Latest news with #SeanWang
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Allianz Malaysia starts FY25 on strong note as insurance revenue, gross written premiums and assets grow
PETALING JAYA: Allianz Malaysia Bhd recorded insurance revenue of RM1.53 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of 14.3% over the RM1.34 billion recorded in the same quarter a year ago. Gross written premiums (GWP) for the first three months of the year rose to RM2.01 billion from RM1.90 billion the year before. The group's total assets as at March 31, 2025 stood at RM28.59 billion compared to RM28.49 billion as at Dec 31, 2024. 'We started the year strong, sustaining the momentum from the previous year with both our life and general subsidiaries growing strongly. Going into the second quarter and beyond, we remain focused on driving key initiatives to fulfil the needs of our customers and agents, while staying agile and adaptable in growing the business. We are also constantly striving to be the trusted partner for protecting and growing our customers' most valuable assets,' said Allianz Malaysia CEO Sean Wang. The general insurance subsidiary of the group, Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Bhd, recorded RM978 million in GWP for the quarter in focus, reflecting a 10.6% increase from RM884.6 million a year earlier. The general insurance segment posted insurance revenue of RM862.5 million in the first three months of 2025, an increase of 14.3% from RM754.8 million the year before. Profit before tax (PBT) stood at RM159.7 million, up 20.7% from RM132.3 million recorded the year prior. Allianz General maintained its pole position in the industry with a market share of 14.9%, mainly driven by strong motor and commercial growth. Combined ratio for the first quarter of 2025 improved to 85.8%, compared to 87% in the same quarter last year. 'We saw robust growth in our motor and commercial business over the January to March 2025 period, which strengthened our market leadership and deepened our commitment towards providing the best services to our customers,' said Wang, who is also CEO of Allianz General. The group's life insurance subsidiary, Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd, saw GWP grow to RM1.03 billion in the first quarter of 2025, from RM1.02 billion a year ago. Annualised new premiums came in at RM213.5 million for the quarter in review, following the RM234.8 million posted in the previous year. PBT rose to RM126.9 million, up 3.8% from RM122.3 million recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024. Allianz Life's market share as at March 31, 2025 stood at 11.8%, with the company retaining its number four rank in the industry. 'We put our best foot forward and came out strong in the first three months of the year amid industry challenges. We delivered resilient results as a result of our continuous efforts to provide the best-in-class products and services to our customers,' stated Allianz Life CEO Charles Ong.
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
City named happiest in America with decent average salaries keeps attracting same complaint from locals
It has been crowned the 'happiest place' to live in America but some residents of the Golden State city have a major gripe about their hometown - the boredom! Fremont, California, has been deemed the happiest city in America based on its financial stability, high life satisfaction and healthy living conditions, WalletHub revealed last month. The San Francisco Bay city has earned this ranking five years in a row. It is widely known for nationally recognized public schools, gorgeous parks - such as the local-favorite Mission Peak Regional Preserve - and thriving economy. However, with the high quality of life comes the unexpected side effect of boredom. Just ask Fremont-born director Sean Wang, whose 2024 movie 'Didi' was a semi-autobiographical tale about growing up in the city. 'Me and my friends are always like, "Who's voting on this?'' Wang told SFGate. But despite his disbelief, Wang find the quiet parts of his hometown are worth it. 'The boring parts of Fremont made the best parts of Fremont for me,' he added to the publication. 'You think about the things that were happening because of that sort of mundaneness. 'We were creating our own fun. It's in the movie - walking around, doing crazy stuff with your friends just to entertain each other.' Analysts say an 'ideal city' has living conditions that 'foster good mental and physical health', including reasonable work hours, short commutes, good weather and caring neighbors. 'Well Fremont's a great place to live, we have a lot of jobs, great parks, affordable housing, a lot of things for people to do,' Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan said while speaking with Congressman Eric Swalwell about the ranking last month. 'Great for our youth, our seniors and it's a great quality of life.' However, not everyone was thrilled with Fremont's title, with some social media users echoing Wang's criticism and claiming it was undeserved. 'Couldn't pay me to live there,' one man wrote on Facebook. 'Happiest to not be living there any more,' a former Fremont resident chimed in. One woman devoted an entire post to her disagreement with the decision: 'How is Fremont deemed the happiest city in America. WTH?' 'It's literally top boring - lived there for years,' someone responded. 'I lived there. It was not very memorable. There's not one thing I ever be like I miss this from when I lived in Fremont.' But what can't be missed about Fremont are the earnings of those who live there. WalletHub's study also found that cities where a substantial percentage of residents earn annual salaries of at least $75,000 are likely to have greater happiness. According to 2023 US Census data about Fremont, the average annual income is $75,673 for individuals and $176,350 for households. Additionally, Fremont is home to the first and largest Tesla manufacturing site, which directly employs more than 20,000 people. It was also the site of Apple's first manufacturing facility. Then there's Mission Peak, a breathtaking vista just east of Fremont that offers impressive views of the city. In fact, one hiker Donna Johnson, who was preparing for a trip climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro, used Mission Peak as practice. Some 2,500 feet below, there's also the town's Central Park, which, although smaller than the original, offers a beautiful lake in the middle: Lake Elizabeth. Beyond the 's natural beauty, spoke with local businesses to get their takes on the fourth largest city in Silicon Valley. Genaro Lopez, the manager and part owner of Skillet'z Cafe in Fremont, praised the city for its kind people and scenery. 'Fremont is a beautiful city so it's beautiful to have a business, we're definitely blessed to have a business here,' the lifelong resident who has worked at Skillet'z for more than a decade. 'It's stressful sometimes, but it's a blessing. It's a lot of work you put in, a lot of your time.' Lopez said all of his customers are 'always happy, always smiling,' as a result of the gorgeous parks and natural elements in the city. The family-owned restaurant serves up 'homemade American diner food' and has glowing Google food reviews. Amy Davis, the owner of another Fremont business called Banter Bookshop, shared Lopez's enthusiasm. 'As a long time resident of Fremont, I am very happy to have been able to open a business in the community where I have lived for over two decades,' Davis wrote to 'The City of Fremont and the Economic Development team have been supportive of our business from the start, and fellow residents have been very welcoming. There is often a lot of friendly chatter in the bookshop!' Banter Bookshop opened its doors in 2022, but as Davis said, she has lived in Fremont her entire life. She said she was 'delighted' when she heard of her city's five-year streak. The bookshop not only sells reading materials, but hosts author events and book club meetings in order to bring the community closer together, Davis explained. Home to more than 226,200 residents, Fremont has more than 3,600 small business, according to Think Silicon Valley. Of those establishments, 68 percent are owned by women or minorities. Of those owners, 66 percent were born outside of the US. 'Fremont's strength is found in the diversity of our community,' the City of Fremont wrote on its website. 'More than 98 languages are spoken in Fremont homes and you can find almost any kind of delicious international cuisine you desire in our family-owned restaurants.' Bay Area realtor-influencer Jess Williams shared the quaintness of the town with her followers, and highlighted another local gem: Tyme for Tea. As she sipped on tea, some of the costumed waiters could be seen helping guests young and old in the background. Genaro Lopez (pictured), the manager and part owner of Skillet'z Cafe in Fremont, praised the city for its kind people and scenery. In terms of security, WalletHub ranked Fremont the 24th safest US city. Two other California cities beat Fremont in this category - Irvine in 11th place and Chula Vista in 23rd out of 182 cities. According to Security Gauge, Fremont's violent crime rates are lower than the rest of the state's and the national average. The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Fremont are one in 443, while those odds increase on the state-level to one in 197. However, property crimes in Fremont are more common than in the rest of California. Every one in 34 Fremont residents will experience a property-related crime, while one in 43 Californians will experience one. In fact, Skillet'z was targeted last march when a thief broke into the restaurant and snatched its safe, NBC reported. Co-owner Priscilla Bravo wrote in a Facebook post, featuring a video of the restaurant's shattered glass door: 'THEY BROKE INTO SKILLETZ AND THEY TOOK EVERYTHING WE WORK SO HARD FOR!!! 'THEY LITERALLY TOOK ALL OF OUR HARD WORK!!!! WE ALL WORK 7 DAYS A WEEK DOUBLES AND THEY TOOK IT ALL!!!' Bravo told NBC she broke down in tears after the incident. The restaurant has to shut down for weeks to repair damages. In October 2024, some Fremont residents told the Tri-City Voice they wished the city was doing more to prioritize safety. 'I don't feel like being out at night, I'm afraid I could get mugged,' Wendy Locher told the outlet. 'Everybody blames the homeless people, but really it's the punks and people who want free stuff in life.' Over the past few years, Fremont and other Bay Area neighborhoods have seen a rise in homelessness, the city reported. There are about 800 homeless people living in Fremont, according to ABC7. In February, the city council passed an ordinance that makes it illegal for people to set up encampments. The measure originally also targeted anyone who is 'causing, permitting, aiding, abetting or concealing' a homeless encampment. This would mean anyone enabling a homeless encampment can be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable with a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. But last month, the city walked back that part of the plan. 'We've repeated so many times that this whole aiding and abetting thing was never meant to you know to refer food water, medical supplies, any of that to people,' Councilmember Raymond Liu said last month. In response to the ordinance, which many have dubbed controversial, 36 charitable organizations are suing the city to stop the law's enforcement.
The Star
23-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Tournament seeks young shuttlers
Last year's Under-15 doubles finalists in action at Stadium Juara, in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. — Courtesy photos Junior championship's qualifying rounds in 10 towns nationwide to start on May 16 THE fourth edition of the Allianz Junior Badminton Championship (AJBC) kicks off next month, continuing its mission to nurture young talents who may one day represent Malaysia on the world stage. Allianz Malaysia Berhad chief executive officer Sean Wang said the insurance company was proud to provide a platform for junior players to sharpen their skills and enjoy the sport. 'We are honoured to play a part in producing quality badminton players who can contribute to the nation in the future,' he said. 'When people talk about junior development (in badminton), it is always about producing the next Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei or even the next Thomas Cup champions. 'For us at Allianz Malaysia, badminton is more than just pushing to be the best. It is also about enjoying the game, having fun with friends and learning discipline and teamwork.' Wang said at the schoolgoing age, some talents might appear early while others would take time to mature. U-15 Girls' Singles category champion Zi Yu from Johor during the prize presentation ceremony with other winners and Wang (centre). 'We are aware of this and our focus is on mass participation to grow a larger pool of players who can step up in the future,' he said. World Junior Championship 2024 finalist Low Zi Yu clinched her third AJBC Girls' Under-15 title last year, while her doubles partner at the world event, Dania Sofea, is also an AJBC alumna. In 2023, the tournament attracted more than 3,000 players nationwide. A similar turnout is expected for this year's 10 qualifying rounds, starting with Klang from May 16 to 18. Other hosts are Alor Setar, Taiping, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Gelang Patah, Kota Baru, Bukit Beruang, Bukit Mertajam and Kuantan. The grand finals, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur from Nov 5 to 9, will feature qualifiers from the Under-13 and Under-15 categories. Twenty-four players per category will qualify from each round. Under-11 players will not compete in the finals. Participation in the AJBC qualifying rounds remains free of charge. Winners will receive cash prizes, with top three finishers in the singles category receiving RM500, RM300 and RM150, while doubles winners will earn RM600, RM400 and RM200. At the grand finals, the top three singles champions will take home RM1,000, RM600 and RM300 respectively, while doubles winners will receive each RM1,200, RM800 and RM400. Registration for the Klang qualifying round is now open. The championship is supported by the Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division of the Education Ministry and the Badminton Association of Malaysia. For details and registration, visit
South China Morning Post
03-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong crypto firm HashKey moves into AI amid drive for more blockchain automation
Hong Kong-based HashKey Group, a licensed cryptocurrency exchange operator, is making its foray into the artificial intelligence (AI) market with the launch of its first generative AI product, underscoring the rising interest from Web3 firms in combining AI and blockchain technologies. Advertisement ModAI, unveiled on Thursday, is designed to automate content moderation, generate humanlike engagement, and offer customer support. The tool could 'slash operational costs by 80 per cent and double user activity', the company said in a statement. ModAI uses a combination of large language models (LLMs) from DeepSeek , OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta Platforms , according to HashKey. It currently supports Chinese and English, with Japanese and Vietnamese, among other languages, to be added later this year, the company said. The AI initiative marks a new business vertical for HashKey, which began exploring new areas of business two years ago. It initially pursued training its own LLM – the technology underpinning chatbots such as ChatGPT – but scrapped the plan due to high costs, Sean Wang, HashKey's vice-president of product who leads the AI team, told the Post during an interview on Thursday. Recent innovations from Chinese start-up DeepSeek have reignited those efforts, according to Wang. DeepSeek's cost-efficient V3 and R1 models have significantly lowered the barriers to LLM training, he said. Advertisement The company may use distillation – an approach popularised by DeepSeek for training smaller models to mimic the behaviour of larger ones – to build LLMs tailored for the Web3 community. Wang said the company expected AI agents, autonomous programs capable of performing tasks on behalf of users, to become a key application of LLMs. These agents could, for example, automatically invest in virtual assets based on a user's capital and target returns, he explained.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Live Action Role-Playing: Why more Malaysians are stepping into this growing immersive hobby, creating their own adventures and bringing fantasy to life (VIDEO)
KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 — Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) is a popular activity across US and Europe, and while still an emerging scene in Malaysia, some LARP communities have been here for decades, uniting Malaysians to partake in this creative and immersive experience. You might ask yourself, what exactly is LARP, and why are Malaysians drawn to it? Well, you're in luck, because Malay Mail has gotten exclusive insights from the passionate enthusiasts who live and breathe this one-of-a-kind hobby. So, what exactly is Live Action Role-Playing (LARP)? It is a physical activity where participants, dressed in costumes and equipped with props (swords, shields and other items), embody self-created characters and act out scenarios in real-time, whether outdoors or indoors. It blends elements of acting, gaming and storytelling, with themes ranging from fantasy and horror to sci-fi and beyond. In Malaysia, this activity is particularly popular among people in their 20s and 30s. Campaign LARP LARP offers a variety of activities, with Campaign LARP being a form of interactive storytelling particularly popular in Malaysia. In this immersive game, players become part of an ongoing, community-driven narrative that can last for months or even years, carried through many events. There are no winners or losers in Campaign LARP; what matters is staying true to your character and remaining in persona at all times, even during breaks like lunch. Sean Wang, 27, head administrator of MyLARP, a Malaysian LARP community group, said, 'It's like theatre, but the outcome of the story depends entirely on the decisions of the players.' Players advance the story through interactions, often progressing by saying the right thing to the right person, rather than through stereotypical video game actions like killing or looting. Events typically last 8 to 12 hours in one day, though the duration can vary. Combat LARP In contrast, Combat LARP usually involves players divided into teams who engage in battle using foam weapons. Victory is typically achieved by defeating all opposing players or completing a specific objective, such as capturing a flag or destroying an opponent's base. 'In a way, it's like a real-life version of DOTA,' said Nicholas Lai, 35, a freelancer. DOTA refers to Defense of the Ancients, a multi-player online battle arena, which is considered a subgenre of real-time strategy video games. Combat LARPs can also feature various game modes, including duels or free-for-all matches. Parlor LARP Lastly, Parlor LARP is usually held indoors with a smaller group of participants. Cheryl Bates, 39, teacher and dicemaker, explained though participants still dress as characters and use props, this version typically focuses on conversations and discussing topics, whether light-hearted or more intense. 'It can also involve puzzle-solving or other types of challenges,' Cheryl added. It's important to note that aspects of Combat and Parlor LARPs can exist within Campaign LARPs. Sean Wang mentioned that self-expression is what gets Malaysians involved with LARP, while Cheryl Bates added that it offers a unique experience that might not be found elsewhere. — Picture courtesy of MyLARP So why do Malaysians do it? For many, social interaction is at the heart of LARP. It provides a unique platform to meet new people and form connections with others who share similar interests. Escapism is another major draw. As Lai puts it, 'People turn to hobbies for escapism, and LARP offers a fresh avenue for this, alongside others such as video games.' LARP also provides a great physical workout, as participants immerse themselves fully in the experience. Cheryl added that LARP allows Malaysians to engage in something they might not experience elsewhere. 'Yes, you can play dress-up in cosplay events and wield a prop, but you don't always get to fully embody the character,' she said. 'LARP is the place where you can do that.' Unlike cosplay, where you portray existing characters, LARP lets you create and develop your own persona. Self-expression is another key element, according to Wang. 'We live in a very conservative society, and there isn't much room for us to express ourselves. 'But in LARP, you can express your deepest feelings.' Ultimately, LARP offers a space for self-discovery and personal growth, allowing people to explore different aspects of themselves. I'm kinda interested in experiencing LARP — how can I get involved? Well, first and foremost, some events do have age restrictions, so keep that in mind. You can easily find out about upcoming events through their social media, such as MyLARP's Facebook or Instagram. This is a great way to get in touch with the organisers, who will guide you if you're interested in joining. So, are you ready to step into the magical world of LARP?
