Business
AIA reports new business results for first quarter of 2022
Value of new business (VONB) of US$853 million, down 18 per cent
New business sales regaining momentum as Omicron infections subside
Annualised new premiums (ANP) reduced by 7 per cent to US$1,567 million
VONB margin down 7.6 pps to 54.4 per cent
Total weighted premium income (TWPI) up 5 per cent to US$9,948 million
Lee Yuan Siong, AIA’s Group Chief Executive and President, said:
“AIA’s geographically diversified portfolio of businesses is well positioned to capture the long-term opportunities across Asia, the world’s most attractive region for life and health insurance. While the Omicron variant of COVID-19 caused a temporary disruption to new business sales in the first quarter of 2022 as we previously highlighted, our businesses are regaining momentum where infections have passed their peak and disruptions have begun to subside.
“Our significant investments in technology, digital and analytics are enabling our businesses to successfully adapt to the complex and fluid operating environment, helping to progressively reduce the impact on our sales from successive waves of the pandemic. Supported by our digital tools and remote capabilities, our businesses outside Mainland China and Hong Kong delivered VONB in the first quarter of 2022 that was 50 per cent above the level achieved in the first wave of the pandemic during the second quarter of 2020.
“I am confident that our consistent focus on the execution of our strategy will deliver long-term growth and sustainable value for all of our stakeholders as we help millions more people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
In the first quarter of 2022, the Omicron variant drove unprecedented levels of COVID-19 infections and a temporary disruption to new business sales across many of our markets. While the timing has varied by market, in most cases daily infections increased exponentially and subsequently fell rapidly, limiting the duration of the most significant sales disruption. In markets where infections have fallen substantially from their peak, we have seen sales activity rebound.
AIA China remained the largest contributor to the Group in the first quarter of 2022. As previously reported, a regulatory change in February 2021 accelerated demand for traditional protection and drove an exceptional first quarter. While VONB margin declined as strong sales of long-term savings maintained the more balanced product mix of the second half of last year, we delivered an increase in ANP compared to the first quarter of 2021.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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