Almost three quarters of businesses are concerned about the financial fallout from business interruption, damage or loss of inventory, and fraud — while only around 20% hold insurance policies that cover these. Attention to workplace safety and health (WSH) issues has slipped slightly, with less SMEs having return-to-work processes in place than last year, and fewer communicating their coverage and benefits to employees. The proportion of SMEs with a staff retention plan has notably increased, with flexible working key to keeping the best skilled staff. For the first time, this year's survey explored attitudes and approaches to older workers. Singapore SMEs are a major employer of workers aged 65 or older, with 41% saying their workforces are made up by 10% or more of this demographic. SINGAPORE, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- QBE Insurance today announced a second round of findings from this year's QBE Singapore SME Survey. Between December 2024 and January 2025, 600 decision-makers gave their views on a wide range of business risks and opportunities, including workplace safety and health (WSH), talent retention, and insurance-related issues, among others. A noteworthy finding from this year's edition is how most respondents have concerns about a wide range of businesses risks, yet very few hold insurance policies to protect their companies against the financial fallout from these. Some 74% of SME leaders are highly and moderately concerned about loss of income due to businesses interruption, yet only 23% hold an insurance policy for this risk. Likewise, 72% have high and moderate levels of concern for damage to or loss of inventory, while only 29% have an insurance policy that covers this. Similarly, 72% are highly and moderately concerned about fraud and fraudulent payments, but just 17% hold an associated insurance policy. "Singapore's SME leaders are understandably concerned about a wide range of risks, yet the proportion of businesses that hold an insurance policy to meet these is low and somewhat surprising — especially given the financial consequences should these risks materialise," remarked Shun Quan Goh, Head, Underwriting, Retail & SME, QBE Singapore. 70% of this year's respondents said price is the number one consideration when purchasing insurance; and their second consideration was having insurance that helps the business to operate and serve customers better (68%). Last year, spending time and effort in choosing the right insurance policy for the business was most important (70%), followed by price concerns (67%). This pricing sensitivity is in line with a less than positive business outlook this year compared to last year shown by the respondents. "Given today's uncertain economic conditions, it is no surprise that price is now the top concern of policyholders. This underscores the caution many SMEs have when it comes to expenditure and managing their company finances, even at the risk of being underinsured," added Mr. Goh. Attention to work safety remains high, while mental health attracts greater focus Attention to WSH issues remains high but has slipped slightly year-on-year. In 2024, 81% of respondents said they communicate coverage and benefits to their employees, versus 78% in 2025. While last year, 77% said they have return-to-work processes in place, versus 72% this year. Likewise in 2024, 70% said they are fully informed of work injury compensation (WIC) — insurance coverage that is compulsory under Singapore law — versus 66% in 2025. This year's low number of accidents may be behind these reductions: just 27% of businesses experienced between one and three WSH events over the past year. However, Singapore SMEs are notably upping their focus on mental health. Some 93% of respondents said it is either very important or somewhat important, up from 89% last year. More SMEs are also implementing measures to improve both mental and physical wellbeing as well, with 59% offering flexible working hours for improved work-life balance, up from 44% last year; and 45% offering work from home arrangements, rising from 35% in 2024. Talent and manpower retention; and high employability among older workers Almost half (49%) of respondents view talent and manpower as a key businesses challenge, rising from 37% in 2024. As such, many are exploring new ways to attract and retain workers. Flexible working is now the number one strategy for keeping the right and best staff, 51% of respondents said, versus 32% in 2024. Yet, heightened staff concerns aren't backed up with action: the number of SMEs who expect to make changes to their workforces in the next 12 months has declined. Some 46% expect changes in staff training, down from 52% a year earlier; while 36% expect to strengthen their staff, against 42% last year; with 40% expecting changes to the size of their business, down from 44% in 2024. For the first time, this year's survey explored attitudes and approaches to older workforces. Singapore SMEs are a noteworthy employer of this age group, the survey reveals, with 41% saying their workforces are made up by 10% or more of this demographic. Some 44% of respondents view this age group as experienced and skilled, with 39% believing them to be (more) loyal; and 31% describing them as stable. In Singapore, the employment rate for workers aged 65 has been increasing over the past decade and looks set to continue. In 2023, 9.2% of workers in Singapore were from this age group, according to government data[i]; and by 2030, some predict it will reach 10.6%[ii]. An older workforce may need more support from employers. While aging impacts individuals at different speeds, over time, response times may slow, people have less physical strength, and are potentially more vulnerable to illnesses than younger workers[iii], among other considerations. It is therefore critical that employers instil work policies that reflect these traits, as well as seek measures like insurance to future-proof risks that emanate from a changing workforce. Ronak Shah, CEO of QBE Singapore and CEO of Wholesale Markets Asia said, "With over 70% of this age group in employment in Singapore[iv], workers aged 65 or over are an increasingly important part of Singapore's labour force. With so many companies focused on hiring the best staff, whatever their age group, this is highly encouraging. We will certainly be doing more in this space as this is a societal issue that insurers can play an active part in. It is also heartening to learn that other factors beyond pay are highly valued by SMEs and their employees, including work-life balance and work-from-home arrangements. These are all tangible benefits and changes that SMEs can make in having the best people help navigate through today's evolving risk landscape." For results of a similar survey conducted with Hong Kong SMEs, please visit this link. Singapore-Hong Kong SAR SME survey summary: Workplace Safety and Health, Staff Retention and Business Risks/Concerns 2025 vs. 2024 results Singapore Hong Kong SAR Workplace Safety and Health (2025:2024) Awareness of Employee Compensation Insurance • Fully informed (66%:70%) • Not fully informed but know where to get the information from (28%:25%) • Not aware of what coverage is needed and not sure where to get the information from (6%:5%) Steps Taken to Ensure Employee Mental and Physical Wellbeing (Top 3) 1. Offer flexible working hours (59%:44%) 2. Offer working from home (45%:35%) 3. Offer health and wellness benefits (43%:28%) Awareness of Employee Compensation Insurance • Fully informed (83%:76%) • Not fully informed but know where to get the information from (16%:23%) • Not aware of what coverage is needed and not sure where to get the information from (1%:2%) Steps Taken to Ensure Employee Mental and Physical Wellbeing (Top 3) 1. Offer flexible working hours (46%:39%) 2. Offer working from home (40%:28%) 3. Offer care packages (39%:35%) Staff Retention (2025:2024) Strategies for Staff Retention (Top 3) 1. Allow for flexible work schedules (51%:32%) 2. Increased pay / salary and bonuses (48%:34%) 3. Offer more opportunities to upskill and grow (46%:27%) Strategies for Staff Retention (Top 3) 1. Increased pay / salary and bonuses (43%:29%) 2. Allow for flexible work schedules (39%:26%) 3. Rest and relaxation rooms (37%:20%) Business Risks/Concerns (2025: 2024) 1. Loss of income due to business interruptions (74%:77%) 2. Damage to/loss of inventory (72%:72%) 3. Fraud & fraudulent payments via the internet (72%:73%) 1. Property rental prices (67%:64%) 2. Loss of income due to business interruptions (65%:63%) 3. Loss of key staff (65%:59%) About QBE Singapore Present in Singapore for more than a century, QBE Insurance (Singapore) Pte Ltd, a general insurance and reinsurance company, is the Republic's oldest registered Australian company. Established in 1891, QBE Singapore is a trusted provider of specialist expertise and professional insurance services. Our insurance specialists develop leading-edge products that are client-focused, delivering cover tailored to deal with everything from complex risks to more simple and straightforward insurance needs. QBE Insurance (Singapore) Pte Ltd is part of the QBE Insurance Group which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and headquartered in Sydney. To learn more about QBE Singapore, please visit www.qbe.com/sg [i] https://stats.mom.gov.sg/iMAS_PdfLibrary/mrsd_2023LabourForce_survey_findings.pdf [ii] https://boldly.app/blog/the-greying-workforce-in-singapore [iii] https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/effects-of-aging/ [iv] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/employment-rates-for-senior-workers-rose-up-to-706-in-2022
Around one-third of businesses are concerned about the financial fallout from business interruption, loss of key staff, and equipment breakdown — while only about one quarter hold insurance policies that cover these. Attention to workplace safety and health issues remains high, with more communicating their coverage and benefits to employees. The proportion of Hong Kong SMEs with a staff retention plan has notably increased, with increased pay the number one strategy for keeping staff. Hong Kong SMEs are a major employer of workers aged 65 or older, with 49% saying their workforces are made up by 10% or more of this demographic. HONG KONG, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- QBE Insurance today announced a second and final batch of key findings from this year's QBE Hong Kong SME Survey. Between November 2024 and January 2025, 600 Hong Kong business executives voiced their thoughts on multiple business risks and opportunities, including workplace safety and health (WSH), talent retention, and insurance-related issues, among others. A notable takeaway from this year's edition is how most business leaders have concerns about a wide range of businesses risks, yet very few hold insurance policies to protect their companies against these. For the second year running, anxiety over rising property rental prices was cited by 67% of respondents as the number one business concern, up from 64% in 2024. More interestingly however, was how 65% of businesses said that loss of income due to business interruption was a key business concern, while just 24% hold insurance policies to shield them from this risk. Similarly, 65% and 64% of respondents are concerned about the impact of losing staff and equipment malfunction respectively, with only 19% and 25% having insurance to cover these issues. "Although we are seeing an increase in awareness of these risks, it is concerning that many SMEs are still underinsured," said Andex Fung, Head of SME Segment, Asia at QBE. "Business owners should consider adequate protection against the full range of threats that can disrupt their operations. We understand that many SMEs have expressed concerns over increased costs and reduced profitability this year, but we would urge them to consider insurers like us as partners who can help businesses navigate these challenges – by offering advice and comprehensive risk management solutions tailored to their specific needs. Overall, the cost of not having the right coverage in place can be far greater than the investment in protection." An increased focus on work safety and mental health Attention to WSH is rising overall, this year's survey found. Some 92% of respondents said they communicate coverage and benefits to their employees, versus 90% last year. Similarly, 83% in 2025 said they are aware of employees' compensation insurance — coverage that is compulsory under Hong Kong law — with 76% saying the same in 2024. However, the number of businesses with return-to-work policies dropped slightly year-on-year, from 86% to 82%. And the proportion of Hong Kong SMEs that had experienced between one and three WSH events marginally rose from 22% in 2024 to 25% in 2025. Hong Kong SMEs remain focused on mental health. Some 95% of respondents said it is either very important or somewhat important, comparable to 94% last year. To this end, more SMEs are implementing measures to improve both mental and physical wellbeing, with 46% offering flexible working hours for improved work-life balance, up from 39% last year; and 40% offering work-from-home arrangements, rising from 28% in 2024. Talent acquisition and retention efforts remain high As the battle for top talent intensifies in Hong Kong, SMEs are placing more emphasis on recruitment, training, and retention. The survey revealed a marked increase in the percentage of SMEs concerned about these issues, with 50% of respondents identifying it as a key challenge, up from 39% in 2024. This rise demonstrates how talent management has become a growing priority for businesses striving to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly changing market. Increased pay and bonusses is key to keeping the best skilled staff in the business, with 43% of SMEs saying so, whereas the figure was just 29% last year. Flexible working arrangements have emerged as one of the most effective ways SMEs are tackling this challenge: the survey found that 39% of SMEs are offering flexible work schedules, a significant increase from 26% last year. Other measures aimed at enhancing employee satisfaction include the introduction of relaxation rooms or spaces for employees to recharge during work hours. For the first time, this year's survey explored attitudes and approaches to older workers. With employees aged 65 and over representing almost 14% of Hong Kong's workers[i], this demographic is an increasingly important part of the region's labour force. Hong Kong SMEs are a noteworthy employer of this age group, the survey reveals, with 49% saying their workforces are made up by 10% or more of this demographic. Some 34% of respondents view this age group as experienced and skilled, with 26% mentioning a higher retention rate and 25% asserting their loyalty. ### Notes to editor: For results of a similar survey conducted with Singapore SMEs, please visit this link. Singapore-Hong Kong SME survey summary: Workplace Safety and Health, Staff Retention and Business Risks/Concerns 2025 vs. 2024 results Singapore Hong Kong Workplace Safety and Health (2025:2024) Awareness of Employee Compensation Insurance • Fully informed (66%:70%) • Not fully informed but know where to get the information from (28%:25%) • Not aware of what coverage is needed and not sure where to get the information from (6%:5%) Steps Taken to Ensure Employee Mental and Physical Wellbeing (Top 3) 1. Offer flexible working hours (59%:44%) 2. Offer working from home (45%:35%) 3. Offer health and wellness benefits (43%:28%) Awareness of Employee Compensation Insurance • Fully informed (83%:76%) • Not fully informed but know where to get the information from (16%:23%) • Not aware of what coverage is needed and not sure where to get the information from (1%:2%) Steps Taken to Ensure Employee Mental and Physical Wellbeing (Top 3) 1. Offer flexible working hours (46%:39%) 2. Offer working from home (40%:28%) 3. Offer care packages (39%:35%) Staff Retention (2025:2024) Strategies for Staff Retention (Top 3) 1. Allow for flexible work schedules (51%:32%) 2. Increased pay / salary and bonuses (48%:34%) 3. Offer more opportunities to upskill and grow (46%:27%) Strategies for Staff Retention (Top 3) 1. Increased pay / salary and bonuses (43%:29%) 2. Allow for flexible work schedules (39%:26%) 3. Rest and relaxation rooms (37%:20%) Business Risks/Concerns (2025 : 2024) 1. Loss of income due to business interruptions (74% : 77%) 2. Damage to/loss of inventory (72% : 72%) 3. Fraud & fraudulent payments via the internet (72%:73%) 1. Property rental prices (67% : 64%) 2. Loss of income due to business interruptions (65% :63%) 3. Loss of key staff (65% : 59%) About QBE Hong Kong QBE Hong Kong is part of QBE Insurance Group and has been serving Hong Kong for more than a century. Today, QBE Hong Kong operations include QBE Hongkong & Shanghai Insurance Limited, QBE General Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited, and QBE Mortgage Insurance (Asia) Limited. As a leading general insurer, QBE Hong Kong provides a comprehensive range of non-life insurance solutions for both business and personal customers. QBE Hong Kong operates through an extensive network of professional insurance agents and brokers. To learn more about QBE Hong Kong, please visit www.qbe.com/hk [i] https://www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/web_table.html?id=8
NEW YORK, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Once a niche convenience for garages and workshops, retractable tools have become household essentials. From coiling garden hoses to managing air pipes in DIY spaces, these tools are reshaping how consumers approach home maintenance. According to Frost & Sullivan's "White Paper for the Global Retractable Tools Industry" published in February, the retractable tools sector is projected to grow from US$880 million in 2024 to US$1.12 billion by 2029—an increase of 27.69%. Among the brands named in the report, Giraffe Tools has been recognized as a leader. The company was the first to introduce retractable pressure washers to the U.S. The report stated that the company holds 15.6 percent of the market share in this category, surpassing other established brands, such as Black and Decker (8.0%) and KARCHER (7.2%). This growth is driven by rising demand for gardening and DIY home improvement needs. Additionally, consumers are seeking sleeker, more convenient alternatives to traditional home tools, which can be bulky, cumbersome to deploy, and difficult to use. In this regard, thoughtful designs have become a focus within the tools industry. Furthermore, consumers' shopping habits have shifted from browsing in brick-and-mortar retail stores to purchasing through online marketplaces. From discovery to checkout, consumers are making more buying decisions from their homes. This shift, combined with the convenience of retractable tools, is fueling their increasing popularity. This amalgamation of factors has pushed brands to respond with smarter, more efficient tools that afford greater convenience. And as with almost all industries, technology has changed how tools are made and used. Manufacturers are increasingly enhancing their products with features like automated retraction and mobile app connectivity. Meanwhile, new materials, such as lightweight composites and corrosion-resistant alloys, have improved the tools' durability. Although much has changed in how value is added to tools, their fundamental roles remain constant. Regardless of their peripheral features, they must still possess a core set of qualities: reliable performance, durable construction, and ease of use. Giraffe Tools meet these requirements by integrating high-grade parts, materials, and design. For example, its Grandfalls Washer Pro features a powerful 1,800W induction motor that produces a maximum pressure of 3,300 PSI. Being electrically driven, it is quieter than gas-operated pressure washers and features a convenient, self-retractable wall-mounting design. The company's other products offer features such as remote-control switches, triple-piston pumps, and self-layering hose systems among others. These enhancements improve durability, performance, and user experience. The company's products have been recognized within the industry, with the Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Retractable Pressure Washer Pro earning the 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Award. Beyond pressure washers, the company has a portfolio of vacuums, hose reels, and home maintenance accessories. However, product innovation alone is no longer adequate to sway purchasing decisions. Today, tool makers need to offer seamless omnichannel consumer experiences. According to the U.S. Census Bureau[1], e-commerce sales in Q4 2024 increased by 9.4% compared to Q4 2023, with e-commerce accounting for 16.4% of total retail sales. As online shopping proliferates, consumers increasingly rely on detailed product descriptions, comparison tools, and customer reviews to make informed purchasing decisions. This trend is particularly poignant in the United States, which remains the largest single market for retractable tools, accounting for 42.8% of total sales. As a result, manufacturers have been pushed to refine their digital marketing strategies and optimize their online presence. Those who adapt will be better positioned to meet the evolving demands of today's digital-first consumers. In this regard, Giraffe Tools is heavily leveraging its direct-to-consumer channels and expanding its footprint on major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and marketplaces like Walmart. By combining its online presence with a strong offline retail presence in stores like Lowe's, Giraffe Tools is rapidly reaching new audiences while maintaining its reputation for high quality. By January 2023, the company had already sold 10 million units globally, with the U.S. being its primary market. With the global retractable tools market poised to reach $1.12 billion by 2029, it signals continued momentum for brands that innovate and meet the evolving expectations of online consumers. For Giraffe Tools, the company is focused on expanding into new markets, such as UK, Canada, and Australia, while continuing to develop product innovations. The brand also has a clear roadmap for new releases and expansion into new product categories, including charging solutions and automotive maintenance. About Giraffe Tools Founded in 2004 with the goal of simplifying heavy work, Giraffe Tools is a leading innovator in retractable cleaning and gardening tools. The company offers user-friendly, space-saving, and efficient products, such as retractable pressure washers, outdoor vacuums, air hose reels, extension cord reels, and garden hoses, to redefine yard maintenance. With a focus on innovation and quality, Giraffe Tools has sold over 10 million units worldwide to markets including the U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada. Due to its efficient direct-to-consumer sales model, Giraffe Tools passes on the savings to its users, offering quality innovations at affordable prices. Learn more at giraffetools.com [1] Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales. (2025). United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/retail/ecommerce.html
Pioneering AI technology successfully designs antibodies de novo for six therapeutic targets, including one without an experimentally resolved structure SEOUL, South Korea, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Galux Inc., a South Korean startup specializing in AI-driven protein therapeutics design, has published a study showcasing the capabilities of its AI platform, GaluxDesign, in de novo antibody design. This research marks an important milestone in AI-driven antibody discovery, demonstrating the successful design of antibodies against six distinct therapeutic targets, including a target without an experimentally resolved structure. "De novo antibody design has been one of the major challenges in AI-based drug discovery, requiring atomic-level precision to ensure specific binding to target epitopes," said Chaok Seok, CEO of Galux. "A few previously reported cases of de novo antibody design have shown only limited success, particularly in terms of target diversity and binding affinity. Our findings prove that AI can reliably generate novel antibodies with high precision, specificity, and sensitivity across diverse therapeutic targets." A graphical representation verifying the binding strength between the antibodies designed by GaluxDesign and each therapeutic target. A graphical representation verifying the binding strength between the antibodies designed by GaluxDesign and each therapeutic target. The study presents an AI-driven approach to de novo antibody design. The team identified binders from a yeast display single-chain variable fragment (scFv) library comprising approximately one million designed antibody sequences, followed by screening binders against a target protein. Binders with varying binding strengths were identified for six targets, including PD-L1, HER2, EGFR(S468R), ACVR2A/B, FZD7, and ALK7. Notably, the team successfully designed antibodies targeting ALK7, a protein without an experimentally resolved structure, as well as antibodies targeting a novel epitope of FZD7 discriminating subtypes FZD1 and FZD5. This highlights the platform's broad applicability for novel antibody discovery. The designed PD-L1 targeting antibody showed outstanding binding affinity (KD=9.0pM) and developability comparable to the commercial therapeutic antibody Atezolizumab. Additionally, antibodies designed for EGFR(S468R) displayed exceptional specificity, precisely distinguishing the mutant from wild-type EGFR based on a single amino acid difference, which is an essential feature for minimizing off-target effects in early-stage drug development. "This study underscores the potential of AI-driven antibody design and its broad applicability in antibody discovery," added Seok. "By continuously advancing our AI platform with a deep understanding of atomic-level protein interactions, we aim to transform therapeutic drug discovery, improving both efficiency and success rates." The full research paper is available here: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.09.642274v1 About Galux With over 25 years of expertise in the field, Galux is pioneering AI-powered protein design with its proprietary platform, GaluxDesign, which enables precise de novo protein design and engineering. GaluxDesign has been developed to deeply understand the physical principles that govern protein folding and interactions. This approach enables the platform to tackle various protein design challenges including epitope-specific antibody design. Since its incorporation in 2020, the company has raised USD 18 million from reputable investors, including InterVest, Pathway Partners, DAYLI Partners, LG Corp., and KDB Capital.
The white paper sheds light on the growth and intelligent development trends of the robotic pool cleaning industry and highlights its core driving factors. RICHMOND, Texas, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beatbot, a trailblazer in pool cleaning innovation, has officially partnered with IDC (International Data Corporation), a premier global market intelligence firm specializing in consumer technology, to release a groundbreaking white paper: "Intelligent Pool Robots-Ushering in the Era of Next-Generation Pool Care." The report provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of pool cleaning technology and market growth trends, highlighting how the industry is becoming increasingly intelligent. With more smart features and even the introduction of AI, this transformation is set to accelerate further, driving rapid advancements and paving the way for more efficient and innovative solutions. Beatbot x IDC Release White Paper Exploring the Future of Smart Pool Cleaning Key Insights from the White Paper This white paper provides growth trend forecasts for the pool cleaning robot market. IDC predicts that by 2029, global shipments of pool cleaning robots will exceed 3.97 million units, growing at a CAGR of 9.3%. It also explores how consumer demand for smarter pool cleaning solutions is evolving, driven by the widespread adoption and advancement of smart home technology. As more consumers prioritize advanced technology, they are willing to invest more in premium, higher-end solutions that offer superior performance and long-term benefits, further accelerating the shift toward intelligent pool maintenance. IDC traces the development of pool cleaning tools through three distinct phases: 1.0 Traditional Hand-Operated Tools: Manual, rope-based cleaning machines requiring significant time and effort. 2.0 Cordless Robotic Cleaners: These early robotic cleaners relied on random cleaning patterns and suffered from poor obstacle detection, leading to inefficiencies and incomplete coverage. 3.0 Intelligent Pool Cleaning Robots: AI-driven, fully autonomous systems that provide complete pool coverage and incorporate advanced smart features. Looking ahead, the report forecasts a continued rise in automation, with AI further enhancing cleaning efficiency and user experience. As demand for smarter, more efficient solutions grows, intelligent automation will play a central role in the future of pool maintenance. Beatbot: Driving the Future of Intelligent Pool Care The IDC white paper identifies four key capabilities shaping smart pool cleaning: sensory ability, decision-making, cleaning execution, and human-machine interaction. These advancements are paving the way for more autonomous pool maintenance. Building on its industry-first 5-in-1 robotic pool cleaner in 2024, Beatbot is once again redefining smart pool care in 2025 by further integrating AI for greater automation and efficiency. At the forefront is the AquaSense 2 Ultra, powered by HybridSense™ AI Pool Mapping, which combines an AI camera, infrared, and ultrasonic sensors for precise navigation and adaptive cleaning. Its 5-in-1 cleaning system ensures full coverage—tackling the water surface, waterline, floor, walls, and water clarification with a revolutionary submarine propulsion system. AI Cruise Debris Detection enhances cleaning efficiency, while app-controlled navigation optimizes water surface cleaning. Beatbot's exclusive surface parking system makes retrieval effortless. Recognized for its cutting-edge design and innovation, AquaSense 2 Ultra was honored with the 2025 iF Design Award, reinforcing Beatbot's commitment to blending aesthetics with top-tier functionality. As the IDC report highlights, AI-driven automation is reshaping pool maintenance, and with the AquaSense 2 Ultra, Beatbot is leading the way. Antonio Wang, Group Vice President at IDC for Devices and Consumer Research, said, "As the demand for smarter, more efficient pool maintenance solutions continues to rise, we anticipate significant growth in the pool cleaning robotics market. With brands like Beatbot driving innovation, we foresee a new wave of intelligent, user-friendly, and highly capable products entering the market, reshaping the way consumers approach pool care. York Guo, CMO of Beatbot, emphasized, "Innovation has always been at the core of Beatbot, driving us to redefine pool maintenance with cutting-edge technology. But true innovation isn't just about products—it's about the people who inspire them. Our users are more than customers, they are partners in this journey. They seek excellence in every aspect of life, embrace innovation, and demand the best—motivating us to push boundaries and set new industry standards. Their pursuit of a superior lifestyle fuels our commitment to smarter, more effortless pool care. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to delivering groundbreaking solutions that not only elevate pool cleaning but enhance the lives of those who choose Beatbot." Spring Forward, Clean to Perfection with Beatbot Limited-Time Offers As spring approaches and the weather warms up, Beatbot launches Spring Cleaning event with up to 20% off on the AquaSense 2 series to make spring cleaning easier and ensure their pools are in top condition. The limited-time offer is available from March 17th to March 31st on Beatbot's official website and Amazon Store. Visit Beatbot's official website for an exclusive preview of the white paper and key insights. Stay tuned for the full version, set to be released at the end of March! About Beatbot Beatbot is a technology brand redefining smart pool care and is dedicated to the global robotization of swimming pool environments. Founded by industry experts with over 10 years of experience in leading home robotics companies, the company is growing rapidly, with offices in multiple countries and a strong R&D team, taking up 70% of the workforce. Pioneering core technologies like brushless water pumps, AUV spatial locomotion, sonar laser SLAM, and space mapping navigation algorithms, Beatbot has secured numerous patents and pioneered industry-first innovations. The company currently holds over 221 patents (granted and under application), including 128 patents for inventions.
SINGAPORE, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Companies across Southeast Asia are increasingly building teams and capabilities by integrating independent professionals across functions and levels. Skills in high demand include strategy, data, digital transformation, core technology and marketing. Top skills in demand across Southeast Asia: Outsized 2025 Talent-on-Demand Report According to Outsized's 2025 Talent-on-Demand Report, organisations are integrating independent talent for various reasons; from execution roles to strategic project delivery, with professionals across Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia earning between USD 250 to USD 1600/day, depending on the type of skill and experience level. With freelancer registrations surging by 88% and Southeast Asia attracting rapid foreign investment, demand for specialised independent professionals is set to rise across key sectors, such as renewable energy, e-commerce, data centres, digital financial services, and supply chain transformation. Companies are moving beyond traditional workforce models, integrating on-demand specialists with permanent teams to accelerate growth, drive transformation, and execute at scale. Key findings at a glance: Most in-demand skills: Strategy, business transformation, product management, project management, marketing, and data analytics. Sectors driving the shift: Consulting, FMCG and Financial Services, leveraging independent professionals to scale capabilities across strategy, execution, and operations. Freelancer growth: Registrations up 88%, showing strong demand for flexible expertise across experience levels. Day rates based on varying expertise, experience, and location: Project managers in Malaysia: USD 225 to 835/day Strategy consultants in Indonesia: USD 425 to 1,250/day Business transformation specialists in Singapore: USD 575 to 1,200/day Additionally, in the field of data and analytics, experts are executing complex data strategies, commanding daily rates between USD 350 to 925 in Singapore, while talent in Malaysia are commanding USD 250 to 725 for the role. Similarly, marketing and product management specialists, including digital marketers, UX professionals, and product managers, are securing competitive rates ranging from USD 460 to 925/ day and USD 225 to 625/ day in Singapore and Indonesia, respectively. A transforming workforce: Agile talent takes centre stage Outsized, a leading talent-on-demand platform with over 45,000 independent consultants and professional freelancers globally, has released its fourth annual Talent-on-Demand Report, offering real-time insights into how businesses are leveraging independent professionals. Based on tens of thousands of proprietary data points from actual projects posted by enterprises, consulting firms, and private equity clients, the report provides a comprehensive breakdown of talent costs, hiring trends, and in-demand skills across APAC, MENA, and Africa. For the first time, the 2025 edition also includes insights from Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), expanding its global workforce intelligence. "Southeast Asia is at a talent tipping point. With AI, digital transformation, and automation reshaping industries, businesses are shifting fast to hybrid talent strategies, integrating specialists with full-time employees to execute complex initiatives and build core capabilities in a more flexible way. Those tapping independent professionals aren't just scaling faster and smarter; they're fundamentally reshaping how they can compete and innovate." — Anurag Bhalla, CEO and Managing Director (APAC), Outsized Why this matters for business and HR leaders The 2025 Talent-on-Demand Report serves as a blueprint for workforce transformation, enabling leaders to: Benchmark talent costs and optimise external hiring budgets. Identify emerging workforce trends across APAC, MENA, and Africa. Gain exclusive day rate intelligence across a broad range of industries and skill sets. Understand how top firms leverage independent talent to accelerate digital transformation and maintain a competitive edge. Access the full report here Staying ahead of workforce trends demands real-time intelligence and actionable market insights. Outsized's 2025 Talent-on-Demand Report serves as a strategic playbook, providing business leaders with essential benchmarking against industry peers. Armed with these insights, leaders can quickly identify emerging talent shifts, optimise hiring budgets, and build agile workforce strategies. Access the full report to stay ahead of the curve: https://resources.outsized.com/talent-on-demand-report-2025. Access the report now About Outsized Outsized is a talent-on-demand platform with over 45,000 top independent professionals, enabling large enterprise clients, consulting firms, and private equity funds in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East to implement flexible workforce models at scale. For more information, please visit www.outsized.com.
Survey, Polls & Research
金獎
請先登入後才能發佈新聞。
還不是會員嗎？立即 加入台灣產經新聞網會員 ，使用免費新聞發佈服務。 （服務項目） （投稿規範）
