Lee Yuan Siong - AIA Group Chief Executive and President , revealed the Group's performance for the past 6 months ended 30 June 2024, with growth rates reported at constant exchange rates: New business, new business (VONB) increased by 25 per cent to a new record, valued at US$2.455 billion. Sales increased by 17 per cent to US$4.546 billion. Annualized premiums (ANP) increased by 3.3 percentage points to 53.9 per cent. Fundamental value of the enterprise, operating profit on the fundamental value of the enterprise (EV operating profit) was US$5.35 billion, up 29 per cent per share. Return on investment value (ROEV) was 16.5 per cent, up from 12.9 per cent for the whole of 2023. Performance and investment were positive in the first half of the year. Insurance business value equity (EV Equity) was US$70.9 billion, after capital return to shareholders, up 5% per share in the first half of the year.

Financial Reports (IFRS) Operating profit after tax (OPAT) was US$3.386 billion, up 10% per share. Return on equity (ROE) was 15.3%, up from 13.5% in 2023. Operating profit after tax (OPAT) per share is on target at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% to 11% from 2023 to 2026. Excess capital The value of excess capital growth (UFSG) was US$3.391 billion, up 10% per share. Net excess capital (FSG)(3) was US$2.243 billion, after reinvestment of internal growth in new businesses. Equity ratio (4) was 242% on a pro forma basis. Dividends and share buybacks The return to shareholders in the first half of the year was US$3.4 billion through dividends and share buybacks, up from US$2.0 billion for the share buyback program announced in April, bringing the total to US$12.0 billion. The interim dividend was 44.50 Hong Kong cents per share, up 5.2 per cent. Mr. Li continued, “AIA delivered an exceptional performance in the first half of 2024. We achieved significant new business growth, strong capital formation and substantial return to shareholders. We also announced operating profit after tax (OPAT) per share and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) target of 9 per cent to 11 per cent from 2023 to 2026. Today’s headline figures, with a 25 per cent increase in value of new business (VONB), are directly attributable to AIA’s ability to continue to deliver multiple profitable new businesses. This has been accumulated over the past period to maintain earnings and cash flow growth.

“In the first six months of 2024, we returned US$3.4 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The Board announced an increase in our share repurchase program by US$2.0 billion in April, bringing the total to US$12.0 billion. Today, the Board announced a 5.2 per cent increase in the interim dividend to 44.50 Hong Kong cents per share, reflecting AIA’s substantially strong financial position and our confidence in our operational and financial future.

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FWD Insurance has partnered with Junior Achievement Thailand to continue the JA SparktheDream programme into its second year. This initiative aims to instill foundational financial literacy and essential life skills in students in grades 4, 5, and 6 in Bangkok. With a target of reaching 2,000 students this year, the programme seeks to reduce social inequality and empower Thai youth to live their dreams. This year’s programme also features a 'Train the Trainers' initiative, where volunteers receive guidance on teaching methodologies through instructional videos. These videos prepare volunteers before they engage with students and serve as valuable resources for students to revisit the material covered.

Launched in 2023, JA SparktheDream is a collaborative effort between FWD Insurance and JA Thailand. Its primary goal is to impart basic financial literacy to young people while integrating essential social and life skills, empowering them to make informed financial choices. This programme is designed to lay a strong foundation for financial security and contribute to reducing social disparities. This year, the programme aims to educate 2,000 elementary students in Bangkok.

Mr. David Koruni?, Chief Executive Officer for Thailand & Cambodia, FWD Life Insurance Plc. (“FWD Insurance”), remarked, “The JA SparktheDream programme was successfully launched in 2023, achieving our goal of reaching over 1,100 students. We take pride in the fact that students from Watuthaitharam School, who participated in the project, won second place in the JA SparktheDream Social Challenge 2023 at the Asia-Pacific level. In 2024, we remain committed to continuing this initiative, promoting equality in society by equipping youth with financial literacy and essential life skills through JA SparktheDream. This programme provides young people with financial literacy while engaging them in various activities that deepen their understanding.”

Strengthening Collaboration to Equip Volunteers

In addition to preparing youth with basic financial literacy, the second year of the JA SparktheDream programme features a special 'Train the Trainers' initiative. This activity prepares FWD Insurance volunteers, along with other interested individuals, for on-the-ground teaching by providing training in instructional methods and skill development. The training is delivered through a series of online videos, accessible at the volunteers’ convenience. These videos also serve as educational resources, helping students review the financial knowledge they have acquired.

Mr. Thada Savetsila, Board Chairman, Junior Achievement Thailand (“JA Thailand”), commented, “Building on the success of our first year of collaboration with FWD Insurance, we are determined to continue playing a vital role in developing the potential of Thai youth. These young individuals are crucial to driving societal change across many dimensions. It is essential that we have well-prepared and knowledgeable trainers, supported by appropriate teaching materials, to ensure that students learn effectively and can apply this knowledge in their daily lives. We deeply appreciate FWD Insurance for recognizing the importance of this initiative and for their ongoing support.”

Core financial lessons of JA SparktheDream: save, earn, spend, share The JA SparktheDream programme in Thailand, aimed at developing primary school students’ financial literacy, consists of four key sessions: saving, earning, spending, and sharing. These lessons cover three crucial aspects: financial awareness, financial capability, and economic and social inclusion. The content is straightforward and practical, designed for application in everyday life. Students engage with the material through simulated games, assessments, and activities integrated into the curriculum. This approach helps them understand the role of money in daily life, distinguish between needs and wants, appreciate the benefits of having a savings account, and learn the basics of personal finance and sound financial decision-making. The programme is coordinated with schools and teachers, with this year’s participating schools including Watrachasingkorn School, Rungruangupatham School, Wat Thepleela School (Singhaprasitwittaya), Watdishongsaram School, Watsongtham School, and Wat Phai Ngern Chotanaram School.

Empowering youth with financial literacy to build a strong future foundation through the JA SparktheDream programme is a key objective of FWD Group's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. For more information about the programme, please visit: https://jasparkthedream.org/.

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