Winners announced for FinTech Awards

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) have awarded 12 fintech companies a total of S$1.2 million at the FinTech Awards, which took place at the 3rd Singapore FinTech Festival.

This year’s winning solutions have a greater ASEAN representation* and focus on financial inclusion, spanning multiple business areas, such as credit-scoring, mobile security, anti-money laundering and digital investment.

The 12 awardees are:

ASEAN Open Award**

1st place (S$150,000) – LenddoEFL (Philippines), for its alternative data credit score

2nd place (S$100,000) – SQREEM Technologies (Singapore)

3rd place (S$50,000) – Finantix Asia Pacific (Singapore), which received

ASEAN SME Award** 

1st place (S$150,000) – FinAccel Teknologi (Indonesia), for Kredivo, a digital credit card designed for Indonesian Millennials

2nd place (S$100,000) – Katipult (Thailand)

3rd place (S$50,000) – MoneyMatch Transfer (Malaysia)

Singapore Founder Award**

1st place (S$150,000) – CCRManager, for its cloud-based platform of the same name that supports the distribution of trade finance assets by financial institutions

2nd place (S$100,000) – Cynopsis Solutions

3rd place (S$50,000) – Thin Margin

Global Award**

1st place (S$150,000) – Everspin (South Korea), for Eversafe, a mobile application security solution based on its Dynamic Security Module Technology.

2nd place (S$100,000) – Naffa Innovations (India)

3rd place (S$50,000) – Keychain (Japan)

The FinTech Awards, supported by PwC, recognises innovative fintech solutions that have been implemented by fintech companies, financial institutions and technology companies. Entries were evaluated based on four criteria: impact, practicality, interoperability, and uniqueness and creativity.
This year, 40 finalists were shortlisted from more than 280 global submissions including the companies who participated in the ASEAN PitchFest***.

The ASEAN PitchFest, powered by PwC, was launched this year to recognise innovative talent in ASEAN countries. The nine winners participated in the final round of the FinTech Awards.

Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer, MAS, said, “We are delighted to see more talent in the region coming through the new ASEAN PitchFest and to observe how the winners are applying fintech solutions to a wide range of business areas."

Mrs Ong-Ang Ai Boon, Director, ABS added, “This is yet another feather in the cap for the third edition of the Festival in harnessing the power of the talented fintech game changers.” 

*In conjunction with Singapore’s ASEAN chairmanship this year, the scope of the FinTech Awards’ SME and Open categories included ASEAN companies outside Singapore. 

**Criteria for the ASEAN Open Award: ASEAN-based companies of any size. The company must have a physical office registered in at least one ASEAN country, and the solution must have been implemented in at least one ASEAN country. The Open category allows companies of any size to participate, such as financial institutions and large technology vendors (e.g. Google). 

Criteria for the ASEAN SME Award: ASEAN-based small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs, as defined by Enterprise Singapore, are enterprises with an annual sales turnover of not more than S$100 million OR an employment size of not more than 200 workers. Enterprises qualify as SMEs as long as they satisfy at least one of the two parameters.

Criteria for the Singapore Founder Award: Singapore-based SMEs with at least one Singaporean founder. The term ‘founder’ is defined as an individual who was instrumental in setting up the SME. There is no need for majority share-ownership. The SME must have a physical office registered in Singapore, and the solution must have been implemented in Singapore.

Note on the Global Award: One of the awards in the Global category is given by The Association of Banks in Singapore. 

TripAdvisor recognizes world's best airlines in 2018

TripAdvisor, the travel planning and booking site, has announced the winners of its Travelers' Choice awards* for airlines.

For 2018, Singapore Airlines was named the No. 1 airline in the world. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of airline reviews and ratings submitted by travellers worldwide over a 12-month period on TripAdvisor Flights.

Following the success of last year's inaugural Travelers' Choice awards for airlines, the 2018 award categories were expanded and now honour 69 airlines that provide exceptional value and service across the world. In addition to the world list, the Traveler's Choice awards recognise the best airlines in seven regions including Asia, South Pacific & Oceana, Africa & Indian Ocean, and the Middle East. The awards also recognize the top airlines in four service classes: International First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy.

Said Bryan Saltzburg, Senior VP and GM for TripAdvisor Flights: "As the airline industry introduces new fare products and a widening array of in-flight offerings, consumers continue to seek out the carriers that deliver value and a quality experience. The Travelers' Choice awards for airlines recognise the carriers that exceed passenger expectations and receive top marks from travellers."

"The award is a validation of the hard work and dedication of our thousands of staff all around the world, who focus their attention every day on ensuring that Singapore Airlines remains competitive on a global level," said Singapore Airlines' CEO, Goh Choon Phong. "Our business model is based around three main pillars – product leadership, service excellence and network connectivity. We are continuing to invest heavily in all three areas to ensure we have industry-leading offerings that meet and exceed our customers' expectations, both on the ground and in the air."

Among the global top 10, Asian carriers dominated with four airlines on the list (Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, EVA Air and Korean Air); followed by the Middle East with two airlines (Emirates and Qatar Airways).

The top 10 airlines in the world are:

1. Singapore Airlines, Singapore

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "I flew from Sydney to Singapore in business class. The food was the best I have had in the last 10 years. Service was great and the staff actually wanted to be there. One of the best, if not the best airline."

2. Air New Zealand, New Zealand (NZ)

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "The flight attendants are friendly, courteous, professional, and dedicated to customer service. The dinner was excellent, even in Economy class, and there was complimentary NZ red and white wine. Even the safety videos are entertaining. I wouldn't fly any other airline between the US and New Zealand."

We’re so stoked to be ranked #2 airline in the world, along with five other awards in this year’s @TripAdvisor #TravelersChoice awards. But the real #1 goes to you - the amazing people that fly with us every single day. From us to you - thank you. 😊❤️ 🎉 pic.twitter.com/UK3ubCrfQO

— Air New Zealand✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) April 9, 2018

3. Emirates, UAE

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "This airline is the essence of style, class and comfort. Everything I had expected was surpassed. From their presentation, to their service, which is professional, but does not override their personable approach to travellers. The Airbus is huge, but the atmosphere within is comfortable, seats are wider, windows are bigger."

4. Japan Airlines, Japan

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "This airline carrier is exquisite and features great on board meal service, drink service, and the entertainment is great. They provide excellent service with exceptional leg room. This airline is truly above most others and comes with outstanding crew members."

5. EVA Air, Taiwan

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "One of the things that separates EVA out from other airlines is in the little things. I was blown away by the novelty of the "character" flight we took. Everything from the pillows to the meals - it was Hello Kitty cuteness overload. Kids' meals are excellent. These small personal touches made our entire flight experience so much nicer!"

8. Qatar Airways, Qatar

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "I've traveled a lot in my life and Qataris one of my favourite airlines to travel with. The bar in A380 (business class) is the best. The service regardless of class is fab. The treatment of frequent fliers is great... food very tasty for economy ... and very big portions… Entertainment is top notch. They are one of my favourite airlines for eco travel."

10. Korean Air (KA), South Korea

According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: "We travelled from Chicago to Hong Kong with our toddler, and could not have been more pleased with the experience. Basic economy on KA is basically economy plus on other (especially US-based) airlines. The flight staff actually made me like the experience, rather than detract from it. I'll be flying KA whenever possible in the future."

Class of Service global winners recognise airlines around the world that provide a consistently exceptional passenger experience in each cabin:

Best First Class: Singapore Airlines, Singapore

Best Business Class: Qatar Airways, Qatar

Best Premium Economy: Air New Zealand, New Zealand

Best Economy: Singapore Airlines, Singapore

Explore:

Browse the complete list of winners from the 2018 Travelers' Choice awards for airlines

Hashtag: #TravelersChoice

*Winners were based on airline reviews submitted on TripAdvisor Flights or via one of TripAdvisor's review collection partners from February 2017 to February 2018. 

Aon Hewitt shares 2015 Best Employers for Singapore and region

Source: Best Employers website.

Aon Hewitt, the global talent, retirement and health solutions business of Aon, announced its list of the Best Employers - Singapore 2015 on February 27th. 

Aon Hewitt’s Best Employers study was first conducted in Asia in 2001 and is the most comprehensive study* of its kind in Asia Pacific today. Being recognised as an Aon Hewitt Best Employer means that: 

1. The organisation inspires strong commitment and superior performance from its people;

2. It drives business results through effective people practices; and, 

3. It manages its business in ways that build long-term success and sustainability.

“Best Employers clearly achieve better business results compared to market. We found that Best Employers in Singapore achieve significant higher growth in their income profits when compared to market average, said Jeremy Andrulis, Chief Executive Officer, Southeast Asia, for Aon Hewitt Consulting and Managing Director of its Singapore operations. “This makes becoming a Best Employer a business agenda and not just an HR agenda.”

The following organisations were recognised as Best Employers in Singapore:

Aon Hewitt Best Employer – Singapore 2015 Awards	Company Name
Best of the Best	McDonald’s Restaurants
Best Employer Singapore 2015	American Express International
Best Employer Singapore 2015	Bain & Company SE Asia
Best Employer Singapore 2015	Hongkong Land
Best Employer Singapore 2015	Hilti Far East
Best Employer Singapore 2015	Microsoft Singapore
Best Employer Singapore 2015	Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Best Employer – Commitment to Engagement Singapore 2015	Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific
Best Employer – Generation Y Singapore 2015	Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
Best Employer – Hotels Singapore 2015	The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Best Employer - Small and Medium Enterprise Singapore 2015	Goodrich Global

Alexis Saussinan, Head of Performance &Talent Management with Aon Hewitt in Singapore highlighted the introduction of a new category for Small and Medium Enterprises this year. 

"One of the key objectives of the Best Employers 2015 programme is to explore and cater to new workforce trends. Selected SMEs in Singapore are able to leverage their talent to deliver better business results. Furthermore, SMEs have been trying to benchmark themselves with Best Employers in their industry category. With this in view, Aon Hewitt decided to include a new category to recognise Best Employers in SME,” he explained.

The following organisations received three or more Best Employers awards in the region this year and are recognised as Regional Best Employers in Asia Pacific 2015: 

Aon Hewitt Regional Best Employer – Asia Pacific 2015 Awards	Company Name
Regional Best Employer Asia Pacific 2015	McDonald’s Asia Pacific
Regional Best Employer Asia Pacific 2015	Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific

The major trends that emerged this year included:

Business and People Challenges

§ CEOs see People Issues as their top business challenge (58%) followed closely by Organizational Efficiency (52%). 

§ Best Employers achieve 29% higher income profits than market average. 

§ Best Employers have 25% lower attrition. 

§ Best Employers filled 42% more openings internally compared to the market. 

Employee Engagement

§ Best Employers' engagement scores (80%) are significantly higher than market average (59%). 

§ The Gen Y** engagement score is the lowest of all age categories at 57% (although for Best Employers, their engagement scores are distinctly higher at 76%). 

Compelling Employer Brand

§ 58% of organisations have a clearly defined employer brand. However, only 15% of CEOs and HR are aligned on its nature. 

§ Learning and Careers is the most prevalent employee value proposition theme for Singapore organisations, with 48% of organisations listing it as one of their top three drivers. 

§ 78% of employees at Best Employers believe their organization delivers on promises, compared to only 56% of employees at participating organisations. 

Saussinan highlighted: “There is a significant gap between 78% employees at Best Employers believing their organisation delivers on promises compared to only 56% of employees at participating organisations. Best Employers clearly walk the talk and fulfill their commitment. This goes to reinforce the value of their employer brand when it comes to attracting and engaging the best performing talent.” 

Effective Leadership

§ 67% Best Employers train their managers on career conversations, compared to 29% participant average. 

§ 79% of employees at Best Employers believe that senior leadership treat them as the organisation’s most valued asset, compared to only 58% of employees at participating organisations. 

§ 100% Best Employers integrate their high potential programme to talent management processes compared to 60% participant organisations. 

High Performance Culture

§ 78% Best Employers include the engagement scores of teams in their people manager performance ratings, compared to 52% participants. 

§ Only 53% of employees feel they receive appropriate recognition (beyond pay and benefits) for their contribution, compared to 72% at Best Employers. 

§ Only 29% of organisations provide coaching to their managers on how to provide career advice to their teams, compared to 67% at Best Employers. 

While the Best Employers study recognises organsations that display standards of excellence, Aon Hewitt encourages all organisations to participate.

"For organisations that don’t make it to the Best Employers list, but are aspiring to become Best Employers, we want to reinforce that this is a journey. Becoming a Best Employer doesn’t happen overnight, said Gitansh Malik, Aon Hewitt Best Employers Singapore Project Manager. “It is possible for everyone to become a Best Employer, if you’ve articulated the destination you want to head to and have planned your journey wisely.”

Participation in the programme brings a wide range of benefits for organisations, such as finding out how employees perceive and rate their employer, the reasons why they are attracted to certain employer brands, and the type of organisational culture they value sufficiently to “stay and strive”. The study also provides a benchmark against company competitors in the market. Participating organisations gain access to Aon Hewitt’s latest market research insights, along with the best and most innovative people practices of Best Employers.

Click here to find out more about the Aon Hewitt Best Employers Asia 2015 Study. 

*The programme provides insights into companies that are creating real competitive advantage through their people, to explore what makes a workplace of choice and to identify the Best Employers in the region, covering 12 markets: mainland China, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. The study’s research methodology involves a rigorous process, conducted over a nine-month period that culminates in a solid, credible list of Best Employers. 

**Gen Y employees are defined as those born between 1979-1990. 

CHKLC announces 2014 winners of HK Corporate Governance Excellence Awards

The winners of the Hong Kong Corporate Governance Excellence Awards 2014 were recently announced by the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies (CHKLC), the organisers of the annual awards programme. According to the CHKLC, corporate governance represents respect of shareholder rights and values, board and management integrity and degree of transparency and accountability. 

Dr Eddy Fong, Chairman of the Judging Panel, said that the winners have tailored their governance polices and principles to tackle the risks and challenges facing their organisations or industries rather than just following the standard code of practice.

"In addition, winning companies recognise (that) sustainability is an integral part of sound corporate governance and is closely linked to the long term development and prosperity of a company; they have therefore made much efforts in that area," he said.

The winners of the 2014 Awards are Hang Lung Properties and Lenovo Group in the Category for Hang Seng Index Constituents; plus AAC Technologies Holdings and China Pacific Insurance (Group) Company in the Category for Hang Seng Composite Index Constituents. The Lenovo Group won again in the Sustainability category, with VTech Holdings being the other winner.

Patrick Sun, Chairman of CHKLC noted that more companies have been willing to step up to share their experience. "The winners come from very different industry backgrounds and differ in size which shows good corporate governance is not exclusive to large companies with huge resources," he said.

"We are much encouraged to see sustainability measures are receiving wholehearted attention from companies. They are fully integrated into the business operations and treated as part of the risk management process, and are closely linked to the long term prosperity of the companies themselves."