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PROPEL with Singlife Crosses 1,000-Adviser Milestone Fuelling Next Phrase of Growth

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6 months ago

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Shared services hub to build on early momentum and further enhance all-in-one platform to empower financial advisory firms

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 October 2025 – PROPEL with Singlife, the one-stop shared services hub for financial advisory firms, announces today that it has onboarded over 1,300 financial adviser representatives (FARs), just nine months after its official launch. PROPEL continues to solidify its position as the trusted partner for financial advisers and firms looking to scale their businesses efficiently.

The announcement follows a double-win at the recent InsurInnovator Connect Asia Awards, held on 24 September, where PROPEL clinched the ‘Operational Excellence Pioneer’ and ‘Technology Integration Excellence’ awards. Back in July, PROPEL was also named the ‘Insurtech Initiative of the Year – Singapore’ at the 10th Insurance Asia Awards. The awards validate PROPEL’s market-disrupting proposition and its mission to help FA firms scale their businesses.

Steven Ong, CEO of PROPEL with Singlife, said: “PROPEL started as an idea to ease the administrative challenges tied agents face in establishing their own firms while ensuring customers benefit from unbiased advice and a broader range of financial products. We are driven by the vision of helping aspiring entrepreneurial financial advisers to succeed on their own terms. We are humbled to have crossed the 1,000-adviser mark within a year of our official launch, and we are motivated to work with our clients to continue enhancing our platform and services, to enable them to focus on what matters most – delivering exceptional service to their clients.”

To build on its momentum, PROPEL is focussed on delivering a platform that will allow its client firms to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and deliver more value to their clients. Last month, PROPEL announced the appointment of Terry Chen as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With over 18 years of experience in financial services, technology, and strategy consulting, Terry leads PROPEL’s efforts in growing platform capabilities to address operational inefficiencies faced by financial advisers.

Jean Yeo, Head of Platform and Client Engagement at PROPEL, said: “We are extremely pleased to achieve this major milestone this quickly, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. Even as we continue to receive more enquiries on our services and onboard new client firms, we’re continuously listening to our clients and finding ways to improve our platform to meet the evolving needs of advisers. For example, in the early stages, our platform faced some stability challenges, such as connectivity timeouts and slower-than-expected response times, but many of our clients remained steadfast in their support. We’re thankful for the patience and trust our clients have given us, and we’re determined to do right by them. PROPEL is much more than a platform – we’re a one-stop solution, including operation, product and finance support services for new FA firms to start their business or established FA firms looking to grow their business. Our goal is to provide a seamless business solution that allows FA firms and their advisers to thrive amidst competition.”

PROPEL’s team of around 30 technology professionals is focused on continuously improving the platform’s reliability and optimising user experience based on client feedback. In latest feedback from client firms, PROPEL’s platform has seen a significant performance improvement in response times and transaction success rates.

Last month, PROPEL launched “e-FNA 2.0”, an upgrade on the electronic Financial Needs Analysis module on its platform to provide FA firms greater flexibility in meeting their individual business and compliance needs.

PROPEL’s multi-tenanted platform is designed to ensure that all client FA firms benefit from system upgrades and enhancements without incurring additional costs. Every FA firm on the PROPEL platform benefits equally when new features or upgrades like “e-FNA 2.0” are rolled out. This approach not only reduces operational expenses for FA firms but also ensures that every enhancement is accessible to all users.

Shaun Lin, CEO of GEN Financial Advisory, and an industry veteran with over 25 years’ experience, said: “For GEN, having a trusted partner like PROPEL is important. We appreciate their commitment to listening to feedback and continuously enhancing their platform for clients. Whether it’s their client engagement or tech teams, PROPEL has been steadfast in their support, no matter the time of day. Over my years as a financial planner, I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t in this industry. We are excited to continue this partnership and we look forward to achieving greater success together.”

Beyond technology, PROPEL’s team of nearly 100 seasoned professionals bring a comprehensive and modular suite of middle-to-back-office services, designed to support financial advisory firms from start-ups to those well-established in key aspects of their operations, allowing them to scale in an efficient and cost-effective manner. These include new business lodgements, commission management, product due diligence reporting and comprehensive product comparisons, as well as finance operations like accounts payable and receivable management.

Additionally, in line with its commitment to moving the industry towards an open architecture, PROPEL offers guidance and support to help aspiring entrepreneurial advisers start their own firms and deliver hyper-personalised solutions to consumers. This will ultimately shape a more customer-centric and innovative financial advisory industry.

PROPEL takes a product-agnostic approach towards its business. Its subscription-based model means that rather than having a stake in the firms they support or loading client firms with the burden of sales quotas, PROPEL’s sole interest is in helping firms succeed on their own terms. This allows advisers to focus on delivering unbiased, client-centric recommendations that meets their clients’ unique financial needs. PROPEL believes this ultimately benefits the financial advisory industry by offering customers greater choice in financial products, empowering advisers with autonomy, and challenging insurers and distributors to offer a more diverse range of products and services.

To learn more about how PROPEL helps FA firms scale their businesses effectively, visit singlife.com/en/propel.

Hashtag: #PROPEL #PROPELwithSinglife #FinancialAdvisor #FinancialAdvisors #FinancialAdviser #FinancialAdvisers #FinancialAdvisory


is a one-stop shared services centre under the Singlife Group, a leading homegrown financial services company. PROPEL provides financial advisory firms with an integrated digital and administrative platform that offers seamless middle to back-office support which can be scaled according to their business needs. We are committed to streamline the way financial advisory firms operate at every stage of their business and provide innovative solutions to empower financial advisers, so that they can stay ahead and focus on what matters most – their clients.

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Foresight in volatility: APAC executives’ early pivot to regional trade provides critical buffer against global shocks

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14 minutes ago

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16/03/2026

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Months before the current geopolitical crisis hit global markets, Asia Pacific (APAC) executives had begun shielding their businesses by shortening supply chains and focusing on regional trade. Forvis Mazars’ C-suite barometer 2026: Adapting in uncertainty shows this proactive approach, alongside with efficiency-driving AI investments, is now key to navigating today’s global challenges.
While the number of APAC leaders expecting revenue growth had dropped to 67% (down from 80% in 2025) ahead of this year, underlying business confidence had notably strengthened to 41% (up from 30% in 2025). This contrast, lower growth expectations yet stronger confidence, highlights a resilience paradox: leaders are separating financial outlook from global turmoil, actively reinventing their operations to endure anticipated shocks rather than waiting for conditions to improve.
Key findings for APAC:
  • Measured confidence amidst geopolitical volatility: Amidst ongoing geopolitical volatility, APAC leaders remain acutely aware of the shifting landscape. Notably, 29% cite geopolitical instability and social unrest as a top trend impacting their organisation over the next 12 months, outpacing the global average of 26% and tying with regulatory pressures. Consequently, growth expectations are tempered: while 83% still anticipate positive growth in 2026, this trails the global average of 92% and marks a decline from 84% in 2025.
  • Expansion turns inward: Driven by geopolitical and tariff risks, expansion plans have shifted to regional neighbours, with China (36%), Australia (29%) and Hong Kong (29%) as the top destinations.
  • AI is a net job creator: Defying global displacement fears, 43% of APAC leaders say AI has created new roles in their organisation, significantly outpacing the 28% who say it replaced them.
  • The sustainability gap: While 91% are confident in meeting reporting compliance, only 73% feel prepared to manage the actual physical impacts of climate change.
The APAC resilience paradox: Building structural resilience despite lower revenue expectations
The anticipated dip in revenue expectations was primarily driven by converging pressures that have only intensified: economic uncertainty, political instability and intensifying competition. Yet, this foresight did not dampen investment. In a clear sign that businesses are fortifying their foundations, investment in human capital remains strong across the region, with 63% of APAC respondents plan to increase spending on acquiring new talent and 68% intend to upskill their workforce.
APAC’s underlying optimism is supported by a high level of operational readiness. Even as geopolitical instability remains a top concern, 76% of executives express confidence in their organisation’s preparedness to manage it. This sentiment extends to navigating supply chain challenges (85%) and new regulatory requirements (91%), showing that leaders are turning global disruptors into manageable areas of control.

Rick Chan, Managing Partner Singapore, Head of Audit & Assurance APAC and Member of Group Governing Board, Forvis Mazars, observed, “Asia Pacific has always had to move fast. The region’s businesses are built on agility – on reading the market, adjusting quickly and staying close to customers. That DNA is proving invaluable right now. The data shows leaders are transitioning from short-term firefighting to building lasting resilience. By investing in localised supply chains and AI, they are taking highly practical steps to insulate their operations against escalating geopolitical risks and secure long-term growth.”
The strategic pivot: strengthening intra-regional trade
The barometer reveals a fundamental change in how APAC firms plan to grow. Rather than facing global trade barriers head-on, executives are pivoting to markets closer to home. The top three expansion destinationsareChina (36%), Australia (29%) and Hong Kong (29%).
This inward shift is a direct, data-driven response to rising global tensions. A striking 67% of APAC leaders who revised their expansion plans this year cited geopolitical instability as the primary driver, making it the top catalyst for changing global strategies. Furthermore, 42% cite costs and operational issues due to tariffs as their biggest challenge when entering new markets. Facing these dual threats, APAC businesses have pragmatically shortened their supply chains to secure growth in neighbouring markets where geopolitical and tariff risks are more manageable.

The growth engine: AI as a workforce catalyst
In an environment where operational margins are under pressure, AI has become a critical tool for efficiency. Notably, the data indicate that AI is a net job creator in the region. 43% of APAC C-suite leaders report that AI has already prompted the creation of new roles, compared to 28% who report job replacements.

While 47% of executives rank AI as their top technology priority, their approach is disciplined. APAC leaders are prioritising high-impact applications such as forecasting (65%), knowledge acquisition, banking and retrieval (61%), client services, recommendations, relationships (61%), and operational efficiency, including automation (60%). Interestingly, they are achieving these gains with leaner investment; 41% (versus 35% globally) allocate less than 10% of their budget to AI, suggesting a focus on cost-effective, high-return AI adoption.
The blind spot: the sustainability gap – compliance versus operational resilience
While the report highlights strategic maturity in technology and trade, it reveals a critical disconnect in sustainability. Although 91% of APAC executives express confidence in meeting sustainability reporting compliance, only 73% feel prepared to manage the actual physical and operational impacts of climate change. This disparity indicates that while they are confident in meeting regulatory expectations, the priority now is to bridge the gap between compliance and reality, specifically by strengthening supply chains and building physical resilience against tangible climate risks.
Chester Liew, Partner, Head of Risk Consulting & Sustainability, Forvis Mazars in Singapore, said, “High confidence in reporting compliance is an encouraging baseline, but paperwork does not protect operations. The foresight APAC leaders are demonstrating in navigating geopolitical risks must now be urgently applied to climate risks. With regulatory timelines providing some breathing room, the prudent next step is to pivot resources from disclosure to physical defence – ensuring that supply chains and physical assets can actually withstand extreme weather and emerging environmental shocks.”
Forvis Mazars’ 2026 C-suite barometer survey captures insights from 3,012 senior executives worldwide prior to the US-Israeli war with Iran in February 2026. This independent research was conducted in October and November 2025 and captures the views of C-suite leaders at for-profit organisations with annual revenues of over US$1 million across 40 countries, including 260 respondents from seven markets in the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Findings reflect executive sentiments at the time of fieldwork.

Hashtag: #ForvisMazars #ForvisMazarsSingapore #APACBusiness #BusinessOutlook2026 #ExecutiveInsights #LeadershipTrends #AIAdoption #DigitalTransformation #Sustainability #ClimateResilience


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SIM Global Education Highlights Holistic Student Life Experience Beyond the Classroom

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1 hour ago

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16/03/2026

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – The university experience today extends beyond academic programmes and classroom learning. Increasingly, students and parents are paying closer attention to the broader environment that supports a student’s development, including well-being resources, opportunities to build community and access to career preparation. Higher education institutions in Singapore are responding by placing greater emphasis on holistic student development alongside academic rigour. Student life, encompassing campus activities, personal support services and career development initiatives, play an important role in shaping students’ overall university journey.

Over at Singapore Institute of Management Global Education (SIM GE), student life is designed to complement academic learning through a holistic ecosystem known as Life @ SIM. The initiative brings together co-curricular activities, wellness and counselling support, and career development resources to support students throughout their academic journey. Community engagement forms a key pillar of student experience. SIM GE offers more than 80 student clubs and societies across sports, performing arts, cultural groups, entrepreneurship and community service. These student-led activities provide opportunities for students to pursue personal interests, develop leadership and teamwork skills while building connections with peers, across programmes, partner universities and an international cohort of students.

Wellbeing support is another important aspect of campus life. Recognising that university life can present academic and personal pressures, SIM GE provides wellness programmes and counselling services aimed at supporting students’ mental and emotional wellbeing. Workshops and resources are designed to help students manage stress, build resilience and develop essential soft skills that support both academic and personal growth.

Career readiness is also integrated into the student journey. Through SIM Career Connect, students have access to career advisory services, skills workshops and networking opportunities with industry partners. These initiatives aim to help students strengthen their employability while still in university and align their academic pathways with long-term career goals.

Campus facilities and shared spaces further support student interaction and collaboration outside formal academic settings. Study areas, collaborative spaces and venues for student activities provide environments where students can exchange ideas, grow their cultural quotient and build a sense of community.

As higher education expectations continue to evolve, institutions are increasingly expected to support students not only academically but also personally and professionally. By integrating community engagement, wellbeing support and career development into the student journey, SIM GE aims to provide an environment that prepares students for both their future careers and the broader challenges of a highly inter-connected but ever-changing world.

References:

  1. Singapore Institute of Management. – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/overview
  2. Singapore Institute of Management. Co-Curricular Activities and Student Clubs –
    https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/co-curricular-activities
  3. Singapore Institute of Management. Career Connect / Career Services –
    https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
  4. SIM Global Education. Student Life and Campus Experience –
    https://project1095.simge.edu.sg

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 -Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit

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CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter Jointly Report Critical Credit Risk Management Gaps Among Hong Kong SMEs

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4 hours ago

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15/03/2026

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Professional credit management firms CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter today jointly released a comprehensive industry observation report regarding the financial health of local enterprises. The report indicates that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong are currently facing significant liquidity risks as payment cycles across supply chains continue to lengthen. This trend has resulted in a critical imbalance between recorded profits and actual cash flow.

CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter Jointly Report Critical Credit Risk Management Gaps Among Hong Kong SMEs

Widespread Absence of Credit Defense Mechanisms
According to the findings, more than 70% of Hong Kong SMEs lack robust credit defense mechanisms. The report highlights that many businesses fail to perform in-depth credit due diligence on new clients or establish firm payment thresholds.

Alex Yeung, founder of CollectForU Expert, noted that a high percentage of SMEs remain in a state of low defense regarding credit management. Yeung emphasized that bad debts in B2B transactions often have a domino effect. He stated that if a company focuses solely on gross margins while ignoring the operational stability of a counterparty, a single large-scale default could potentially eliminate an entire year of net profit. He recommends that businesses establish standardized defense systems including background checks, credit limit settings, and continuous monitoring to ensure operational safety.

The 90-Day Recovery Threshold
The joint report identifies the 90-day mark as a critical watershed for the successful recovery of overdue accounts. Many SME owners hesitate to take action during the early stages of delinquency to preserve client relationships, which inadvertently increases the risk of asset dissipation or insolvency proceedings by the debtor.

Obis Tsang, founder of Debt Hunter and a professional mediator, stated that the success rate of commercial debt recovery is inversely proportional to the duration of the delinquency. Once a debt is overdue by more than 90 days, the probability of recovery decreases significantly. Tsang suggested that early intervention by specialized third parties should be viewed as a rational tool for commercial negotiation. Engaging mediation-focused professionals can facilitate viable repayment plans and prevent the loss of claims due to excessive delays.

Strategic Recommendations for SMEs
In response to the current economic environment, both institutions advise SMEs to adopt a proactive approach to credit defense rather than waiting for defaults to occur:

  • Strengthen Pre-Contract Screening: Implement standardized credit assessments before finalizing commercial agreements.
  • Establish Warning Mechanisms: Define clear payment deadlines and take immediate action when clients breach these thresholds.
  • Seek Timely Professional Assistance: Introduce expert third-party advice early in the delinquency period to stabilize cash flow.

CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter intend to continue their collaboration to standardize credit management practices and enhance the financial resilience of Hong Kong SMEs.
Hashtag: #CreditManagement #AccountsReceivable #CollectForU #DebtHunter #DebtCollection #HongKongSMEs




Wechat: DebtHunterHK

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

About Debt Hunter

Debt Hunter is a commercial debt resolution agency founded by professional mediator Obis Tsang. The firm prioritizes negotiation and mediation as its core service philosophy. Debt Hunter was awarded the “Mediate First” Pledge Star Logo Award by the Hong Kong Department of Justice, in recognition of its commitment to mediation practices. Recognized by HackerNoon as a “Startups of the Year 2023” in Hong Kong, the firm employs a strategy involving legal compliance, behavioral insights, and big data to resolve commercial disputes. The agency has processed over 10,000 commercial cases to provide rational asset protection for its clients.

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About CollectForU Expert

CollectForU Expert was founded by Alex Yeung, who possesses over 15 years of practical experience in commercial debt recovery and credit management. The firm provides integrated solutions ranging from credit risk early-warning systems to accounts receivable recovery, with a focus on maintaining corporate reputation and long-term partnerships. CollectForU Expert utilizes behavioral psychological analysis and commercial negotiation techniques to resolve complex financial disputes and helps SMEs optimize internal credit processes.

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