five-day Summit. The Summit will discuss the latest advances in science and technology, and how research can develop solutions to address major global challenges. It is a multi-disciplinary event covering the disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, computer science and engineering.

Organised by the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF), GYSS is supported by the Ministry of Education, National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Science Centre Singapore. Other close collaborators for this edition of GYSS include SGInnovate, Hwa Chong Institution, Foundation Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, Heidelberg Laureate Form, and Technology Academy Finland.

For more info on the GYSS please visit:

About the National Research Foundation

The National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF), set up on 1 January 2006, is a department within the Prime Minister’s Office. The NRF sets the national direction for research and development (R&D) by developing policies, plans and strategies for research, innovation and enterprise. It also funds strategic initiatives and builds up R&D capabilities by nurturing research talent.

Learn more about the NRF at

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Hong Kong Company Formations Surge 40.5% in 2025, Outpacing Regional Competitors

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15/05/2026

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Air Corporate data reveals 9 in 10 founders incorporated in Hong Kong do so remotely, driven by a 20% surge in Middle Eastern entrepreneurs seeking cost-effective operational alternatives to Dubai.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – Air Corporate registered a 40.5% increase in Hong Kong incorporations in 2025, with the first quarter of 2026 already up 48% year-over-year. This data indicates that Hong Kong is reasserting itself as the leading Asian jurisdiction for company formation, fueled by a new wave of remote founders from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.

The prevailing narrative over the past five years suggested that Singapore was eclipsing Hong Kong; however, recent incorporation volumes challenge this. According to city-wide official figures cited by Vivian, Founder of Air Corporate, approximately 195,000 companies were registered in Hong Kong in 2025, compared to around 77,000 in Singapore.

“There was a lot of fuss about Singapore taking over Hong Kong as preferred jurisdiction over the last few years, but for 2025 alone, around 195,000 companies were formed in HK, vs around 77,000 for Singapore,” said Vivian. While city-wide registrations rose roughly 35% in 2025, incorporations at Air Corporate specifically grew by 40.5%. Vivian added, “With a 35% increase in the number of companies registered in 2025, Hong Kong is definitely back in the game as the top jurisdiction to start a company.”

The reality of Hong Kong company formation is increasingly global, lean, and founder-led. Nine in ten founders incorporated in Hong Kong with Air Corporate do not live there.

Key demographic and operational insights from Air Corporate’s client base include:

  • Approximately 90% of founders operate remotely from abroad, while 10% or less are based in Hong Kong.
  • Entrepreneurs aged 35 to 44 represent the largest age cohort at 38%, demonstrating that Hong Kong attracts founders in their prime career years rather than just younger digital nomads.
  • Serial entrepreneurs make up 60% of Air Corporate’s client mix, utilizing Hong Kong as an operational base for multiple companies, while first-time founders account for the remaining 40%.
  • A total of 89% of new companies are launched by solo founders (58%) or small teams of two to five individuals (31%).
  • Mainland China, Hong Kong, Turkey, India, the UAE, Australia, France, and Morocco rank among the top source markets for these founders.

Furthermore, 73% of new Hong Kong incorporations are directly tied to physical goods trade with China. This consists of e-commerce and dropshipping businesses (38%) and the trading of goods (35%). The recovery of in-person trade flows, including events, such as the Canton Fair and various industrial fairs, is pulling foreign founders back into the Greater China orbit and establishing Hong Kong as the natural entry point and financial layer over the world’s largest manufacturing base.

Air Corporate’s data recorded a 20% year-over-year growth in founders originating from the Middle East. This shift highlights a reverse migration where founders previously incorporated in Dubai are now choosing Hong Kong. Based on Vivian’s observations, founders often arrive in Dubai expecting fast incorporation and low costs, but discover that incorporation and maintenance are significantly more expensive than in Hong Kong, and banking remains difficult. Consequently, many founders move to Hong Kong after 12 to 24 months in the UAE, a trend accelerated by the Hong Kong government’s strategic outreach to the region.

For lean, remote-first businesses, speed-to-market is a critical factor. A founder located anywhere in the world can incorporate in Hong Kong and open a working bank account in approximately 7 days using digital banking partners. Currently, 90% of Air Corporate’s clients utilize these digital banking partners.

“Hong Kong and Singapore are the only places in Asia where you can set up your company, get a corporate account, and be in business in less than a week,” concluded Vivian.

Air Corporate is a service provider facilitating company formation and incorporation in Hong Kong for serial entrepreneurs, first-time founders, and remote-first business owners operating globally.

Media Inquiries
To learn more about Hong Kong company formation, visit Air Corporate’s website or contact their team directly.

Hashtag: #AirCorporate

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Natural Diamonds Sparkle on The Red Carpet at The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art”

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15/05/2026

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Today’s biggest stars express individuality and confidence with natural diamonds

NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – The 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” took place May 4th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, bringing together leading figures from across the globe for an unforgettable evening. These tastemakers showcased the most classic, refined and distinctive diamond jewelry looks of the season. Below, A Diamond is Forever highlights the standout trends from the event.

Desert diamonds

Desert diamonds emerged as a striking throughline on the Met Gala carpet, with a range of hues in distinctive settings taking focus.

Rihanna led the trend in a pair of exceptionally rare old Moghul Golconda fancy brown-yellow diamond earrings by Glenn Spiro, featuring two pear-shaped natural diamonds totaling 51.9 carats. Doja Cat offset her all nude look with a pair of large Leviev Diamonds floral-shaped earrings while Paloma Elsesser made a statement in a 29.5-carat diamond necklace by Bernard James, centered around a 15-carat fancy light yellow pear-shaped natural diamond. Cara Delevingne wore a De Beers London Forces of Nature High Jewelry ring, featuring marquise yellow diamonds set as eyes, while Emma Chamberlain opted for yellow and white diamond earrings by Chopard, underscoring the continued allure of warm diamond hues.

Magnificent Diamond Earrings

A wide variety of captivating silhouettes defined the natural diamond earrings on the Met Gala carpet. Zoë Kravitz delivered a modern twist with oversized diamond flower earrings by Jessica McCormack. Chase Sui Wonders opted for Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. Sea Fan earrings, bringing an element of sculptural artistry to the look. Gracie Abrams selected gently dangling Chanel earrings, adding understated fluidity, while Connor Storrie selected simple hoop earrings from Tiffany & Co., reinforcing the clean and enduring appeal of natural diamonds.

Standout Diamond Moments

Natural diamonds appeared in personal, unconventional and eye-catching ways, offering moments of surprise and awe. Power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z embodied this trend with Beyoncé wearing Chopard’s Queen of Kalahari necklace, named after the rare 342-carat diamond that provided 23 stones for Chopard’s Garden of Kalahari collection. Jay-Z contributed to the narrative with a vintage diamond brooch by Briony Raymond worn at the collar as an unexpected placement that underscored the piece’s versatility. Isha Ambani made the styling of diamonds an art form in itself, wearing her own diamond jewelry featuring approximately 150 carats of old mine-cut diamonds, including a three-strand necklace and chandelier earrings, while also incorporating diamonds sewn directly into the bodice of her sari to represent significant moments in her life.

Together, these looks highlighted a shift toward natural diamonds as vessels of personal expression, styled with intention, individuality, and a sense of the unexpected.

Hashtag: #MetGala #RedCarpet #ADiamondisForever #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds





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Turn Your Savings into a Front-Row Experience: HL Bank Singapore Offers Exclusive Passes to AsiaTop Music Festival 2026

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16 hours ago

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14/05/2026

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The premier music festival will play host to 16 K-pop, regional and Malaysian stars including, in performance order: Day 1 – NexT1DE, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Win Metawin, NMIXX, WINNER, DAESUNG, KUN. Day 2 – Uriah See, Firdhaus, Butterbear, 82MAJOR, STAYC, CRAVITY, TWS, CxM

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2026 – Your next major K-pop experience is just a savings goal away as HL Bank Singapore (“HLB Singapore”) bridges the gap between financial wellness and the front row. In an exclusive collaboration designed for the ultimate music enthusiast, the bank is offering fans the chance to secure a pair of sought-after AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 tickets, valued at up to RM1,098 (approx. S$355), simply by growing their wealth.

HL Bank Singapore is giving music fans the chance to redeem exclusive passes to the AsiaTop Music Festival 2026, featuring top Asian acts, through its iSavings Reward Campaign.

This unique initiative stems from the regional synergy between Hong Leong Bank (“HLB”) and Tencent Music Entertainment Group (JOOX and QQ Music). By aligning with Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026, HLB is transforming the traditional banking experience into a gateway for premium entertainment. Scheduled for 30 and 31 May 2026 at the iconic Sepang International Circuit, the festival promises a high-octane weekend featuring an elite lineup of Asian superstars, including the largest K-pop showcase in the ASEAN region.

Securing a spot at the heart of the action has been streamlined through the iSavings Reward Campaign, running from 9 May 2026 to 18 May 2026. To participate, fans first decide on their preferred festival experience, selecting either a pair of Standard Passes with a S$5,000 deposit or the high-energy, nearer-to-the-stars Rockzone Passes with a S$8,282 deposit for their chosen day.

Once a tier is selected, customers can register by depositing the qualifying funds into an iSavings account via FAST or Links transfer. To validate their entry, customers must include the specific Comment Code, such as PALLIR1 for Day 1 Rockzone, within the funds transfer description. The qualifying balance must be maintained within the account for a six-month (182 days) earmarked period.

With only 88 pairs of tickets available for this exclusive campaign, the stakes are high. Allocation is limited to 22 pairs per day for each ticket category and will be awarded strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to ensure their savings work as hard as they do while securing a premier seat at the musical event of the year.

For full terms & conditions, and further details, please visit: www.hlbank.com.sg/AsiaTop2026

Hashtag: #HLBankSingapore

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HL Bank Singapore

HL Bank Singapore is the Singapore branch of Hong Leong Bank Berhad, a leading digital-centric Malaysia-based financial services institution with a rooted heritage in the country spanning over 120 years. Operating under a Full Bank Licence in Singapore, HL Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services to our business, retail and high networth customers through our 4 core business segments – Business & Corporate Banking, Personal Financial Services, Private Wealth Management and Global Markets.

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