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How Telecom Investment Grew From $500m To $75bn In 25 Years – Rewane

Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company and Chairman of FCMB, Bismarck Rewane, has described the telecommunications revolution as one of the most significant transformations in Nigeria’s economy in the last 25 years.

He said combined investment in the telecommunications sector was about $500 million at the beginning of the period but had grown to more than $75 billion.

Rewane in an interview with journalists in Lagos said the arrival of MTN Nigeria in 2001 coincided with a period when access to communication was severely limited.

He said the company’s entry, alongside the liberalisation of the sector, helped create an economy where communication and connectivity now underpin almost every major economic activity.

Rewane recalled that Nigeria had only about 250,000 fixed telephone lines in 2000, when NITEL operated as a state-owned monopoly.

He said the country has since moved from a situation of severe scarcity to mass connectivity.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s 2026 Spectrum Roadmap, Nigeria had 177.4 million active mobile subscriptions and 144.8 million active internet subscriptions as of November 2025.

‘That tells you the scale of the transformation that has taken place in the Nigerian economy,’ he said.

He said the change was equally evident in teledensity, which stood at about 0.4 per cent at the beginning of the period.

According to him, the figure has now risen to almost 80 per cent, reflecting the extent to which mobile communication has become part of everyday life.

‘We moved from a country where less than one per cent of the population had access to telecommunications to one where connectivity is now available to the overwhelming majority of Nigerians,’ Rewane said.

The economist also highlighted the enormous increase in investment that has accompanied the transformation.

‘That is not just money invested in telecommunications companies. That is investment in the Nigerian economy, investment in infrastructure and investment in the capacity of the economy to produce and transact,’ he said.

Rewane noted that the wider economic effect is what makes the telecommunications industry particularly important to Nigeria’s growth story.

‘MTN and the other telecom operators have evolved from providing telecommunication services into becoming critical economic infrastructure and catalysts of growth,’ he said.

He argued that the sector’s contribution must therefore be assessed not only by its direct GDP contribution but also by the economic activities it enables across banking, commerce, healthcare, transportation, education and other sectors.

The economist also argued that the nominal contribution of telecommunications does not capture its full economic value. ‘If you look only at the numbers, you may say telecommunications contributes a certain percentage to GDP. But if you look at the effective value, you begin to see the linkages,’ Rewane said. ‘Take telecommunications away and the system does not simply lose that percentage. The system begins to grind to a halt.’

Technocity | Lenovo Premier League 2026 brings Sri Lanka’s IT community together

Sri Lanka’s technology industry traded keyboards for cricket bats as the Technocity | Lenovo Premier League 2026 (TLPL 2026) brought together 18 leading companies from the country’s IT sector for a memorable day of competitive cricket and camaraderie.

More than a corporate cricket tournament, TLPL 2026 was created as a platform to bring together people from across Sri Lanka’s technology ecosystem -not only business owners and managers but employees representing their different organisations.

The event was graced by Technocity Group Chairman Famy Ismail; Laptop.lk Director Minhaj Farook; and Lenovo Sri Lanka Country Business Head Siraj Jabir.

Commenting on the initiative, Famy Ismail said:’TLPL gives us the opportunity to bring the technology community together in a completely different environment. Business is built on relationships, and events like this allow people to compete passionately while developing friendships that can continue well beyond the cricket field.’

A substantial cash prize of Rs 400,000 was awarded to the Champions, while Runners-up received Rs 200,000. Cash awards and recognition were also presented for outstanding individual performances, including Best Batsman, Best Bowler and Man of the Match.

However, the recognition did not end with the winning teams.In a special ‘first of its kind’ initiative announced at TLPL 2026, Technocity will take the players from all 18 participating teams, together with their respective team managers, on a fully sponsored one-day adventure and team building experience to Kitulgala, including white water rafting. This is particularly significant, because many IT industry incentive programmes, overseas tours and partnership events tend to recognise top-performing sales personnel, managers, business owners or selected partners. However TLPL recognised participating employees of these organisations.

Minhaj Farook said: ‘Cricket is a great reflection of business. You may have talented individuals, but success comes when everyone understands their role and work towards one goal. TLPL is about bringing that same spirit.’

From the opening huddles and competitive matches to the awards ceremony, Technocity | Lenovo Premier League 2026 delivered an atmosphere of sportsmanship and unity.

With 18 companies competing for exceptional cash prizes and the fact that every participating team will be included in the upcoming ‘Kitulgala experience’. Technocity | Lenovo Premier League 2026 demonstrated that the tournament was ultimately about something greater than winning a trophy, it was about bringing an industry together.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (C)

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 17/09/2026 UNTIL 1800 18/09/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1010hPa (hectopascal)

Low pressure is expected to affect the area. Tonight local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expect from the west and north and gradually over the remaining areas. In thunderstorms hail is expected while the winds will be variable strengthening 5 to 6 Beaufort, accompanied by stronger gusts 8 Beaufort.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 28°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night West to Northwest 3 to 4, in and near storms Variable 5 to 6 Slight, in and near storms Slight to Moderate

Morning West to Northwest 3, gradually Southwest to West 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight, gradually Slight

Afternoon Northwest 4 to 5 Slight to Moderate

South Coast

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, in and near storms Variable 5 to 6 Slight, in and near storms Slight to Moderate

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3, in and near storms Variable 5 to 6 Smooth to Slight, in and near storms Slight to Moderate

Afternoon Southwest to West 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight to Moderate

East Coast

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, in and near storms Variable 5 to 6 Slight, in and near storms Slight to Moderate

Morning Southwest 3 to 4, in and near storms Variable 5 to 6 Slight, in and near storms Slight to Moderate

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight

North Coast

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, in and near storms Variable 5 to 6 Slight, in and near storms Slight to Moderate

Morning Southwest to West 3 to 4, in and near storms Variable 5 to 6 Slight, in and near storms Slight to Moderate

Afternoon Northwest 3 to 4, at times 4 to 5 Slight

Atiku seeks economic measures to tackle Child malnutrition

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for urgent measures to reduce the cost of food, fuel and transport, linking rising household expenses to Nigeria’s worsening child malnutrition crisis.

Atiku said economic policies must focus not only on headline indicators but also on whether families can afford adequate food and other basic necessities.

He made the call in a statement on Thursday, issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, which cited nutrition figures showing that 41.1 per cent of Nigerian children under five are stunted, while 19.2 per cent are severely stunted. The prevalence, he said, rises to 58.2 per cent in the North-West.

Atiku also cited figures indicating that nearly two million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, with only about two in 10 receiving treatment.

He said the figures should be considered against the pressure of food, energy and transport costs on household incomes, arguing that expensive fuel increases the cost of moving farm produce, goods and people and ultimately raises household expenditure.

The National Bureau of Statistics reported food inflation at 19.57 per cent year-on-year in August 2026, down from 20.31 per cent in July, while monthly food inflation fell to 1.02 per cent from 5.56 per cent.

Atiku said his proposed economic programme would seek to lower domestic production costs through a targeted production subsidy for petroleum refined in Nigeria, rather than a return to subsidising imported petrol.

‘My position is straightforward: support what Nigeria produces and refines, lower domestic production costs, and ensure that the benefit reaches the Nigerian consumer,’ he said.

He said reducing energy and transport costs would ease pressure across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, trade and household consumption.

Beyond economic measures, Atiku called for expanded treatment of severely malnourished children, stronger maternal and child nutrition programmes and improved funding for nutrition interventions.

‘We cannot build a strong country on the bodies of hungry children,’ he said, adding that economic policy should ultimately answer whether ordinary Nigerians could afford to live.

Atiku said his objective was to lower energy and transport costs, strengthen domestic production, restore purchasing power and give families greater capacity to afford nutritious food.

What 3 new electrical engineers sacrificed to top the board exam

In pursuit of becoming topnotchers, three graduates of the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) had to put leisure on hold, sacrifice gaming and outings, and push through personal challenges as they prepared for the September 2026 Registered Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination.

Their sacrifices paid off as CIT-U once again produced the national No. 1, marking the third consecutive electrical engineering licensure examination in which the university produced a first placer.

Charles Anthony S. Santillan tied for first place nationwide with Dan Joel Monte de Leon of Palompon Institute of Technology, both posting a rating of 94.25 percent.

Two other CIT-U graduates also made it to the national top 10. Kienth Vincent E. Oracion placed third with 93.55 percent and Niño Louie P. Verame ranked sixth with 93.05 percent.

The three shared their experiences during a press conference at the CIT-U Wall of Fame Library on Wednesday, September 16, where they talked about their preparation, sacrifices, motivations, and plans after obtaining their licenses.

For Santillan, the review period meant cutting back on gaming and turning down outings with family and friends to concentrate on his goal.

He said the pressure largely came from himself, particularly after being named CIT-U’s King of Engineers, but he used that pressure as motivation rather than allowing it to distract him.

Santillan, a summa cum laude graduate who studied at CIT-U from junior high school through senior high school, also developed an application to help with his studies. He had previously represented the school in regional and national quiz competitions.

He said aspiring examinees should establish a clear plan, set milestones, and list their goals. Among the goals he wrote on a whiteboard was becoming the country’s No. 1 electrical engineering examinee.

Oracion, who graduated magna cum laude and also completed his senior high school education at CIT-U, likewise sacrificed his gaming time during the review period. He also deactivated his social media accounts to maintain his focus.

He said becoming a topnotcher was something he had hoped for, although he still felt nervous while taking the examination. He advised future examinees to find people who can help them through the review process.

‘Pangita og group o circles nimo. Helpful kaayo na mag-share mo sa knowledge,’ Oracion said.

Verame’s path to the top 10 was marked by a different set of challenges. While preparing for the examination, he was working as a photographer at the Minglanilla Municipal Public Information Office, while also dealing with family concerns.

His mother was undergoing dialysis and his father had pneumonia. Because of the challenges he faced, Verame was unable to take the April 2026 licensure examination and had to stop his review before eventually returning to prepare for the September examination.

Verame said his family was among his strongest motivations to continue. He said he wanted to help provide them with a better future, particularly after seeing the sacrifices made by his parents.

He also plans to continue serving the public, with a possible return to the local government unit of Minglanilla, this time as a licensed electrical engineer.

CIT-U’s College of Engineering and Architecture Dean Dr. Evangeline C. Evangelista said the university’s performance was supported by a program that identifies and develops potential topnotchers early in their academic journey.

‘Sugod pa lang gi-enhance na sila, gipili na kung kinsa ang possible topnotchers. Most of them are topnotchers,’ Evangelista said, pointing to the combined support of the university administration, department, and faculty.

She said the college also conducts Saturday sessions and peer mentoring, while its Learning Enhancement Program brings in additional support during students’ vacant periods.

In the Electrical Engineering Department, the ‘Teenabangay’ initiative allows students to serve as peer mentors through a system where those needing assistance can seek help, reflecting the program’s ‘no classmate left behind’ approach.

CIT-U said it has produced 786 topnotchers across its various licensure examination programs, including 96 national first placers. In electrical engineering alone, the university has produced the national No. 1 for three consecutive examinations.

For the September examination, 44 of CIT-U’s 84 electrical engineering examinees passed. Evangelista said 87 percent of the university’s first-time takers passed, with repeat examinees affecting the overall passing rate.

The university’s Electrical Engineering Department is headed by Engr. Lowell Ratilla, while Engr. Roberto P. Base Jr. serves as assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture.

Engr. Genry Oñate, known as ‘Coach G’ to the three topnotchers, also joined the press conference. He is a CIT-U alumnus who placed among the topnotchers in the April 2011 Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination and is now a faculty member of the Electrical Engineering Department.

The Professional Regulation Commission reported that 1,676 of 3,399 examinees passed the Registered Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination administered by the Board of Electrical Engineering in 17 testing centers nationwide.

Cebu schools accounted for five of the national top 10. Aside from the three CIT-U graduates, Jeff Kepler Sombilon Teves of Cebu Technological University-Tuburan placed second with 94 percent, while Jeremiah Gecana Lausa of CTU-Main ranked ninth with 92.40 percent.

Santillan said he plans to join AboitizPower and render four years of service, while Oracion is considering either pursuing a career in the academe or working in a private company.

Verame said those preparing for the examination should find something that will keep them motivated, adding that his own motivation came from his desire to give his parents a better future.

He also vowed to continue doing what he loves as he moves forward as a licensed engineer

Take your matriculation oath seriously, EKSU VC tells students

The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has charged newly-admitted students of the institution’s sandwich programme to regard their matriculation oath as a solemn commitment to academic discipline, integrity, responsible citizenship and strict adherence to the university’s rules and regulations.

Professor Ayodele gave the charge at the 2026 bi-modal matriculation ceremony for the sandwich students, held at the EKSU campus, Moba Grammar School, Otun-Ekiti.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Williams Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor urged the students to see their admission not as the end of an ambition but as the beginning of a demanding academic journey.

He said the students had been admitted because they demonstrated the potential to succeed, urging them to convert the opportunity into tangible achievements through discipline, diligence, determination and hard work.

‘Your admission is not a destination; it is the beginning of a journey. What you do with the opportunity before you will determine the quality of the destination you eventually reach,’ he said.

The vice chancellor also cautioned them against being discouraged by the challenges associated with university education, noting that they might encounter difficult courses, demanding assignments, examinations and competing responsibilities.

‘I, therefore, encourage you not to be intimidated by the challenges that may arise during the programme. There may be difficult courses, demanding assignments, examinations, competing responsibilities and moments when you may feel discouraged.

‘When such moments come, remember that success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. Remain focused. Keep moving forward. Seek help when necessary, learn from your mistakes and never lose sight of the reason you began this journey,’ he said.

Speaking on the philosophy behind the sandwich programme, Professor Adebayo said it was established to provide teachers, professionals, workers and other members of the working population with opportunities to acquire university education while pursuing their careers and other responsibilities.

He urged the students to turn their working experience into an academic advantage rather than regarding it as a disadvantage.

‘Your experience in the workplace, your interaction with society and your responsibilities outside the classroom can enrich your learning experience,’ he said.

Adebayo charged the matriculants to make excellence, integrity and responsibility the three pillars of their academic journey, while advising them to use their time wisely and remain willing to learn from their lecturers and fellow students.

He further appealed to them to uphold the reputation of EKSU and avoid conduct capable of undermining the values and traditions of the institution.

The deputy vice chancellor commended the Oore of Otun-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, the people of Otun-Ekiti, and the management and staff of Moba Grammar School for their cooperation and support for the University’s activities in the community.

He assured the people that EKSU would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to maintain its academic standards, discipline, values and traditions at the Otun-Ekiti campus.

In separate goodwill messages, the Oore of Moba Land, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, and the President of Egbe Omo Otun Ekiti, Elder Ezekiel Olalere, urged the matriculants to remain focused and avoid distractions capable of derailing their academic pursuits during the period of their studentship.

The bi-modal nature of the ceremony enabled newly admitted students from affiliated institutions to participate virtually.

Among the participating institutions were the Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State; Ipere College of Education, Agyaragu, Nasarawa State; Moje College of Education, Erin-Ile, Kwara State; and Topmost College of Education, Ipaja, Lagos State.

The ceremony was attended by principal officers of the University, including the acting registrar, Mr Olukayode Akindele; the Bursar, Mrs Janet Ojobanikan; and the University Librarian, Mrs Aduke Aboyade, as well as other dignitaries from the Faculty of Education and the Directorate of Continuing Education Programmes.

LTO suspends driver’s license of Niño Muhlach

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver’s license of actor Niño Muhlach after he was involved in a multi-establishment crash along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City, Rizal.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 17, the LTO said that it imposed a two-year license revocation after determining that the actor lost control of his vehicle due to severe fatigue, crashing into three commercial establishments along the highway.

The LTO found the actor liable for reckless driving and officially declared him an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.

In addition to the license revocation, the agency placed the actor’s vehicle on alarm status to enforce the penalty and prevent any related transactions while the resolution remains in effect.

“Seryoso ang LTO sa pagpapatupad ng batas-trapiko, lalo na sa mga paglabag na maaaring magdulot ng panganib sa ibang gumagamit ng kalsada,’ LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao said.

(The LTO is serious about enforcing traffic laws, especially violations that could endanger other road users.)

‘Ipatutupad natin ang kaukulang kaparusahan batay sa resulta ng imbestigasyon at pagdinig, anuman ang katayuan ng sangkot,’ he added.

(We will impose the appropriate penalty based on the results of the investigation and hearing, regardless of the status of those involved.)

The road accident involving the actor occurred on August 23.

According to Muhlach, he fell asleep behind the wheel due to extreme fatigue, causing his vehicle to veer off, cross lanes, and hit a parked motorcycle, a pedestrian and three roadside shops.

PH to unveil integrated trade-climate strategy by November

The Philippines will unveil an integrated Trade-Climate Strategy by November, outlining a framework to align domestic policies, boost trade competitiveness, and ensure key sectors are regulatory-ready.

The Philippine Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) told the Inquirer that it will launch the integrated Trade-Climate Strategy at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Turkey this November.

‘The collaboration between the public and private sectors improves because the government cannot handle everything alone, and the private sector needs the government’s support for new developments,’ said Ambassador Manuel Antonio Teehankee, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the WTO.

Teehankee said the coordinated policy framework, which has been in the works for two years, does not intend to propose an agenda from a single sector.

‘Most governments are now evolving interagency, whole-of-government coordination approaches. They recognize that teamwork leads to better results, rather than allowing one department to prioritize differently from another,’ the envoy said on the sidelines of the WTO Public Forum.

The coordinated policy framework focuses on priority value chains such as energy, agriculture and fisheries, electronics, and services and creative industries.

Teehankee said the strategy emphasizes stronger public-private partnerships and interdepartmental coordination. It covers finance, government regulation, domestic trade incentives, regulations and policies.

‘Part of what I think the strategy wants to do is to look at providing us sort of that regulatory readiness, not just improving our regulatory environment domestically, but positioning our companies so that they’re ready to export into key markets,’ said Gabriel Bautista, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the WTO.

Teehankee highlighted the strategy’s main findings, stating that the Philippines is well-positioned for global growth in certification procedures, which creates further opportunities for the service sector.

Bautista said the integrated Trade-Climate Strategy is undergoing review after receiving comments and feedback from agencies and stakeholders.

Philippine government officials announced that they will launch the strategy abroad and implement it locally in coordination with partner agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

7 CIW officials, personnel face charges over missing trust fund

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Wednesday ordered the filing of criminal, administrative and civil cases against two former Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) superintendents and five other personnel over alleged irregularities in the handling of funds for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

In a statement, Catapang said the directive followed an investigation by the Directorate for Intelligence and Investigation (DII) into the missing funds.

Catapang approved the recommendation to initiate administrative proceedings before the BuCor Office of Internal Affairs Service against Senior Superintendents Daisy Sevilla-Castillote and Marjorie Ann Sanidad, Corrections Officer 2 Bianca Flor Ramos, and Corrections Officers 1 Maryrose Abucay, Madel Figuerres, Gloria Lakisa and Charlot Jennifer Carreon.

In its report dated Aug. 30, the DII found that Ramos, who served as CIW trust fund officer, could not account for P5.15 million in the PDL Trust Fund.

However, the final audit report of the parallel investigation conducted by the BuCor Internal Audit Service Unit on Aug. 25 reflected an unaccounted amount of P6.4 million without deducting the more than P1.2 million accounted amount yet to be collected or listed as receivables.

Catapang said a second review would be conducted to reconcile the difference.

Castillote, meanwhile, would face administrative proceedings for gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct during her tenure as CIW superintendent.

According to the investigation, she failed to exercise the required diligence in supervising, monitoring, reconciling and maintaining institutional control over the trust fund.

She also failed to comply with the BuCor PDL Trust Fund policy, the primary guideline governing the fund’s management, responsibility, monitoring and supervision.

Restrictions violated

The investigation further alleged that Castillote expressly authorized the use of trust fund money to renovate and improve the CIW multipurpose hall, overseer’s office and Investigation and Verification Section Unit, violating restrictions on the administration, use and disposition of trust fund resources.

Sanidad, who served as acting CIW superintendent before Castillote’s appointment, was also cited for authorizing the advancement of P300,000 from the Trust Fund to cover an LBC remittance intended for PDLs that reportedly had not been properly transmitted. The transaction was likewise deemed inconsistent with existing policies governing the use and disposition of trust fund resources.

On the other hand, Abucay, who was designated as the incoming CIW trust fund officer, was cited for deficiencies related to the turnover of duties. These included the absence of a formal turnover document, the lack of independent witnesses during the turnover of cash and other accountabilities, and her failure to ensure the adequate documentation and verification of funds subsequently discovered after the turnover.

The investigation also identified deficiencies involving Figuerres, Lakisa and Carreon in performing their duties as trust fund staff. These included lapses in the recording, documentation, monitoring, reconciliation, maintenance and verification of trust fund transactions and related records. The BuCor said the personnel’s collective shortcomings contributed to weaknesses in the accuracy, reliability and accountability of trust fund documentation

HNB Life and Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC Partner to Expand Insurance Reach

HNB Life PLC has entered into a strategic partnership with Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, further strengthening its partnership distribution network and expanding access to HNB Life’s solutions for customers across Sri Lanka.

The collaboration marks another significant milestone in HNB Life’s growth journey, enabling the company to leverage Pan Asia Bank’s growing footprint and trusted customer relationships to offer comprehensive life insurance solutions that help individuals and families secure their financial future.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by senior representatives of both organizations in the presence of the leadership teams of HNB Life and Pan Asia Bank.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of HNB Life PLC, stated, ‘At HNB Life, our purpose has always been to make our solutions more accessible and meaningful to every Sri Lankan. This partnership with Pan Asia Bank allows us to reach more customers through a trusted financial institution while strengthening our partnership network. My sincere thanks to the Leadership and Management of Pan Asia Bank, together, we look forward to delivering seamless financial protection solutions that empower customers to plan confidently for the future.’

Mr. Naleen Edirisinghe, Director / Chief Executive Officer of Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC, stated, ‘We are delighted to partner with HNB Life and I certainly believe that, by combining our banking expertise with HNB Life’s insurance capabilities, we can provide holistic financial solutions that address the evolving needs of individuals, families, and businesses across the country.’

Speaking on the significance of the collaboration, Mr. Sanesh Fernando, EVP / Chief Business Officer of HNB Life PLC, added, ‘Strategic partnerships continue to play a pivotal role in HNB Life’s growth strategy. This collaboration with Pan Asia Bank strengthens our presence within the bancassurance space while creating greater opportunities to connect with customers through an extensive and trusted banking network. We are certainly excited and look forward to working closely with the Pan Asia team to deliver innovative, customer-centric insurance solutions.’