Viriyah makes AI a priority within its long-term strategy

Viriyah Insurance, Thailand’s largest non-life insurer, is charting a course into the digital era by placing artificial intelligence (AI) at the centre of its long-term strategy in order to retain its leading market position.

The company expects to record 42.6 billion baht in direct premiums this year, growth of 3.7% year-on-year. As of August, the company earned 28.1 billion baht in premiums, up 5.53% year-on-year.

With a market share of 14.5%, Viriyah has maintained its leading position in the non-life insurance segment, said managing director Amorn Thongthew.

Thailand’s non-life insurance industry continues to show resilience amid an economic slowdown, volatile politics and rising natural disaster risk, he said. In the first half of 2025, the sector recorded direct premiums of 146 billion baht, up 3.4% year-on-year, supported mainly by growth in accident, health and fire insurance.

“Viriyah has consistently outpaced the industry thanks to customer trust in our comprehensive services,” said Mr Amorn.

During the first eight months of 2025, motor insurance contributed 24.7 billion baht in premiums, up 4.5% year-on-year, for a 23.3% market share, while non-motor insurance surged 13% to 3.4 billion, accounting for a 3.74% share.

For the remainder of the year, the industry could face slower growth without government stimulus, he said. However, Mr Amorn said Viriyah remains confident of achieving its 2025 target of 42.6 billion baht in premiums, comprising 37.6 billion from motor insurance, up 3.3% year-on-year, with non-motor insurance soaring 11% to 4.98 billion.

“Our focus this year is to build a stronger balance between motor and non-motor products,” he said. “We remain committed to delivering ‘more than protection, true value’ for customers through every service touchpoint.”

THREE STRATEGIC PILLARS

Viriyah’s growth strategy is anchored on three core goals. The first is elevating service quality across omnichannel touchpoints to ensure seamless, convenient experiences for both online and offline operations.

Second, the company is expanding business ecosystem by increasing partnerships in electric vehicle (EV) claim services nationwide, specialised repair networks, and exclusive privilege programmes from 65 to 80 partner brands. The final focus is on human capital with efforts such as building leadership pipelines and equipping its 7,000 employees with skills in AI, EV-related technologies, and digital services under a lifelong learning framework.

Viriyah is accelerating its digital transformation through insurtech initiatives by leveraging over 78 years of experience and a database of more than 8 million policies to enhance product design, claims management, and risk mapping, he noted.

The company is also launching behaviour-based products, including PayLite, a usage-based motor policy for light drivers, and 2+ Good Drive, which refunds 30% of premiums to safe drivers who don’t make any claims.

To build its AI-driven future, Viriyah has engaged global consultancy Roland Berger to design its information and data architecture as part of a long-term digital roadmap.

In 2026, Viriyah targets growth in line with the overall industry, similar to this year’s growth andthe company has vowed to further speed up health insurance claims processing, expand EV repair networks nationwide, and roll out new products to address emerging risks, such as cyber insurance and property coverage for solar panel usage.

“Viriyah Insurance is about more than just car insurance. Our mission is to provide comprehensive protection for every aspect of our customers’ lives, combining human service excellence with AI-powered innovation,” said Mr Amorn.

In the medium to long term, the company sees AI as the most transformative force shaping the Thai insurance industry, one that will redefine customer, partner, and insurer experiences across the board while keeping people at the heart of service delivery.

Economy will pop with AI bubble

The old truism that the stock market is not the economy risks underplaying how much today’s powerful investment trends could impact the prosperity and lives of the whole country.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is obviously the megatrend of the moment. Scale is everything, and the US tech giants are driving the spending, while investors are scrambling to get on board an already overcrowded train.

The so-called Magnificent Seven — US tech companies that now make up a record 36% of the S and P 500’s market value — have seen their stock prices more than double over the past two years, after rebounding a whopping 60% from the troughs of this year.

Whether this is a bubble is perhaps the biggest question facing the stock market and the US economy at large.

While the extraordinary capital expenditure on AI over the past year may only represent about 1% of US GDP, its impact on growth has been massive.

Some reckon as much as one-third of the economy’s near 4% annualised expansion over the past two quarters may be accounted for by this digital gold rush. Tariff-related trade distortions have played havoc with GDP calculations this year, but last week’s revisions showed that business spending on intellectual property products grew 15% compared with a 12.8% previous estimate, while firms’ investment in equipment grew at an 8.5% clip instead of the previously reported 7.4%.

That growth may have slowed a bit this quarter, but not much.

What’s more, spending on data centres and infrastructure investment — up fourfold since 2020 — is fuelling construction and wider industrial sector activity to boot.

Growth in consumption, the lion’s share of GDP, is the other main driver of the economy — but that’s also heavily linked to the wealth effects from outsize gains in stock market indexes — clearly amplified by megacaps and two years of AI excitement.

The fundamental organic business growth of the rest of the S and P 500 has essentially just chugged along for the past five years and underperformed other blue-chip companies around the world in the process, as the investment manager GMO recently pointed out.

In short, AI better work — or else.

THE MUSIC’S STILL PLAYING

The AI arms race is unlikely to grind to a halt any time soon.

Echoing former Citi boss Chuck Prince, who famously said, on the eve of the global banking crash in 2007, you have to keep on dancing as long as the music is still playing, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg was quoted last month as saying he would prefer to end up “misspending a couple of hundred billion dollars” than being late to the AI expansion.

Many questions about AI remain unanswered.

Although some studies have questioned the extent to which end usage of generative AI has really done anything for business returns so far, that says little about the technology’s potential to reshape hiring and job roles going forward. And scaling up computing and cloud capabilities will also position many big firms for much wider and potentially more profound changes to come — not least in quantum computing.

If you believe this is the future, with all the seismic impact on labour demand and productivity that adherents forecast, then it’s hard to see disappointment or reversal being a narrow investment event.

If AI is a bubble and it bursts, it will likely reverberate through the real economy — both independently of and through the equity market.

One retort is to look back at the dotcom bubble that burst in 2000. That tech stock mania reversed without the entire economy collapsing — and some of the companies that survived eventually became today’s behemoths.

Interest rate cuts and a housing rebound partly saved the day back then. And it’s conceivable that we could see a repeat this time around in the event of a sudden AI market implosion.

But sceptics certainly see the froth as well as the future in recent events.

Carlyle chief investment strategist Jason Thomas homed in on the eye-popping 36% one-day Oracle stock price surge on Sept 10 as a classic example of a crowded market desperate for any AI opportunity, regardless of the underlying numbers.

Mr Thomas described the Oracle move, which was prompted by news of AI-related cloud contracts with OpenAI and others, as “the rarest of rare events”, with a single-day change in value equal to 85 times the stock’s average daily trading volume.

The near tripling of its stock price over two years, to deliver a market cap that briefly topped a trillion dollars last month, is stunning given Oracle’s other underlying numbers.

Mr Thomas points out that to deliver on the OpenAI deal, Oracle will have to lift its own capital spending by almost $100 billion over the next two years, an annualised growth rate of some 47%, even though its free cash flow has already fallen into negative territory for the first time since 1990.

The International Pet Industry Meets in Bangkok This October

The upcoming 2025 edition of Pet Fair South East Asia, marking the event’s fourth edition, will take place from October 29-31 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

With a record show floor bringing together 450 exhibitors from over 40 countries and forecasted trade visitors from more than 80 nations, the event will once again serve as a comprehensive B2B hub for the global pet supply chain.

Featuring an exhibitor mix of 75% international and 25% local companies, the show offers one of the most internationally diverse show floors in the global pet industry’s 2025 event calendar. Featured product categories on the 2025 show floor include:

Food and Nutrition (pet food, pet treats, pet food ingredients)

Health and Care (healthcare, hygiene, grooming)

Play and Lifestyle (accessories, apparel, furniture, toys, carriers)

Technology and Sustainability (processing solutions, packaging solutions, smart tech solutions)

Several international country pavilions, developed in close collaboration with strategic private-sector and government partners, have been confirmed for Pet Fair South East Asia 2025. Confirmed country and regional pavilions include: The United States of America, China, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Spain, Canada, Taiwan, and dedicated Thai and Southeast Asia-based Start-Up Pavilions

As the event continues to grow in scale and significance, Pet Fair South East Asia is set to further solidify Bangkok’s position as a key global meeting point for pet industry professionals in 2025.

International Conference Program

In addition to hosting 450 exhibiting companies, Pet Fair South East Asia 2025 will feature a comprehensive conference program with over 40 sessions across two stages, covering a wide range of industry-relevant topics, including Market Trends and Insights, New Product Innovations, Business Strategies and Growth, Regulatory and Compliance Updates, and various other topic areas.

The in-hall conference program is free of charge for all attendees and designed to deliver valuable knowledge and practical takeaways to industry professionals from around the world.

In addition, Pet Fair South East Asia 2025 will host the return of Petfood Forum Asia 2025 – a special one-day technical seminar addressing the latest ingredient solutions, processing techniques, and packaging innovations. Organised by WATT Global Media, the people behind Petfood Forum in Kansas City, North America’s No. 1 event for pet food professionals, Petfood Forum Asia 2025 will take place on October 29 in a private seminar room setting in co-location with the show. Ticket sales and early-bird rates for this special co-located conference are now available under https://www.petfoodforumevents.com/asia/

Special Networking Events

Pet Fair South East Asia 2025 will once again host two special networking events, designed to foster high-level business connections in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

October 29: Evening Networking Event within the Exhibition Hall

October 30: Skybar Rooftop Networking Night – offering stunning skyline views as the industry connects under the stars

New for 2025: For the first time, tickets for the Day 2 Rooftop Networking Event will also be available to show visitors. Previously, access was exclusive to exhibitors. Ticket sales for visitors will open in September.

Combine Business and Leisure in Bangkok

While Pet Fair South East Asia is a key platform for business growth and networking, it also provides the perfect chance to experience the world-renowned charm of Bangkok – consistently ranked among the world’s leading tourism destinations. Many exhibitors and visitors take the opportunity to extend their stay or plan a weekend escape. With its world-class hospitality, culture, and cuisine, Pet Fair South East Asia is not only a business trip but an inspiring experience in every respect.

ING predicts resilient non-oil sector and gradual GDP recovery for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is demonstrating significant progress on both economic and geopolitical fronts. This advancement has attracted the attention of major global financial institutions. Among them, the Dutch financial giant ING Group has recently published a detailed report outlining Azerbaijan’s economic outlook, offering valuable insights into the country’s growth prospects and challenges ahead.

The Dutch financial institution ING Group projects a moderate but stable growth trajectory for Azerbaijan over the next two years. While the forecasts point to a slight deceleration in economic momentum compared to 2024, the overall outlook underscores macroeconomic resilience, fiscal discipline, and positive structural trends in key non-oil sectors.

According to ING’s projections, real GDP growth in Azerbaijan is expected to reach 1.5% in 2025, recovering to 2.8% in 2026, following a robust 4.1% expansion in 2024. While the slowdown may appear pronounced at first glance, ING analysts stress that such a trend was anticipated as a natural correction after a strong rebound year.

‘After 4.1 percent GDP growth in 2024, the slowdown this year was not unexpected,’ the ING report notes, ‘but the magnitude of the slowdown exceeded previous forecasts, with pressures observed in both the oil and non-oil sectors, including transport and construction.’

Despite this temporary cooling, Azerbaijan’s nominal GDP is projected to continue its upward trajectory, increasing from $74.3 billion in 2024 to $79.6 billion in 2025, and further to $81.3 billion in 2026. This reflects sustained economic expansion, especially in a challenging global environment marked by oil price volatility and weakening external demand.

In per capita terms, GDP is expected to rise from $7,284 in 2024 to $7,631 in 2025, and $7,720 in 2026-a positive indicator of improving living standards and economic productivity.

ING’s forecast also emphasizes Azerbaijan’s relatively stable external position, even as global commodity markets remain uncertain. The country’s current account surplus is expected to moderate-from 6.3% of GDP in 2024 to 2% in 2025, eventually shifting to a 3.3% deficit by 2026. This adjustment reflects lower oil export revenues and rising import demand, particularly in the wake of large-scale infrastructure development and consumer spending growth.

A similar trend is forecasted in the trade balance, which is projected to shrink from 11.9% of GDP in 2024 to 6.3% in 2025, and down to 1.2% in 2026. However, the gradual nature of this decline highlights Azerbaijan’s ability to manage external vulnerabilities, especially as it continues to diversify away from oil and gas dependence.

Importantly, external debt levels remain low and stable, forecasted at 19.5% of GDP in 2025 and 19.7% in 2026, down slightly from 20.2% in 2024. This reflects strong debt management policies and enhances Azerbaijan’s creditworthiness on international markets.

Inflation remains within manageable bounds, even as ING predicts a modest increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the forecast horizon. CPI is expected to reach 5.1% by the end of 2025, up slightly from 4.9% in 2024, and rise to 5.8% in 2026. ING attributes this to persisting pressure in food prices, despite a slowdown in broader demand-side inflationary factors.

‘The decline in mainly demand-side inflation factors allowed CPI to slow to 4.9% in August, despite food price pressures continuing after the April-May peak of 6.3%,’ the report explains.

Encouragingly, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) remains committed to price stability. The CBA expects inflation to remain below 5% in the medium term, in line with its target range of 4±2%. Its decision to cut the key policy rate by 25 basis points to 7% in July 2025 signals confidence in easing inflationary dynamics and a more stable external environment.

Outlook: Stability, diversification, and policy resilience

While external factors such as oil prices and global trade conditions continue to influence Azerbaijan’s economic indicators, ING’s report paints a picture of a resilient, strategically navigating economy.

The non-oil sectors -especially construction, transport, and services-are showing increased adaptability, despite some pressure. These sectors are expected to play a more prominent role in future growth, supported by ongoing public investment, digitalization, and regional connectivity projects like the Middle Corridor initiative.

In summary, Azerbaijan’s economic outlook remains fundamentally positive, with stable macroeconomic indicators, prudent monetary policy, and growing momentum in non-oil industries positioning the country for sustainable growth in the medium to long term.

This Under-Eye Brightener Makes Skin Look Like an Instagram Filter IRL — Yes, Really

No matter the season, tired eyes can appear at any time, despite how much rest you’re getting. If you’ve tried everything with no luck to reduce puffy eyes and dark eye circles, we finally found a solution. This under-eye brightener acts like an IG filter IRL — and it’s just $10 at Amazon!

The Grace & Stella Under-Eye Brightener Roller is the ultimate beauty multitasker, and despite its compact size, it’s mighty. It works hard to reduce puffiness and dark circles thanks to its impressive serum-like formula, which contains caffeine, niacinamide and peptides.

Over time, this formula reveals a well-rested, wide-awake appearance, much like a real-life filter. Even better, the brightener includes retinol and hyaluronic acid, which are known for their anti-aging benefits in reducing lines and wrinkles — a true win!


See it!

Get the Grace & Stella Under-Eye Brightener Roller for $10 at Amazon!

Over 30,000 shoppers have purchased the under-eye brightener, which makes sense since it’s a number one bestseller in the Eye Treatment Serums category.

“Makes my tired eyes feel really good!” a five-star reviewer wrote. “At 71, I have very loose bags under my eyes, and let’s be honest, my eyes will never get that 20-year-old look again, but it DID noticeably firm them up, and I must also say that it made my eyes feel so refreshed, so I sometimes use it on my lids.”

Another reviewer said it’s either a “miracle cream or voodoo.” They also added: “I have had bags under my eyes for as long as I can remember. When I tell you this is magic or voodoo, I do not lie! As soon as I start rolling this on my dark circles lighten up so much. They don’t disappear, but they get lighter, making them easier to cover with makeup.”

If you’re looking to reduce puffiness and dark circles, don’t wait to grab the under-eye brightener while it’s still in stock!


See it!

Get the Grace & Stella Under-Eye Brightener Roller for $10 at Amazon!

Elizabeth Olsen’s Go-To Skincare Product Contains Bee Pollen Extract

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Kathy Griffin Wants to Join ‘Golden Bachelorette’: ‘I’m 64, Single and Sexy’

Kathy Griffin is ready to find love again — specifically if it means she gets to go on The Golden Bachelorette.

In Us Weekly‘s exclusive clip from the Monday, October 6, episode of Fox’s Celebrity Weakest Link, host Jane Lynch asks Griffin, 64, about a “dream” she has for her personal life.

“I am 64, single and sexy,” Griffin told Lynch, 65. “So I would like to be the next Golden Bachelorette.” (ABC launched the senior franchise with Gerry Turner in 2023, with Joan Vassos starring as the first Golden Bachelorette in 2024. Mel Owens’ second season of The Golden Bachelor is currently airing.)

Lynch pointed out that Griffin could search for The One on Fox instead of ABC, saying, “Fox has a show called Farmer Wants a Wife and I could probably talk to people here if you are interested in being on a farm for your golden years.”

‘Golden Bachelor’ Stars, Producers Weigh In on ‘Golden Bachelorette’

Griffin showed support for Lynch’s suggestion. “I would like to be hoed,” she quipped during Monday’s Roastmasters-themed episode.

The special brings together eight celebrities who will compete to win up to one million dollars for the charity of their choosing. After answering general knowledge questions, the contestants bank money as a group and at the end of each round, they vote out who they consider to be the weakest link.

At the end, there will be two people left standing as they determine who wins the money for their chosen charity. In addition to Griffin, the Roastmasters episode includes Cedric the Entertainer, Margaret Cho, Lil Rel Howery, Lisa Lampanelli, Natasha Leggero, Chris Redd and Iliza Schlesinger.

Lynch previously teased what fans can expect from the revamped version of the gameshow.

“I like to make people feel comfortable and also have kind of the demeanor of a strict school marm. I think that kind of works,” she told TV Insider in September 2025. “I think these folks know that my tongue is firmly wedged into my cheek and there hopefully is a twinkle in my eye, unlike [the host of The Weakest Link] Anne Robinson. She was as serious as a heart attack, and that’s why that show was so good. But I didn’t for a minute think I should go that route myself.”

Fox Fall Schedule for New, Returning Shows: From ‘Doc’ to ‘Special Forces’

The best part was Lynch getting the chance cross paths with her former coworkers and friends from the industry, adding, “It’s a small community, this acting community. Even if I haven’t worked with them, I know of them, and there’s an instant familiarity.”

Before competing on Celebrity Weakest Link — and shooting her shot at love — Griffin was married to Matt Moline for five years before their 2006 split. She was briefly linked to Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak but they parted ways in 2008. Griffin married Randy Bick in 2020 but the pair called it quits after five years of marriage.

“The divorce is what’s kicking my ass mentally,” Griffin told Page Six in October 2024. “I thought I was going to be with this guy forever. I’m heartbroken, I admit it. I just didn’t think I’d be alone at this stage of the game, but hey, that’s on me. And I guess, I obviously have [to take] full responsibility.”

She added: “I know it’s cliché. I wish him the best. I hope he meets somebody else. He just wasn’t the right guy for me. But he’ll be good for somebody else.”

Celebrity Weakest Link airs Mondays on Fox at 9 p.m. ET.

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Songwe Border United suspend coach Nyambose for 21 days

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Songwe Border United have officially suspended their head coach, Christopher Nyambose, for 21 days following a string of disappointing performances in the ongoing TNM Super League season.

According to a statement signed by the club’s General Secretary, Palisha Swira, the decision was made after the club’s management expressed serious dissatisfaction with Nyambose’s performance since the start of the season.

Despite playing 15 league matches, Songwe Border have only managed to collect two points, making them the worst-performing team in the league so far.

The club’s poor run has not only seen them languishing at the bottom of the table but also led to their early exit from the FDH Bank Cup, deepening frustrations among supporters and officials.

The suspension letter highlights that during Nyambose’s absence, Edwin Kaonga will step in as interim coach, tasked with stabilizing the team and helping it rediscover its fighting spirit.

Kaonga, a member of the technical panel, will oversee both training sessions and upcoming fixtures while Nyambose’s future is being reviewed.

Sources within the club indicate that this suspension serves as both a disciplinary and evaluative measure, giving the management time to assess whether Nyambose still fits into the club’s long-term plans.

Some insiders believe the board may be preparing for a possible coaching reshuffle if the team fails to improve in the next few games.

Nyambose, who joined Songwe Border earlier this season with hopes of guiding the newly promoted side to stability in top-flight football, now faces mounting pressure to justify his position once his suspension ends.

Songwe Border United currently sit bottom of the TNM Super League standings with just two points from 19 matches, leaving their hopes of survival hanging by a thread.

The club’s management has reportedly called for an emergency meeting to map out the way forward as they fight to avoid immediate relegation.

The coming weeks will be crucial for the Karonga-based outfit, as the interim coach seeks to restore confidence in the squad and revive their slim chances of staying in Malawi’s top football division.

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Ouaddou’s resilience sparks Orlando Pirates revival

SOWETO-(MaraviPost)-Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has reaffirmed his belief in his coaching philosophy after guiding the Buccaneers to an impressive turnaround, transforming a poor start to the season into a remarkable winning streak.

Appointed amid high expectations, Ouaddou faced early pressure after suffering two consecutive defeats in his opening league fixtures.

The early setbacks prompted intense scrutiny from both supporters and pundits, with many questioning whether the Moroccan tactician could withstand the demands of managing one of South Africa’s most prestigious football clubs.

However, the 46-year-old remained calm and confident in his approach.

“I never doubted my ability.People are often quick to judge but I’ve always trusted in my methods and in the vision I have for this team,”Ouaddou told the media.

Since then, Ouaddou’s belief has paid off handsomely. Orlando Pirates have now recorded seven consecutive victories in all competitions, advancing to the next stages of both the CAF Champions League and the Carling Knockout Cup, while also climbing steadily in the DStv Premiership standings.

Their most recent triumph a hard-fought 1–0 win over Siwelele in the Carling Knockout Cup at Orlando Stadium underscored the team’s growing confidence and cohesion.

The result provided the perfect boost ahead of the international break, consolidating the sense of unity and momentum within the squad.

Ouaddou attributes the team’s resurgence to discipline, hard work and collective belief.

“Football is about consistency.We are in a good moment now but we know this can change quickly. Our focus is on maintaining our standards every day and continuing to improve,”he said.

Having enjoyed a distinguished playing career in Europe before transitioning into management, Ouaddou expressed pride in contributing to African football development.

“I’m proud to represent African coaching talent.It’s vital that we believe in our own capacity to lead, inspire, and compete at the highest level,”he added.

Under his stewardship, Orlando Pirates appear to have rediscovered their rhythm and identity. The team’s fluid attacking play and improved defensive structure have been central to their recent form, while player morale and confidence have notably risen.

As the season progresses, Ouaddou’s leadership continues to win admiration from fans and football analysts alike. Once doubted, he now stands as a symbol of perseverance and belief a coach whose unwavering confidence has reignited hope at Orlando Stadium.

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