Category: Africa

EBC Financial Group Amplifies Malaria Eradication Efforts, Supporting Critical Health Interventions and Community Empowerment

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, EBC Financial Group (EBC) announced a new partnership with United to Beat Malaria (Beat Malaria), a campaign of the United Nations Foundation (UN Foundation), aimed at protecting those most vulnerable from malaria – a mosquito-borne disease that claims over 600,000 lives every year.

This partnership provides support for the United to Beat Malaria campaign, which works to improve access to malaria prevention and essential health services in support of the UN Foundation’s goal of achieving a healthier and more equitable world. The UN Foundation brings together ideas, people, and resources to drive global progress and tackle humanity’s greatest challenges. The UN Foundation initiatives have collectively protected tens of millions of children from disease, formed partnerships to provide help and hope to refugees, and mobilised communities to take action towards the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

EBC is honoured to partner with the United to Beat Malaria campaign, joining forces to impactfully end malaria. This partnership reflects EBC’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and support to underprivileged children. EBC recognises the profound impact of malaria on the health and well-being of poverty-stricken regions, and the subsequent economic repercussions, particularly in exacerbating the disparity between developed and underprivileged regions. Malaria disproportionately impacts young children: over 75% of all malaria deaths are children under 5. A child dies nearly every minute from this preventable and treatable disease.

“Being invited to United to Beat Malaria’s 2024 Leadership Summit and witnessing the advocacy in action was not only a tremendous privilege but also an enlightening experience for me,” said David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd, the British entity of EBC. “Seeing firsthand the impact that EBC Group can have by actively engaging with organisations like United to Beat Malaria reaffirms our commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve.”

Collaborative Insights at the United to Beat Malaria 2024 Leadership Summit

“Our partnership with EBC Group is built on a shared commitment to protect the world’s most vulnerable children and families from this deadly yet preventable disease,” said Margaret McDonnell, Beat Malaria’s Executive Director. “EBC’s support will enable our campaign to reach at-risk communities and deliver life-saving interventions in malaria endemic countries as to save and improve lives.”

Today, malaria is a disease of poverty and health inequity. It’s transmitted to people through the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes, which carry the life-threatening disease caused by the blood parasite Plasmodium. The tools to prevent, diagnose, and treat malaria are highly cost-effective; but millions around the world lack access to these life-saving interventions. Half the world’s population remains at-risk of malaria, with over 240 million cases annually. Malaria is most prevalent in Africa, which carries 94% of all cases globally, and disproportionately impacts young children, pregnant women, displaced populations, and remote communities with limited access to healthcare.

The world has already made remarkable progress against this ancient disease, cutting the malaria mortality rate by approximately half. With continued funding, partnership, and political will, we can be the generation that ends malaria for good.

In addition to financial support, EBC also seeks to educate its employees about malaria and encourage them to get involved. Last month, Samuel Hertz, APAC Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group, alongside David Barrett, joined over 100 malaria advocates, experts, and leaders at United to Beat Malaria’s annual Leadership Summit in Washington DC. The 3-day event was a platform for learning, networking, and advocating for global leadership, emphasising the collective action needed to tackle this critical public health challenge. Also, EBC employees will participate in the upcoming Move Against Malaria 5K (April 25-May 5), a remote 5K run held worldwide to raise funds and awareness for malaria.

Move Against Malaria 5k Run 2024

Samuel Hertz stated, “We, as a company, are committed to aiding children worldwide, recognising malaria as one of the most significant threats to their lives. At the summit, we gained insight into the progress made toward eradicating malaria globally. However, this endeavour requires extensive support from diverse partners, which is why we are thrilled to join this coalition. Although the journey ahead may be challenging and prolonged, we understand that meaningful change takes time and effort. As a global company, EBC acknowledges its responsibility to contribute to a better world.”

Looking ahead, EBC plans to forge deeper collaborations with UN-related charitable organisations and global partners to bolster health systems worldwide. Through these efforts and its commitment to corporate social responsibility, EBC aims to raise awareness about health disparities and promote inclusivity on a global scale.

For more information, visit ebc.com and beatmalaria.org.

About EBC Financial Group
Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its comprehensive suite of services that includes financial brokerage, asset management, and comprehensive investment solutions. With offices strategically located in prominent financial centres, such as London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, Bangkok, Limassol, and more, EBC caters to a diverse clientele of retail, professional, and institutional investors worldwide.

Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to the highest levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd is regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).

At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

https://www.ebc.com/

About UN Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria
The UN Foundation is an independent charitable organization created to work closely with the United Nations to address humanity’s greatest challenges, build initiatives across sectors to solve problems at scale, and drive global progress. Learn more at www.unfoundation.org.

The UN Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign brings together key and diverse partners and supporters to take urgent action to end malaria and create a healthier, more equitable world. Since 2006, United to Beat Malaria has worked to equip and mobilize citizens across the U.S. and around the world to raise awareness, funds and voices. The campaign works with partners in endemic countries to channel life-saving resources to protect the most marginalized and vulnerable populations. By championing increased leadership, political will and resources from the U.S. and beyond, as well as more holistic, innovative tools and strategies, we can be the generation that ends malaria once and for all. Learn more at www.beatmalaria.org.

Media Contact:
Douglas Chew
douglas.chew@ebc.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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FAIRFAX, Va., April 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Winners in the 18th annual Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service, recognized as the world’s top customer service awards and sales awards, were unveiled on Friday night at a gala ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada USA, attended by more than 400 executives from around the world.

The complete list of Stevie Winners by category is available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/Sales.

The 10 most-honored organizations in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service received Grand (“best in show”) Stevie Award trophies. Nominees were not able to apply for Grand Stevie Awards directly. Winners were determined by a points system based on the total number of awards won, as well as having the highest average score in selected categories.

DP DHL Worldwide, with 13 Gold, 18 Silver, and 14 Bronze Stevie Award wins, was the most honored organization this year, earning the top Grand Stevie Award trophy. In descending order, the organizations below were presented with Grand Stevie Award trophies in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service on behalf of themselves and/or clients. There was a ninth-place tie between Toco Warranty and Purpol Marketing Limited.

1. DP DHL (Worldwide), 96 points
2. IBM (Armonk, NY USA), 64 points
3. Support Services Group, Inc. (Waco, TX USA), 49 points
4. Allianz Services Pvt Ltd (Trivandrum, Kerala, India), 39 points
5. Sales Partnerships, Inc. (Broomfield, CO USA), 38.5 points
6. UPMC Health Plan (Pittsburgh, PA USA), 31 points
7. Blackhawk Network (Pleasanton, CA USA), 26 points
8. VIZIO Inc. (Irvine, CA USA), 22 points
9. Toco Warranty ( Los Angeles, CA USA), 19 points
   Purpol Marketing Limited (Chippenham, United Kingdom), 19 points

Other notable winners with three Gold Stevie Awards include Alight Solutions (Lincolnshire, IL USA), Optum (Eden Prairie, MN USA), and WNS (Holdings) Limited (Mumbai, India).

Organizations winning a combination of five or more Gold, Silver, or Bronze Stevie Awards include TransPerfect Translations, New York, NY USA (eight), VMWare (Broadcom) Palo Alto, CA USA (seven), Intuit, Toronto, Canada (seven), Avetta, Lehi, UT USA (seven), SAP, Worldwide (seven), ValueSelling Associates, Inc., Carlsbad, CA USA (six), Element Electronics, Winnsboro, SC USA (six), Voya Financial, New York, NY USA (six), CivicPlus, Manhattan, KS USA (five), Capital Rx, New York, NY USA (five), Datasite, Minneapolis, MN USA (five), Inspiro, Makati City, Philippines (five), Loveholidays, London, UK (five), OpenGov, San Francisco, CA USA (five), QNB Finansbank, Istanbul, Turkey (five), and Qualitest Group, Bridgewater, NJ USA (five).

More than 2,300 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were evaluated in this year’s competition. Winners were determined by the average scores of more than 200 professionals worldwide in seven specialized judging committees.

Entries were considered in more than 60 categories for customer service and contact center achievements, including Contact Center of the Year, Award for Innovation in Customer Service, and Customer Service Department of the Year; 60 categories for sales and business development achievements, ranging from Sales Director of the Year to Sales Training Practice of the Year, and Achievement in Sales Automation; and categories to recognize new products and services and solution providers, among others.

Winners in one special category, the Sales Partnerships Ethics in Sales Award, were also announced and recognized at the April 12 ceremony. This award recognizes organizations for best practices and achievements in demonstrating the highest ethical standards in the sales industry. Integrity Solutions of Nashville, TN USA is the Gold Stevie winner in this category. The Silver winners are Better Way Health (Kennesaw, GA USA), Stateside Affairs (Manasquan, NJ USA), and Desiderate (New South Wales, Australia). Bronze Stevie winners are Alright Retiree Health Solutions (Chicago, IL USA), Belkins (Dover, DE USA), Rootstack (Panama), Shell International Aviation (Makati, Philippines), TCN (St. George, UT USA), and Yuksekbilgili Egitim & Danismanli (Istanbul, Turkey).

Winners of the 2024 People’s Choice Stevie® Awards for Favorite Customer Service, announced on April 4, were also honored at the April 12 awards gala. People’s Choice Stevie Award winners receive the coveted crystal People’s Choice Stevie Award, which is determined by a worldwide public vote.

The presentations were broadcast live via Vimeo and are available to watch online.

Nominations for the 2025 edition of the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service will be accepted starting this July. The entry kit may be requested at http://www.StevieAwards.com/Sales.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the new Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries annually from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Sponsors of the 18th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service include Sales Partnerships, Inc. Support Services Group, Inc., and ValueSelling Associates, Inc.

Media Contact:
Nina Moore
+1 (703) 547-8389
Nina@StevieAwards.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0520bf9-f814-4189-9d3f-b3a1f8a31877

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9089907

Stephen Fry, Annie Lennox, Christiana Figueres, Forest Whitaker, David Miliband, Graça Machel, Helen Clark and Paul Polman among 100+ signatories of letter to G20 leaders

LONDON, April 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eighty years on from the establishment of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, a coalition of leading actors, politicians, artists and economists have written to leaders of the world’s major economies, urging them to upgrade the global financial system to solve the debt and climate crises and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The letter is being published ahead of World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings and builds on calls for global public finance reform led by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Kenyan President William Ruto, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

It urges rich countries to triple their investment in multilateral development banks, end crippling debt, and make polluters pay for the environmental damage they cause.

Signatories include economist Mariana Mazzucato, businessman Dr. Mo Ibrahim, actor Dia Mirza, former politicians Rory Stewart, Joyce Banda, Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul and Helle Thorning-Schmidt, and filmmakers Richard Curtis, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado and KondZilla.

“The institutions of world finance have lost their muscle,” the letter reads. “The world is rocked by conflict, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and spiralling inflation. All of which are compounded by the devastation wrought by climate change. The Sustainable Development Goals are under threat. Too many feel scarcity, austerity, despair.”

Dr Joyce Banda, Former President of the Republic of Malawi: “As African leaders, we need to invest in resilience, education, health and nutrition but we’re being held back by unfair debt. Climate change has brought untold suffering to our people through loss of infrastructure and arable lands, leading to incessant hunger. We have no choice but to borrow more, perpetuating the vicious cycle. This has to stop. It’s time to transform global public finance to pave the way for a fairer, more stable future for all.”

David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee: “Climate, conflict and poverty are closely linked – the world’s most fragile and conflict-affected states are often the most climate-vulnerable. To end extreme poverty and unlock sustainable development, G20 leaders should back financial architecture reform, deliver more concessional finance via the World Bank’s International Development Association, and work with civil society to ensure the money gets to where it’s needed most.”

The letter – also signed by Save The Children, ONE Campaign, Oxfam, Project Everyone and Christian Aid – urges the leaders of the world’s major economies to seize the opportunity of reform: “Change is already underway. The architects of the World Bank and the IMF earned their place in history. This is your chance to fulfil their promise: to transform these instruments for peace and prosperity and truly set them to work in our common interest.”

• The letter will go live at 00:01 BST on Monday 15 April here
• Media contact: zofia.tanaka@digacommunications.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000934628

Originating from London, EBC Financial Group aims to build leadership in finance through becoming the Club’s official foreign exchange partner across Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania.

BARCELONA, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FC Barcelona and EBC Financial Group (EBC) are pleased to announce their partnership in the foreign exchange sector across multiple regions for 3.5 years, commencing today. This partnership designates EBC as FC Barcelona’s official Partner in Foreign Exchange, with coverage extending to regions including APAC, LATAM, the Middle East, and Africa.

This partnership marks a significant milestone for EBC, aligning the brand with the respected legacy and global reach of FC Barcelona. Under this exclusive agreement, EBC is granted the unique privilege to engage in specialized business activities within the foreign exchange domain. The partnership encompasses a range of services, including foreign exchange transactions, trading, brokering (including CFDs), and advisory services.

Through this alliance, EBC is set to innovate and inspire, drawing on the club’s rich cultural heritage and passionate fanbase to cultivate meaningful engagement and establish a lasting presence in key regions with a brand-new audience, fostering connections with a vibrant, global community that transcend traditional market boundaries. It is also an unparalleled opportunity to bring FC Barcelona closer to its partners, supporters, and Culers in these regions, alongside its global expansion strategy to grow and continue to lead the industry via exploring the right partners in different sectors.

EBC Financial Group, founded in the esteemed financial centre of London, is a comprehensive financial services group renowned for its expertise in online trading, asset management and investment consultation. With offices strategically located in prominent financial centres, such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, the Cayman Islands, Singapore, Bangkok, Limassol, and more, EBC caters to a diverse clientele of retail, professional and institutional investors worldwide. Known for its institutional-grade trading environment, the group provides tailor-made financial brokerage, trading services, and an extensive array of investment solutions.

A signing event to commemorate this significant milestone between the Club and EBC will be held at the revamped Spotify Camp Nou at a later date.

Strategic Alliance Sealed: EBC Financial Group Joins Forces with FC Barcelona

EBC Financial Group and FC Barcelona, alongside President Joan Laporta, celebrate the union of finance and football with a ceremonial jersey exchange.

Statement by Samuel Hertz, APAC Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group and David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd:

“Even though EBC is only four years old, we’ve only grown because we demand the best from ourselves and the industry. We’ve delved deep into FC Barcelona’s storied history, learning from their culture of mentorship where the experienced guide the new, and the new inspire the younger, creating a continuum of growth and excellence. This isn’t just a partnership; it’s a shared journey towards greatness, embodying a culture where success is not just about winning but about fostering values, nurturing talent, and contributing positively to society. We’re inspired by Barca’s way of doing things, their culture where veterans nurture newcomers, passing on wisdom and passion. Our choice of FC Barcelona as a partner is deliberate and profound; it’s about learning from the best and embedding their ethos of teamwork, respect, and ambition into our DNA,” stated Samuel Hertz, APAC Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group.

David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited, the UK subsidiary of EBC Financial Group added, “Being able to forge a partnership with such a strong and respected brand as FC Barcelona underlines the groups ambition to always push ourselves to the highest levels of achievement as possible. EBC Financial Group has firms regulated in the UK by the FCA, Australia by ASIC and the Caymans by CIMA – all highly respected global centres in financial markets – this partnership with FC Barcelona underlines our efforts to align and partner with the best in all aspects.”

Statement by Juli Guiu, Marketing Area Vice President at FC Barcelona:

“This partnership coincides with FC Barcelona’s global expansion plan in recent years, I’m sure that this will help the Club open up a wealth of opportunities in the financial sector through these 3.5 years of partnership with the well-renowned EBC Financial Group. With the untapped potentials we see in the Asia Pacific region, as well as the growing economies in South & Central America, Mexico, Africa, and Middle East, we’re excited to build more connections with brands, partners, supporters, and Culers in these regions.”

About EBC Financial Group
Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its comprehensive suite of services that includes financial brokerage, asset management, and comprehensive investment solutions. With offices strategically located in prominent financial centres, such as London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, Bangkok, Limassol, and more, EBC caters to a diverse clientele of retail, professional, and institutional investors worldwide.

Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to the highest levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd is regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).

At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

https://www.ebc.com/

About FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona was founded in 1899 and is currently owned by its more than 144,000 members. It is considered the finest multi-sports club in the world and has 125 years of history. Although rooted in its city and its country, Catalonia, its outlook is global. It has official offices in cities in three different continents: Barcelona, Hong Kong, and New York.

Barça seeks to change the world through sporting excellence. This also includes the world of knowledge and innovation through the Barça Innovation Hub (BIHUB). The club is also recognised for its commitment to social causes, which it channels through the FC Barcelona Foundation, and for its work to educate children in the positive values of sport. Barça’s growth in recent years has led it to have more than 486 million followers on social networks.

www.fcbarcelona.com

Media Contact:
Douglas Chew
douglas.chew@ebc.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b03d2a3-2caa-4e2a-a1cd-aa739ccaf676

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GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9088105

• Global ASICS study of 26,000 people reaffirms the connection between movement and the mind and uncovers a direct link between teenage physical activity and adult mental wellbeing
• Each additional year a teenager remains engaged in exercise is associated with improved State of Mind scores in adulthood, with the ages of 15-17 identified as the most critical years for staying active
• Yet, younger generations are disengaging from exercise earlier and in larger numbers, potentially impacting their mental wellbeing now and for years to come

LONDON, April 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, ASICS is announcing the results of its second Global State of Mind Study, which reaffirms a positive link between physical exercise and mental wellbeing and uncovers a link between being physically active in teenage years and positive mental wellbeing in adulthood.

The study of over 26,000 respondents across 22 countries found that the more people exercise, the higher their State of Mind scores¹. Across the globe, respondents who are regularly active² have an average State of Mind score of 67/100, while inactive³ people have a much lower State of Mind score of just 54/100.

What’s more, the study uncovered that being physically active in your teenage years directly impacts your mind later in life. Participants who engaged in exercise throughout their adolescence report higher activity levels and State of Mind scores as adults. The findings indicate that remaining active as a teenager is key to establishing good exercise habits that last into adulthood and positively impact adult mental wellbeing.

In fact, the study was able to pinpoint the ages of 15-17 as the most critical years for staying active and when dropping out of exercise significantly affects your mental state for years to come. Those who regularly exercised at 15-17 years old are found to be more likely to remain active later in life and report higher State of Mind scores as adults (64/100 vs 61/100) than those who weren’t active during these years.

In comparison, respondents who dropped out of exercise before the age of 15 displayed the lowest activity levels and lowest State of Mind scores in adulthood. 30% are still inactive as adults and they are shown to be 11% less focused, 10% less confident, 10% less calm and 10% less composed compared to those who were able to exercise throughout adolescence.

In fact, every year a teenager remained engaged in regular exercise is associated with improved State of Mind scores in adulthood. Those who stopped exercising before the age of 15 display an average State of Mind score 15% lower than the global average, while a decline in physical activity at 16-17 and before the age of 22 reduced their average scores by 13% and 6% respectively.

Worryingly, the study also uncovered an exercise generation gap, with younger generations being increasingly less active. 57% of the Silent Generation (aged 78+) said they were active daily in their childhoods compared to just 19% of Gen Z (aged 18-27), showing a concerning trend of younger generations dropping out of physical activity earlier and in larger numbers than the generations before them.

Globally, members of Gen Z have the lowest State of Mind scores with an average of 62/100 compared to the Baby Boomers’ 68/100 and the Silent Generation’s 70/100.

Professor Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in exercise and mental health from King’s College London, said: “It is worrying to see this decline in activity levels from younger respondents at such a critical age, particularly as the study uncovered an association with lower wellbeing in adulthood”.

Gen Zs across the world are already exhibiting the lowest State of Mind scores (62/100) in comparison to the Silent Generation (70/100), so this could be hugely impactful for future mental wellbeing across the world.”

Tomoko Koda, Managing Executive Officer for ASICS, said: “ASICS was founded on the belief that sport and exercise benefit not only the body, but also the mind. It’s why we’re called ASICS: ‘Anima Sana in Corpore Sano’ or ‘Sound Mind in a Sound Body’. The results of our second global State of Mind Study show how important it is that young people stay active and the impact this can have on their minds for years to come. At ASICS, we’re committed to supporting and inspiring people to move for positive mental wellbeing throughout their lifetime.”

To find out more visit:
https://www.asics.com/us/en-us/mk/stateofmindstudy2024

NOTES FOR EDITOR

About the ASICS 2024 State of Mind Study
The 2024 State of Mind Study was conducted between 17 November – 21 December 2023 and explored the relationship between exercise and State of Mind across the world.

Over 26,000 people were surveyed across 22 markets including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, UAE, the UK and the US. Each market sample was nationally representative by age and gender.

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¹The ASICS State of Mind score is out of 100, calculated based on the accumulative mean scores across ten cognitive and emotional traits – positive, content, relaxed, focused, composed, resilient, confident, alert, calm, energized.

²150 minutes or more of physical activity per week (as defined by Sport England).

³Less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week (as defined by Sport England).

---

Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of running shoes as well as other athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com.

The stripe design featured on the sides of the ASICS^® shoes is a registered trademark of ASICS Corporation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25d28040-7b04-44cb-a421-97418e91c297

MEDIA CONTACTS:
For further information or to organise interviews, please contact asics.somi@golin.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000933726

• Global ASICS study of 26,000 people reaffirms the connection between movement and the mind and uncovers a direct link between teenage physical activity and adult mental wellbeing
• Each additional year a teenager remains engaged in exercise is associated with improved State of Mind scores in adulthood, with the ages of 15-17 identified as the most critical years for staying active
• Yet, younger generations are disengaging from exercise earlier and in larger numbers, potentially impacting their mental wellbeing now and for years to come

LONDON, April 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, ASICS is announcing the results of its second Global State of Mind Study, which reaffirms a positive link between physical exercise and mental wellbeing and uncovers a link between being physically active in teenage years and positive mental wellbeing in adulthood.

The study of over 26,000 respondents across 22 countries found that the more people exercise, the higher their State of Mind scores¹. Across the globe, respondents who are regularly active² have an average State of Mind score of 67/100, while inactive³ people have a much lower State of Mind score of just 54/100.

What’s more, the study uncovered that being physically active in your teenage years directly impacts your mind later in life. Participants who engaged in exercise throughout their adolescence report higher activity levels and State of Mind scores as adults. The findings indicate that remaining active as a teenager is key to establishing good exercise habits that last into adulthood and positively impact adult mental wellbeing.

In fact, the study was able to pinpoint the ages of 15-17 as the most critical years for staying active and when dropping out of exercise significantly affects your mental state for years to come. Those who regularly exercised at 15-17 years old are found to be more likely to remain active later in life and report higher State of Mind scores as adults (64/100 vs 61/100) than those who weren’t active during these years.

In comparison, respondents who dropped out of exercise before the age of 15 displayed the lowest activity levels and lowest State of Mind scores in adulthood. 30% are still inactive as adults and they are shown to be 11% less focused, 10% less confident, 10% less calm and 10% less composed compared to those who were able to exercise throughout adolescence.

In fact, every year a teenager remained engaged in regular exercise is associated with improved State of Mind scores in adulthood. Those who stopped exercising before the age of 15 display an average State of Mind score 15% lower than the global average, while a decline in physical activity at 16-17 and before the age of 22 reduced their average scores by 13% and 6% respectively.

Worryingly, the study also uncovered an exercise generation gap, with younger generations being increasingly less active. 57% of the Silent Generation (aged 78+) said they were active daily in their childhoods compared to just 19% of Gen Z (aged 18-27), showing a concerning trend of younger generations dropping out of physical activity earlier and in larger numbers than the generations before them.

Globally, members of Gen Z have the lowest State of Mind scores with an average of 62/100 compared to the Baby Boomers’ 68/100 and the Silent Generation’s 70/100.

Professor Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in exercise and mental health from King’s College London, said: “It is worrying to see this decline in activity levels from younger respondents at such a critical age, particularly as the study uncovered an association with lower wellbeing in adulthood”.

Gen Zs across the world are already exhibiting the lowest State of Mind scores (62/100) in comparison to the Silent Generation (70/100), so this could be hugely impactful for future mental wellbeing across the world.”

Tomoko Koda, Managing Executive Officer for ASICS, said: “ASICS was founded on the belief that sport and exercise benefit not only the body, but also the mind. It’s why we’re called ASICS: ‘Anima Sana in Corpore Sano’ or ‘Sound Mind in a Sound Body’. The results of our second global State of Mind Study show how important it is that young people stay active and the impact this can have on their minds for years to come. At ASICS, we’re committed to supporting and inspiring people to move for positive mental wellbeing throughout their lifetime.”

To find out more visit:
https://www.asics.com/us/en-us/mk/stateofmindstudy2024

NOTES FOR EDITOR

About the ASICS 2024 State of Mind Study
The 2024 State of Mind Study was conducted between 17 November – 21 December 2023 and explored the relationship between exercise and State of Mind across the world.

Over 26,000 people were surveyed across 22 markets including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, UAE, the UK and the US. Each market sample was nationally representative by age and gender.

---

¹The ASICS State of Mind score is out of 100, calculated based on the accumulative mean scores across ten cognitive and emotional traits – positive, content, relaxed, focused, composed, resilient, confident, alert, calm, energized.

²150 minutes or more of physical activity per week (as defined by Sport England).

³Less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week (as defined by Sport England).

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Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of running shoes as well as other athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com.

The stripe design featured on the sides of the ASICS^® shoes is a registered trademark of ASICS Corporation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25d28040-7b04-44cb-a421-97418e91c297

MEDIA CONTACTS:
For further information or to organise interviews, please contact asics.somi@golin.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000933726

• Global ASICS study of 26,000 people reaffirms the connection between movement and the mind and uncovers a direct link between teenage physical activity and adult mental wellbeing
• Each additional year a teenager remains engaged in exercise is associated with improved State of Mind scores in adulthood, with the ages of 15-17 identified as the most critical years for staying active
• Yet, younger generations are disengaging from exercise earlier and in larger numbers, potentially impacting their mental wellbeing now and for years to come

LONDON, April 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, ASICS is announcing the results of its second Global State of Mind Study, which reaffirms a positive link between physical exercise and mental wellbeing and uncovers a link between being physically active in teenage years and positive mental wellbeing in adulthood.

The study of over 26,000 respondents across 22 countries found that the more people exercise, the higher their State of Mind scores¹. Across the globe, respondents who are regularly active² have an average State of Mind score of 67/100, while inactive³ people have a much lower State of Mind score of just 54/100.

What’s more, the study uncovered that being physically active in your teenage years directly impacts your mind later in life. Participants who engaged in exercise throughout their adolescence report higher activity levels and State of Mind scores as adults. The findings indicate that remaining active as a teenager is key to establishing good exercise habits that last into adulthood and positively impact adult mental wellbeing.

In fact, the study was able to pinpoint the ages of 15-17 as the most critical years for staying active and when dropping out of exercise significantly affects your mental state for years to come. Those who regularly exercised at 15-17 years old are found to be more likely to remain active later in life and report higher State of Mind scores as adults (64/100 vs 61/100) than those who weren’t active during these years.

In comparison, respondents who dropped out of exercise before the age of 15 displayed the lowest activity levels and lowest State of Mind scores in adulthood. 30% are still inactive as adults and they are shown to be 11% less focused, 10% less confident, 10% less calm and 10% less composed compared to those who were able to exercise throughout adolescence.

In fact, every year a teenager remained engaged in regular exercise is associated with improved State of Mind scores in adulthood. Those who stopped exercising before the age of 15 display an average State of Mind score 15% lower than the global average, while a decline in physical activity at 16-17 and before the age of 22 reduced their average scores by 13% and 6% respectively.

Worryingly, the study also uncovered an exercise generation gap, with younger generations being increasingly less active. 57% of the Silent Generation (aged 78+) said they were active daily in their childhoods compared to just 19% of Gen Z (aged 18-27), showing a concerning trend of younger generations dropping out of physical activity earlier and in larger numbers than the generations before them.

Globally, members of Gen Z have the lowest State of Mind scores with an average of 62/100 compared to the Baby Boomers’ 68/100 and the Silent Generation’s 70/100.

Professor Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in exercise and mental health from King’s College London, said: “It is worrying to see this decline in activity levels from younger respondents at such a critical age, particularly as the study uncovered an association with lower wellbeing in adulthood”.

Gen Zs across the world are already exhibiting the lowest State of Mind scores (62/100) in comparison to the Silent Generation (70/100), so this could be hugely impactful for future mental wellbeing across the world.”

Tomoko Koda, Managing Executive Officer for ASICS, said: “ASICS was founded on the belief that sport and exercise benefit not only the body, but also the mind. It’s why we’re called ASICS: ‘Anima Sana in Corpore Sano’ or ‘Sound Mind in a Sound Body’. The results of our second global State of Mind Study show how important it is that young people stay active and the impact this can have on their minds for years to come. At ASICS, we’re committed to supporting and inspiring people to move for positive mental wellbeing throughout their lifetime.”

To find out more visit:
https://www.asics.com/us/en-us/mk/stateofmindstudy2024

NOTES FOR EDITOR

About the ASICS 2024 State of Mind Study
The 2024 State of Mind Study was conducted between 17 November – 21 December 2023 and explored the relationship between exercise and State of Mind across the world.

Over 26,000 people were surveyed across 22 markets including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, UAE, the UK and the US. Each market sample was nationally representative by age and gender.

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¹The ASICS State of Mind score is out of 100, calculated based on the accumulative mean scores across ten cognitive and emotional traits – positive, content, relaxed, focused, composed, resilient, confident, alert, calm, energized.

²150 minutes or more of physical activity per week (as defined by Sport England).

³Less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week (as defined by Sport England).

---

Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of running shoes as well as other athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com.

The stripe design featured on the sides of the ASICS^® shoes is a registered trademark of ASICS Corporation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25d28040-7b04-44cb-a421-97418e91c297

MEDIA CONTACTS:
For further information or to organise interviews, please contact asics.somi@golin.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000933726