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Singapore residents seek purpose, not just rest, but many unprepared for the journey: AIA Live Better Study
AIA Live Better Study highlights a critical gap between retirement aspirations and readiness, with social connections emerging as an unsung hero for a fulfilling later life.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – AIA Singapore today announced findings from the eighth edition of the AIA Live Better Study, which reflects the evolution of mindsets where retirement in Singapore is being perceived as a new chapter of reinvention and purpose. This aligns with the government’s ongoing emphasis on active ageing and empowering Singaporeans to lead fulfilling lives well into their golden years, as recently highlighted in the National Day Rally 2025[1].
However, a significant disconnect exists between these evolving aspirations and the practical steps Singapore residents are taking to prepare, according to the latest findings. The study reveals a slight dip in overall holistic wellness (from 61.5% to 60.3%) compared to last year, highlighting persistent challenges for Singapore residents across mental, social, financial, and physical well-being. This gap underscores the urgent need for greater support and education, a sentiment that resonates with Singapore’s broader efforts to strengthen social safety nets and enhance community resilience.
Conducted in May 2025, the AIA Live Better Study[2] continues to investigate the current state of wellness and goal-setting behaviours across physical, financial, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of Singapore residents. This is set against the backdrop of significant uncertainties in the global economy in 2025[3] as consumers navigate these challenging times.
The traditional view of retirement as a period of passive rest is rapidly evolving, aligning with the national call for seniors to remain engaged and contribute meaningfully,” said Irma Hadikusuma, Chief Marketing and Healthcare Officer, AIA Singapore. “Singapore residents are increasingly envisioning a purposeful and active post-career life, yet our study reveals many are not adequately preparing for this new reality. This highlights critical areas where more support and education are needed – particularly around financial readiness, physical health, and crucially, the often-overlooked power of social connections – all vital pillars for the holistic well-being the government also champions.”
Retirement in Singapore: Purpose over leisure
While consumers envision retirement as a period to enjoy, only 1 in 2 (47%) feel optimistic about achieving their desired lifestyles. A striking insight is the motivation for post-retirement work:
- 1 in 2 (55%) Singapore residents plan to work upon retirement (part-time, full-time, or starting a business).
- Less than 3 in 10 (28%) are doing it purely for financial reasons.
- 27% seek a sense of purpose, 26% aim to cure boredom, and 18% desire to try something new.
This signals that retirement is increasingly being seen as a phase for personal growth and continued contribution, echoing the government’s vision of an active and contributing senior population, and not just a cessation of work.
Financial and physical health are the cornerstones of a happy retirement
Unsurprisingly, financial concerns remain a major pain point:
- Only 1 in 2 (50%) Singapore residents claim to be financially stable, with those in their 40s expressing the most negativity towards retirement (29% negative outlook).
- Key worries include managing cost of living (62%) and healthcare expenses (54%).
- Physical wellness is also paramount, with 46% ranking it as the #1 factor for a happy retirement – a finding that underscores the government’s focus on preventative health and robust healthcare infrastructure for an ageing population.
- However, 2 in 5 (40%) foresee spending time managing healthcare conditions, particularly among young seniors[4] (45%).
These findings reinforce the importance of the government’s enhancements[5] early this year to healthcare and long-term care schemes such as MediSave and CHAS to address the needs of the ageing population and to ensure accessible, affordable healthcare for all.
Social wellness: The unsung hero of a fulfilling retirement
Beyond financial and physical health, the study illuminates the critical, yet often unaddressed, role of social wellness:
- A happy retirement is strongly linked to spending time with family (61%) and friends (41%).
- However, only 2 in 5 (37%) have thought about social wellness and taking steps to prepare for it
- Marital status plays a significant role: More married individuals (53%) have a positive outlook towards retirement than their single counterparts (36%), suggesting the inherent support families provide.
- Single individuals face unique challenges, expressing greater worry about lack of caregiving arrangements (34% vs. 23% married), becoming isolated (29% vs. 20% married), and cognitive decline (44% vs. 35% married). This leads them to plan more actively for part-time work, social activities, and community engagement in their retirement years to maintain independence and connection.
The findings highlight that social connections are a fundamental pillar of a fulfilling retirement, echoing the government’s recent unveiling of Age Well Neighbourhoods[6] and continued emphasis on community and social infrastructure as key components of holistic well-being for seniors. This is a powerful insight for individuals, families, and companies to consider as we develop holistic solutions for the future, ensuring our offerings align with the evolving needs of an ageing society.
More support needed for transition period to retirement
While majority (2 in 3 (70%)) of Singapore residents have started planning for various aspects of retirement, a significant portion remains unprepared across crucial areas:
- 21% have not thought about how to maintain social wellness during retirement years.
- 20% have not considered the possibility of being by themselves (without spouse and children).
- 17% have not thought about long-term care.
- 14% have not considered insurance coverage for retirement.
The study highlights the urgent need for more education and support to help Singapore residents transition into this new phase of life, especially for single individuals and those aged 40-49, who show the most negative outlook and financial vulnerability. These insights indicate the critical need for robust community support networks and social infrastructure, aligning with the government’s emphasis on fostering a more caring and inclusive society.
Hashtag: #AIASingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AIA
AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR[1], Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR[2], and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$328 billion as of 30 June 2025.
AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 43 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.
AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.
Media OutReach
Bora Pharmaceuticals Completes Acquisition of MacroGenics’ Rockville Manufacturing Operations
Transaction Valued at $122.5M Establishes 20,000-Liter US Biologics Drug Substance Manufacturing Platform, Covering Development through Commercial Supply
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2026 – Bora Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (“Bora” or “Bora Group”; TWSE: 6472; OTCQX: BORAY) today announced the completion of its acquisition of the GMP manufacturing operations of MacroGenics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGNX) including its biologics drug substance facility in Rockville, Maryland and an associated warehousing center in Frederick, Maryland, for total consideration of US $122.5 million through its wholly owned subsidiary Bora Biologics USA, LLC.. Upon closing, Bora signed a long-term CDMO Service Agreement with MacroGenics.
With the close of the transaction, Bora Group’s biologics CDMO franchise, Bora Biologics, now operates 20,000 liters of single-use bioreactor (SUB) drug substance manufacturing capacity across two active US sites: Rockville, Maryland and San Diego, California, and one development facility in Zhubei, Taiwan.
“This acquisition establishes a US biologics manufacturing platform that sponsors can depend on, from development through licensed commercial supply,” said Bobby Sheng, Chairman and CEO of Bora Group. “As regulatory and supply chain dynamics continue to evolve, we expect biotech and pharmaceutical companies to increasingly seek manufacturing partners with US-based, inspection-proven infrastructure. Bora Biologics is designed to meet that need, offering a fully integrated, end-to-end biologics platform spanning drug substance and drug product capabilities.”
With the addition of the Rockville facility, Bora Biologics supports more than 4 active commercial programs, with more than 120 completed GMP batches and supply into multiple global markets including the US, EU, Japan, Canada and the UK with fully integrated QC and analytical capabilities.
Across its US network, Bora Biologics has completed five FDA inspections, including two at Rockville and one PMDA review in 2025, with clean results at both sites. The combined platform has supported more than 33 biologics and 15 biosimilars, establishing a manufacturing base for biotech and pharmaceutical companies with reduced offshore dependency and domestically anchored infrastructure.
Bora Group intends to integrate its US drug substance (DS) capabilities with its existing sterile drug product (DP) capabilities over the next 12 to 18 months, offering a seamless, fully integrated development-through-commercial biologics solution.
Hashtag: #BoraPharmaceuticals
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Bora
Founded in 2007, Bora Pharmaceuticals (“Bora” or “the Company”, 6472.TW and BORAY.OTCQX) is a leading pharmaceutical services company with a vision and goal of “Contributing to Better Health All Over the World”. Operating under a “Dual Engine” model that integrates CDMO and commercial expertise, we empower pharmaceutical and biotech partners to optimize product development, accelerate launches, and scale supply to meet global patient needs. At the same time, we actively broaden R&D and sales infrastructure, focusing on niche and rare disease markets to improve patients’ quality of life.
By investing in talent, infrastructure, and biologics expansion, Bora continues to transform operations and achieve sustainable growth. Committed to making success “certain,” Bora sets new standards in the pharmaceutical and CDMO industries.
For more, please visit:
https://www.bora-corp.com
https://www.boracdmo.com
Disclaimer:
This document and the accompanying information may contain forward-looking statements. All statements regarding the company’s future business operations, potential events, and prospects (including but not limited to forecasts, targets, estimates, and operational plans) are considered forward-looking statements unless they refer to factual occurrences. Forward-looking statements are subject to various factors and uncertainties that may cause significant differences from actual results, including but not limited to price fluctuations, actual demand, exchange rate variations, market share, competitive conditions, changes in the legal, financial, and regulatory framework, international economic and financial market conditions, political risks, cost estimates, and other risks and variables beyond the company’s control. These forward-looking statements are based on current predictions and assessments, and the company disclaims any responsibility for future updates.
Media OutReach
Forest City SFZ Highlights Early JS-SEZ Traction as Investment Pipeline Expands
Singapore-based companies have committed more than S$5.5 billion in Johor since the JS-SEZ memorandum of understanding, while IMFC-J reported 1,000 enquiries linked to RM73 billion in potential investment in March 2026.
JOHOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2026 – Forest City Special Financial Zone (Forest City SFZ) today issued a progress update on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), pointing to early implementation milestones in investment facilitation, financial-services incentives and cross-border connectivity.
The JS-SEZ agreement, signed on 7 January 2025, covers approximately 3,588 square kilometres across southern Johor. It comprises nine flagship areas and targets investment in 11 sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, financial services, the digital economy, tourism, education, healthcare and the green economy. Forest City is the designated financial-services flagship within the framework.
“The JS-SEZ has moved beyond framework design and into early-stage execution. Forest City has a defined role in financial services and family-office activity, while the wider zone is building a pipeline across multiple industries,” a Forest City SFZ spokesperson said.
Investment pipeline builds across the JS-SEZ
Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry said Singapore-based companies had committed more than S$5.5 billion in investments into Johor since the JS-SEZ memorandum of understanding was signed in January 2024. The figure was highlighted at the second JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum in Singapore in October 2025.
On the Malaysian side, the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) reported in March 2026 that it had received 1,000 investor enquiries and was facilitating RM73 billion in potential investment.
IMFC-J is a joint federal-state one-stop centre led by the Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Invest Johor and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.
The figures represent investment commitments and potential project value rather than fully realised capital expenditure, but provide an early measure of the commercial pipeline forming around the economic corridor.
Forest City builds financial-services proposition
Malaysia announced the Forest City SFZ incentive package in September 2024, followed by the gazettement of the Single Family Office (SFO) tax rules in October 2025. Under the scheme, a qualifying SFO vehicle may receive a 0% tax rate on eligible investment income for an initial 10-year period, with a possible extension for a further 10 years, subject to asset, local investment, staffing and operating-expenditure requirements.
The initial phase requires at least RM30 million in assets under management. The wider Forest City incentive framework also includes a 5% corporate tax rate for qualifying global-services and selected relocation activities, while eligible knowledge workers in the JS-SEZ may qualify for a 15% personal income tax rate, subject to prevailing rules and approvals.
According to Forest City data, nine family offices had received approvals under the scheme by June 2026. The Securities Commission Malaysia had previously reported more than 30 expressions of interest and has set a target of RM2 billion in SFO assets under management by the end of 2026.
Separately, Forest City said 593 applicants were approved for the SFZ category of the Malaysia My Second Home programme between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2026, indicating demand from investors, professionals and long-stay residents alongside the financial-services push.
Cross-border measures support the dual-market model
The JS-SEZ framework is intended to combine Johor’s land, industrial capacity and cost base with Singapore’s capital, connectivity and business ecosystem. Measures under the bilateral framework include investor facilitation, automated immigration channels, paperless goods clearance and improved transport links.
Singapore has rolled out QR-code immigration clearance across travel modes at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Travellers should continue to carry their passports, which may still be required for verification and for clearance at the Malaysian border.
The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link is targeted to begin passenger service by the end of 2026. The four-kilometre line will connect Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North in about five minutes and is designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction during peak periods.
Execution and conversion remain the next test
The World Bank projects Malaysia’s economy to expand by 4.4% in 2026, supported by domestic demand, while warning that trade restrictions, global policy uncertainty and weaker external demand remain downside risks.
For the JS-SEZ, the next phase will be measured by the conversion of enquiries and commitments into approved projects, realised investment, skilled employment and operating businesses. Delivery of transport, utilities, talent development and regulatory coordination will also determine the pace at which companies adopt a cross-border operating model.
“The early indicators are encouraging, but the economic impact should be assessed over a multi-year horizon. The priority now is to convert the pipeline into sustainable business activity, jobs and a deeper professional-services ecosystem,” the spokesperson said.
Forest City SFZ said it will continue working with public agencies, financial institutions and professional-service providers to support family offices, international investors and companies evaluating Johor as part of their regional growth strategy.
Key figures
| Indicator | Latest stated figure |
| JS-SEZ coverage | Approximately 3,588 km²; nine flagship areas; 11 priority sectors |
| Singapore-linked commitments | More than S$5.5 billion committed into Johor since January 2024 |
| IMFC-J pipeline | 1,000 enquiries; RM73 billion in potential investment as at March 2026 |
| SFO incentive | 0% on eligible investment income for 10 years, with a possible further 10 years |
| RTS Link | Targeted passenger service by end-2026; up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction |
| Malaysia 2026 GDP outlook | 4.4% growth forecast by the World Bank |
Hashtag: #ForestCity
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Forest City Special Financial Zone
Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) is Malaysia’s pioneering special financial zone and the financial-services flagship within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. It is positioned to attract financial institutions, multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals and businesses operating in wealth management, financial technology and global business services.
Its incentive framework includes a 0% income tax rate for qualifying Single Family Office Vehicles for up to 20 years, a preferential 5% corporate tax rate for approved qualifying activities, and a special 15% personal income tax rate for eligible knowledge workers, subject to the applicable conditions, regulatory approvals and prevailing legislation. Forest City also holds duty-free island status, further strengthening its appeal as a regional investment, business and wealth-management destination near Singapore.
Media OutReach
Jollibee Group Brands Recognized as Top Three Most Valuable Restaurant Brands in Brand Finance Philippines 50 2026 Report, Led by Jollibee’s 32% Brand Value Growth to USD3.3 Billion
- Jollibee Group brands Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking ranked as the Philippines’ top three most valuable restaurant brands in the Brand Finance Philippines 50 2026 report.
- The Philippine restaurant sector reached approximately USD4.1 billion in brand value, growing 29% year-on-year, with Jollibee accounting for around 80% of total sector value.
- Jollibee ranked No. 2 in brand value across all Philippine brands for the third consecutive year, with brand value rising by approximately 32% to USD3.3 billion, supported by strong brand strength and global recognition as the fifth-strongest restaurant brand worldwide.
- Mang Inasal rose significantly in brand strength, emerging as No. 2 across Philippine restaurant and non-restaurant brands, with brand value increasing 28% to USD482 million, and earning recognition among Brand Finance’s “Brands to Watch” for 2026.
- Jollibee Foods Corporation’s broader portfolio includes Tim Ho Wan, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Compose Coffee, reflecting a multi-brand, multi-market platform that extends beyond its Philippine restaurant brands.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2026 – Jollibee Group brands Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking were recognized in the Brand Finance Philippines 50 2026 report as the country’s top three most valuable restaurant brands, with Jollibee leading the restaurant sector and accounting for around 80% of total restaurant brand value.
The report places the three brands within the broader context of the Philippines’ top-performing corporate brands, where brand value and brand strength are increasingly tied to consumer demand, pricing strength, resilience, and long-term business value.
According to Brand Finance, the Philippine restaurant sector reached approximately USD4.1 billion in brand value, growing 29% year-on-year, with Jollibee accounting for around 80% of total restaurant brand value.
Jollibee Ranks No. 2 Most Valuable Philippine Brand for Third Consecutive Year; Mang Inasal Rises to No. 2 Strongest Brand Overall
The report ranked Jollibee No. 2 in brand value across Philippine restaurant and non-restaurant brands for the third consecutive year. The brand also received a Brand Strength Index score of 87.9 out of 100, placing it as the fifth-strongest restaurant brand worldwide in the Brand Finance Restaurants 25 2026 report, where it was cited as the only Philippine and Southeast Asian brand included in the global ranking.
Brand Finance attributed Jollibee’s performance to stronger brand strength, sustained customer demand, and strong brand appeal across core markets. The report also linked the brand’s momentum to same-store sales growth, rising transaction volumes, revenue growth, record systemwide sales, continued U.S. expansion, and successful expansion in Vietnam, marked by the opening of its 200th store in the market.
Mang Inasal delivered one of the report’s most notable improvements, rising from seventh to second in brand strength across Philippine restaurant and non-restaurant brands. Its Brand Strength Index advanced 7.4 points to 95.2 out of 100, from 87.8 in 2025, lifting its brand strength rating from AAA to AAA+. Its brand value grew 28% to USD482 million, supporting its inclusion among Brand Finance’s “Brands to Watch” for 2026.
Brand Finance credited Mang Inasal’s performance to its position within Jollibee Foods Corporation, including scale, operational support, and broad market visibility.
Chowking also advanced in the Brand Finance Philippines 50 2026 report, rising to No. 31 among the country’s most valuable brands.
Beyond these Philippine brand rankings, Jollibee Foods Corporation operates a broader global portfolio of 20 brands with more than 10,400 stores and cafés across 33 countries, including Tim Ho Wan, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Compose Coffee, Smashburger, Highlands Coffee, Milksha, and other brands across fast food, coffee and tea, bakery, casual dining, and beverage technology.
Ernesto Tanmantiong, Chief Executive Officer of Jollibee Foods Corporation, said: “These recognitions reflect the enduring strength of our brands and the trust we have earned from consumers across generations. Strong brands are strategic assets: they deepen customer loyalty, support sustainable growth, and enhance the resilience of our business, particularly in a dynamic operating environment.
“These rankings are more than brand accolades; they offer a view into the intrinsic value we are building every day. Notably, Jollibee’s brand value of USD3.3 billion alone represents a substantial level relative to our current market capitalization, highlighting a meaningful opportunity to convert brand strength into sustained, long-term value for our shareholders.”
Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Jollibee Group
Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the “Company”) is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 20 brands (the “Jollibee Group”) with over 10,400 stores and cafés across 33 countries.
The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine (9) wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five (5) franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), Shabu All Day (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S., and in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.
The Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The Company has been recognized as the Philippines’ Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia’s Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a five-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.
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