Media OutReach
Wildfires and Floods Caused Billion-Dollar Economic Loss in Asia Pacific in the first quarter of 2025: Aon Report
- Q1 data follows $74B economic loss in Asia Pacific from natural disasters in 2024
- Earthquake in Myanmar estimated to be the costliest event of the year so far, with only a fraction insured
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, published Asia Pacific (APAC) insights from its Q1 Global Catastrophe Recap – April 2025, which analyzes the natural disaster events that occurred worldwide during the first quarter of 2025.
During this period, the APAC region experienced significant wildfire activity, particularly in South Korea and Japan. South Korea faced devastating wildfires that resulted in 31 deaths, 49 injuries and the destruction of over 7,700 structures with losses estimated at approximately $1B.
The earthquake that occurred in March in Myanmar is the costliest event of the year so far. Damage is expected to reach billions of dollars and only a fraction is covered by insurance. The costliest event for APAC insurers was ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with insured losses of approximately AU $1B.
The Q1 data follows Aon’s 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report, which identified global natural disaster and climate trends to quantify the risk and human impact of extreme weather events in 2024, where total economic losses in APAC were $74B, with insurance covering only approximately $4B.
The main driver of economic losses in 2024 was flooding, with a significant contribution from seasonal floods in China. Two major events: the Noto earthquake in Japan and Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia and China also accounted for a large proportion of the losses.
Typhoon Yagi was one of the most severe storms to hit Southeast Asia since Typhoon Rammasun in 2014. The storm caused extensive damage across Vietnam, China, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand, resulting in significant economic and insured losses. This event highlights the importance of considering both wind and flood risks in typhoon-prone areas.
George Attard, CEO for Reinsurance Solutions for APAC at Aon, said: “The devastating earthquake in Myanmar, which caused at least 5,400 deaths and significant structural and infrastructure loss, underscores the importance of being prepared for catastrophe-related risks. Extreme weather and seismic events remain a powerful force driving the complexity and volatility that businesses and communities face and emphasizes the urgent need for innovative mitigation solutions to address this growing challenge.”
Aon’s 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report highlights several trends with natural catastrophe losses:
- Growing Disaster Losses: Global insurance losses in 2024 were 54 percent above the 21st-century average, covering $145B of the $368B in damages. Even though insured losses far exceeded the average, the protection gap stood at 60 percent, representing a significant financial headwind to communities, businesses and governments. In the APAC region, the protection gap was much higher with 95 percent of the losses not covered. Increases in population density in coastal areas, wealth and overall exposure to natural hazards in high-risk areas continue to be a crucial component of growing disaster losses.
- Earthquake Risks: April 2024 saw a significant earthquake impact in Taiwan, while Japan experienced the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1, 2024. This emphasises the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness for seismic events.
- Exposure Changes: Changes in exposure is a growing challenge for insurers and clients. These changes, rather than climate risks alone, are driving shifts in loss patterns. Typhoon Yagi, for example, accentuated the importance of a regional risk management approach that extends beyond sovereign borders.
- Advances in Flood Modelling: Despite the challenges, advancements in flood modelling have made significant strides in recent years. Advanced tools and data analytics can help businesses and governments understand the complexities of flood risk and prepare for future events.
- Economic Impacts: The exposure of commercial infrastructure to extreme weather has increased, requiring companies and insurers to explore the impact of changing weather patterns on assets. While Typhoon Yagi made a significant impact on economic and insured losses in China, Vietnam and the Philippines, 2024 was a relatively quiet year for natural catastrophes in Asia when compared with the long-term regional trend.
The economic and insured losses in the region also contrast with the global figures, where economic losses from natural disasters in 2024 are estimated at $368B, more than 10 percent above the long-term average since 2000.
With greater resilience and mitigation measures in place, global economies can reduce damage and loss of life. In 2024, 18,100 people lost their lives due to natural hazards, mostly from heatwaves and flooding globally. This was below the 21st-century average of 72,400. The long-term decrease in global fatalities can be attributed to improved warning systems, weather forecasts and evacuation planning, underscoring the value of reliable climate data, insights and analytics.
Significant Asia Events in 2024
| Date | Event | Location | Deaths | Economic Loss
(2024 $ B) |
Insured Loss
(2024 $ B) |
| 09/06 -14/07 | South Central China Floods | China | 470 | 15.7 | 0.4 |
| 01/09 – 09/09 | Typhoon Yagi | China, Southeast Asia | 816 | 12.9 | 0.7 |
| 01/01 | Noto Earthquake | Japan | 489 | 18.0 | 1.5 |
| 01/03 – 30/06 | India Heatwaves | India | 733 | NA | NA |
| 20/06 – 30/06 | Karachi Heatwave | Pakistan | 568 | NA | NA |
“Asia is at the forefront of flood modelling,” said Peter Cheesman, head of Risk Capital analytics for APAC at Aon. “Despite this, there remains a need for better tools and collaborations with public and private partnerships to help close the insurance gap. A comprehensive, multi-country strategy, together with advanced modelling and data inputs, are critical in helping risk managers prepare for future events as climate and exposure trends continue to evolve.”
Aon’s 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report can be found here.
Hashtag: #Aon #climaterisks #climate #catastrophe #catastropherisks #flooding
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.
Follow Aon on newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
Media OutReach
AEON Bank Helps Ease Festive Season’s Budget Constraints with No-Hassle Personal Financing-i
From December 2025 till March 2026, the bustling seasons present convergence of multiple spending needs for many households. Acknowledging that this might raise the need for flexible liquidity, AEON Bank provides a solution to address such budgetary constraints in the form of the PF-i; an inclusive, hassle-free financing facility, easily accessible via its digital banking app.
Optimising a Risk-Based Pricing (RBP) framework to determine a competitive and personalised profit rate, AEON Bank ensures that customers can seamlessly apply for PF-i online, as long as they are Malaysian citizens aged 18 to 55, with a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – be it salaried employees or self-employed individuals, freelancers, as well as gig economy workers.
Aligned with Shariah banking principles, PF-i offers financing facility from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 with flexible tenure options ranging from 3 to 84 months, allowing for repayments tailored to individual budget needs. The Flat Profit Rate starting from 3.88% p.a. and a nominal Wakalah Fee of RM1 is applicable upon acceptance.
The entire process, from the application to fund disbursement are all managed online via the AEON Bank app. This simplifies the process and eliminates the need for physical paperwork or branch visits. To apply for PF-i, customers simply need to follow these steps :
- Step 1 : Activated Savings Account-i pre-requisite
Download the AEON Bank app and activate the Savings Account-i, prior to applying for PF-i.
- Step 2 : Eligibility check and employment details
Applicants must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, earning a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – either as salaried employees, self-employed or gig workers.
- Step 3 : Financing selection
Select the preferred financing amount ranging from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 and flexible repayment tenure, with options between 3 to 84 months.
- Step 4 : Supporting document submission
Upload the latest EPF (KWSP) statement, reflecting the latest consecutive 6-months contributions (for salaried workers) or latest consecutive 6-month bank statement (for self-employed/gig workers).
- Step 5 : Approval and fund disbursement
Applications will be processed immediately and upon approval, funds will be disbursed directly into the applicant’s AEON Bank Savings Account-i. Repayments will be automatically deducted via monthly auto-debit.
PF-i enables Malaysians to access a Shariah compliant financing facility to ease their needs; be it an emergency financial support, family budget constraint, small renovation, vehicle repair or a much needed financial aid to bridge the temporary cashflow gaps.
For comprehensive details on the Personal Financing-i (PF-i), including full terms and conditions, click here to browse the website and scan the QR Code to download the AEON Bank app: https://www.aeonbank.com.my/api/qr-handler
Hashtag: #AEONBank #DigitalBanking #IslamicDigitalBank #ShariahCompliant #FinancialInclusion #IslamicFintech #PersonalFinancing
https://www.aeonbank.com.my/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeonbankmy/?viewAsMember=true
https://x.com/aeonbankmy
https://www.facebook.com/aeonbankmalaysia
https://www.instagram.com/aeonbankmy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
AEON Bank (M) Berhad
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is the first digital Islamic bank in Malaysia, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services under the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz).
Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible via the AEON Bank app, namely the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pots, DuitNow QR, utility bill payments, personal financial management and budgeting tools with Neko Sensei, and a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants, as well as Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme.
On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially launched AEON Bank Biz, anchored by the Current Business Account-i and integrated cash management capabilities, with the initial onboarding of vendors from AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad and suppliers within the broader AEON ecosystem. The targeted approach is designed to create an integrated value chain linking AEON’s retail and financial services networks, supporting strategic growth and greater inclusivity. AEON Bank Biz offers streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for business owners and entrepreneurs. AEON Bank Biz’s products and services will soon be extended to more local businesses and entrepreneurs across Malaysia.
Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia and it is. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.
AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognizable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.
Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah DNA, Malaysian roots and Japanese heritage are our distinguishing factors, while the integration with the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards, as the AEON Points can be redeemed into cash value, deposited directly into customers’ AEON Bank Savings Account-i.
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to provide accessible financial solutions for Malaysians and we aim to empower the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, hence fostering a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards the Islamic banking development in the region and the nation’s digital economy.
Media OutReach
AEON Bank Helps Ease Festive Season’s Budget Constraints with No-Hassle Personal Financing-i
From December 2025 till March 2026, the bustling seasons present convergence of multiple spending needs for many households. Acknowledging that this might raise the need for flexible liquidity, AEON Bank provides a solution to address such budgetary constraints in the form of the PF-i; an inclusive, hassle-free financing facility, easily accessible via its digital banking app.
Optimising a Risk-Based Pricing (RBP) framework to determine a competitive and personalised profit rate, AEON Bank ensures that customers can seamlessly apply for PF-i online, as long as they are Malaysian citizens aged 18 to 55, with a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – be it salaried employees or self-employed individuals, freelancers, as well as gig economy workers.
Aligned with Shariah banking principles, PF-i offers financing facility from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 with flexible tenure options ranging from 3 to 84 months, allowing for repayments tailored to individual budget needs. The Flat Profit Rate starting from 3.88% p.a. and a nominal Wakalah Fee of RM1 is applicable upon acceptance.
The entire process, from the application to fund disbursement are all managed online via the AEON Bank app. This simplifies the process and eliminates the need for physical paperwork or branch visits. To apply for PF-i, customers simply need to follow these steps :
- Step 1 : Activated Savings Account-i pre-requisite
Download the AEON Bank app and activate the Savings Account-i, prior to applying for PF-i.
- Step 2 : Eligibility check and employment details
Applicants must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, earning a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – either as salaried employees, self-employed or gig workers.
- Step 3 : Financing selection
Select the preferred financing amount ranging from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 and flexible repayment tenure, with options between 3 to 84 months.
- Step 4 : Supporting document submission
Upload the latest EPF (KWSP) statement, reflecting the latest consecutive 6-months contributions (for salaried workers) or latest consecutive 6-month bank statement (for self-employed/gig workers).
- Step 5 : Approval and fund disbursement
Applications will be processed immediately and upon approval, funds will be disbursed directly into the applicant’s AEON Bank Savings Account-i. Repayments will be automatically deducted via monthly auto-debit.
PF-i enables Malaysians to access a Shariah compliant financing facility to ease their needs; be it an emergency financial support, family budget constraint, small renovation, vehicle repair or a much needed financial aid to bridge the temporary cashflow gaps.
For comprehensive details on the Personal Financing-i (PF-i), including full terms and conditions, click here to browse the website and scan the QR Code to download the AEON Bank app: https://www.aeonbank.com.my/api/qr-handler
Hashtag: #AEONBank #DigitalBanking #IslamicDigitalBank #ShariahCompliant #FinancialInclusion #IslamicFintech #PersonalFinancing
https://www.aeonbank.com.my/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeonbankmy/?viewAsMember=true
https://x.com/aeonbankmy
https://www.facebook.com/aeonbankmalaysia
https://www.instagram.com/aeonbankmy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
AEON Bank (M) Berhad
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is the first digital Islamic bank in Malaysia, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services under the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz).
Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible via the AEON Bank app, namely the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pots, DuitNow QR, utility bill payments, personal financial management and budgeting tools with Neko Sensei, and a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants, as well as Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme.
On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially launched AEON Bank Biz, anchored by the Current Business Account-i and integrated cash management capabilities, with the initial onboarding of vendors from AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad and suppliers within the broader AEON ecosystem. The targeted approach is designed to create an integrated value chain linking AEON’s retail and financial services networks, supporting strategic growth and greater inclusivity. AEON Bank Biz offers streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for business owners and entrepreneurs. AEON Bank Biz’s products and services will soon be extended to more local businesses and entrepreneurs across Malaysia.
Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia and it is. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.
AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognizable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.
Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah DNA, Malaysian roots and Japanese heritage are our distinguishing factors, while the integration with the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards, as the AEON Points can be redeemed into cash value, deposited directly into customers’ AEON Bank Savings Account-i.
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to provide accessible financial solutions for Malaysians and we aim to empower the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, hence fostering a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards the Islamic banking development in the region and the nation’s digital economy.
Japan’s MONJI+—A WebOps Enablement Platform Inspired by Voices from 77 Countries—Launches Its English Edition
OSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – ALAKI Inc., celebrating its 15th anniversary, has officially launched the English edition of MONJI+, an evolution of its 2018-born feedback tool MONJI β, now reimagined as a comprehensive WebOps Enablement Platform.
Alongside its free plan, available indefinitely, MONJI+ begins its full-scale expansion into the ASEAN market, helping teams elevate their website operations. In addition, a free Academic Edition is now offered to educational institutions to foster the next generation of web and IT talent.
Since its launch in Japan in 2018, MONJI β has been adopted by web agencies, corporations, and advertising firms worldwide—across 77 countries and regions—streamlining feedback workflows for website management and development.
In everyday website operations, teams often face:
- Feedback scattered across tools and channels
- Miscommunication between internal teams and agencies
- Unclear priorities that fail to drive results
- Knowledge loss when members change
- Valuable learnings buried and forgotten
MONJI+ connects creation, publishing, maintenance, and optimization into a single workflow—eliminating silos and enabling all members to move forward toward shared goals.
▶️ See how MONJI+ transforms your workflow
Since its official launch in Japan in January 2025, MONJI+ has rapidly spread among enterprises and educational institutions. It is increasingly adopted as a practical standard among agencies and in-house teams, improving productivity and measurable outcomes.
During forums and seminars held alongside the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, ALAKI engaged with government representatives and industry leaders from around the world.
The feedback was clear: inefficiencies in website operations, lack of improvement cycles, and a shortage of web marketing expertise are universal challenges. But one issue stood out above all—the shortage of skilled web and IT professionals.
Some governments even requested that MONJI+ contribute to national web/IT talent development, not just productivity gains. Following the Expo, inquiries from multiple countries confirmed the demand, prompting the official release of the English edition of MONJI+.
As part of its ASEAN expansion, ALAKI visited SWITCH 2025 (Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology), held from October 29–31. Through dialogues with government agencies, corporations, startups, and academic institutions, the importance of website operations productivity and digital talent development was reaffirmed.
Insights from leading ASEAN web and IT innovators will continue to shape the evolution of MONJI+.
Eliminate inefficiencies and dependency on individuals—enhancing both productivity and performance in website operations.
- Workflow Efficiency: Centralize feedback and progress tracking to prevent oversights
- Error Reduction: Detect typos automatically with AI proofreading
- Results-Oriented: Integration with analytics tools helps identify improvement areas instantly
- Team Collaboration: Share real-time updates across internal and external members
- Knowledge Building: Use the Wiki feature to retain expertise and reduce training costs
MONJI+ evolves beyond a simple management tool—it becomes an AI-driven partner that learns from operational data to support human decision-making and creativity.
Our vision: a human-in-the-loop “Agentic WebOps” environment that helps teams achieve outcomes with AI-assisted decision support.
Available AI Features:
- AI typo and error detection for feedback
- AI chatbot assistance
Upcoming AI Features (Examples):
- Content suggestion and creation
- Feedback trend analysis and improvement recommendations
- Design assistance
- Webpage performance analysis and enhancement
- Global Marketing Agency (Singapore): “Sharing the same interface greatly improved collaboration across our international offices.”
- Web Production Agency (Japan): “Centralized feedback management accelerated delivery times by roughly 30%.”
- E-commerce Company (Japan): “By linking with an analytics tool, we identified key improvement areas instantly—our conversion rate increased by over 20%.”
- Recruitment Platform (Japan): “With AI detecting typos automatically, our job listing checks became faster and more reliable.”
Discover how MONJI+ envisions the future of website operations.
“Website operations shouldn’t be about chasing scattered messages—it should be about generating results that matter. With MONJI+, we unify feedback, workflow, and analytics, while AI suggests the next strategic move. Our mission is to help ASEAN teams reach outcomes faster and more reliably.”
— Yuji Yamauchi, Founder & CEO, ALAKI Inc.
Getting started is easy, with no credit card required. MONJI+ aims to be the shared foundation for website operations, accessible to everyone.
- Forever-Free Plan: Access essential functions without time limits
- 30-Day Free Trial: Experience all features in a live environment
▶️ Start your free 30-day trial now
To empower the next generation of web and IT professionals, MONJI+ offers an Academic Edition free of charge to universities, vocational schools, and online programs. Students and educators can experience real-world website operations, gain practical skills, and collaborate through shared projects.
▶️ Learn more about the Academic Edition
Hashtag: #MONJI+
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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