PASAY CITY, Philippines, April 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The SM group continues to expand its presence nationwide to serve more Filipinos and communities.

“We will continue to invest in growth in the Philippines and we are committed to being a catalyst for responsible development. We have a young, dynamic, higher-earning population who will help support and drive economic activity,” said SM Investments Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio.

There are many areas in the country which have yet to benefit from access to modern retailing, formal financial services and integrated property developments.

“Our strategy is to continue to expand coverage nationwide to create new markets that improve access to these sectors,” he added.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is opening four new malls, one in Metro Manila and three in the provincial areas in 2024.

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) is planning to roll out 8,000 to 10,000 residential units this year in the northern part of the Philippines and across Visayas and Mindanao.

SM Hotels officially launched its first Lanson Place property at the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.  

Alfamart, SM’s minimart grocery format, is set to increase its store expansion by at least 400 stores in 2024.  

BDO also continues to expand coverage nationwide with BDO and BDO Network Bank planning to increase branches by a combined 100 to 120 this year.

Following its acquisition of the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), SM is set to explore new steam fields with the aim to double the company’s current steam production of 300 megawatts within the medium-term.

These projects are set to generate around 2,000 jobs during exploration and development, which will boost livelihood in each respective locality.

2GO Group, Inc. added two new ships and will have 11 ships in its fleet, serving 19 ports of call.

Airspeed, another SM-owned logistics company, is also keen on expanding its distribution facilities in key cities in the regions along with opening more kiosks and collaborations with service providers to offer better customer options, wider network, and quicker delivery times.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

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SYDNEY, April 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Leading multi-asset broker, Vantage Markets (or Vantage), is pleased to announce the ongoing impact of its contribution to support the protection and resettlement of refugees and stateless people in Australia. This follows its US$100,000 donation to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in May 2023.

Australia’s refugee landscape presents complex challenges, with thousands seeking asylum and protection. UNHCR’s efforts, bolstered by Vantage’s support, have been instrumental in navigating these challenges and providing critical assistance to these individuals, by advocating for improved refugee and stateless protection, offering direct counselling support, and facilitating durable solutions for eligible refugees.

The impact of this partnership has been profound, touching the lives of approximately 788 refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees in 2023 alone. Of these, 119 individuals were successfully resettled from Australia to New Zealand, 39 found new homes in Canada and 19 individuals departed to the United States.

“Our collaboration with UNHCR underscores our commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world,” said Jack Kelly, Head of Sales, Vantage Australia. “We are humbled to see how our partnership has enabled UNHCR to delicately navigate the complexities of refugee support, ensuring that every step taken is a step towards a better future.”

These efforts have resulted in meaningful changes in the lives of those in need. For instance, one woman from Iran, who had endured violence and social isolation due to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), found solace through UNHCR’s support. With the funding support from Vantage, UNHCR had sufficient resources to support her mental health and complete the necessary interviews for resettlement to New Zealand. Today, she awaits the outcome of her application, hopeful for a brighter future.

Similarly, another Kurdish man, grappling with chronic PTSD and a life-threatening health condition, demonstrated remarkable resilience. Through UNHCR’s holistic support, he stabilised his mental health and was able to complete the extensive and detailed interviews to start his resettlement process. Today, he remains stable and hopeful for a new beginning.

“The completion of these activities has had a significant impact on the well-being and quality of life of refugees and asylum-seekers under UNHCR’s protection,” said a report compiled by UNHCR Australia. “By empowering them and fostering a sense of self-agency, these activities have offered a pathway for refugees and asylum seekers to regain some control over their lives. More importantly, this engagement has kept their options open for eventual resettlement, offering hope and a tangible pathway towards a brighter future.”

“We’re honoured to be supporting UNHCR’s efforts — the team is doing incredibly important work and we’re proud to be part of their journey,” said Kelly. “We hope that our initiative encourages more individuals and organisations to support UNHCR’s ongoing efforts and join in the mission of creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.”

About Vantage

Vantage (or Vantage Markets) is a multi-asset broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 13 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.

trade smarter @vantage

https://www.vantagemarkets.com/en-au/

Vantage Global Prime Pty Ltd (ACN 157 768 566) (“Vantage”), located at 12/15 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000, and is authorised and regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) AFSL no. 428901.

Trading derivatives carries significant risks. It is not suitable for all investors and if you are a professional client, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment. When acquiring our derivative products, you have no entitlement, right or obligation to the underlying financial assets. Past performance is no indication of future performance and tax laws are subject to change. The information on this website is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances, or needs. Accordingly, before acting on the advice, you should consider whether the advice is suitable for you having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary.

You should consider whether you’re part of our target market by reviewing our Target Market Determination (TMD), reading our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), and other legal documents to ensure you fully understand the risks before you make any trading decisions. We encourage you to seek independent advice if necessary.

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. The organization delivers life-saving assistance including shelter, food and water, helps to safeguard fundamental human rights and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless people are granted nationality.

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LONDON, April 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Amwins Global Risks is delighted to announce Classic Cars and Cotswolds, an auction to raise money for the Matthew Wilson Multiple Myeloma Fund at Blood Cancer UK.

The online auction opens today and features Ferraris, Aston Martins, a Rolls Royce, a Lamborghini and a fantastic ISO, all kindly donated by insurance peers. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on their favourite cars, which they’ll get to drive for a day through the picturesque Cotswolds, enjoying refreshments and lunch throughout the day, and finishing up with dinner, drinks and a stay in the 5-star Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe.  The event will take place on Friday 6^th and Saturday 7^th September.

All proceeds from the auction will go to the Matthew Wilson Multiple Myeloma Fund at Blood Cancer UK, a charity that funds vital research and supports people affected by blood cancer.

Mark Cody, Managing Director of Amwins Global Risks, said: “We are thrilled to host this unique and exciting event in honour of our dear friend and colleague Matthew Wilson. Like me, Matthew has a lifelong love of classic cars and we want to share that joy with other people to raise money for the Matthew Wilson Multiple Myeloma Fund. We hope that many people will join us for this special occasion and help us raise as much money as possible for this worthy cause.”

Matthew Wilson says: “I’m thrilled that Amwins Global Risks and friends from across the insurance industry have come together to organise this brilliant and fun event. As someone with blood cancer, I know the importance that hope has in our community, and the money raised here will go directly to scientific research giving hope for new and more effective treatments for multiple myeloma.”

The auction closes on Friday 19^th July, and bids for all cars start at £1,500.

Check out all the cars available and bid on them here.

For further information contact Nicola Murphy, Head of Marketing & Communications, Amwins Global Risks, on +44777 468 1085 or [email protected].

About Blood Cancer UK

Blood Cancer UK have invested £500 million in research in blood cancer since 1960. Currently the charity is funding £23m of research across 65 research projects institutions in the UK. To keep up to date with all the latest blood cancer news, go to https://bloodcancer.org.uk/news/ and find us on social media.

For free and confidential support, and information on blood cancer and life after a diagnosis, call us on 0808 2080 888 or email us at [email protected]. 

Join our online forum and talk to others affected by blood cancer at forum.bloodcancer.org.uk.

About Amwins Global Risks

Amwins Global Risks is a specialist wholesale insurance and reinsurance broker serving clients and markets in the UK and internationally to place more than $2 billion annually of premium into the London and global marketplace. To learn more, visit amwinsglobalrisks.com.

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