Strategy developed under MAS EQDP to capture under-researched opportunities in Singapore equities
SINGAPORE, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Investments today announced the launch of the Manulife Singapore Opportunities Income Strategy ("the Strategy"), a Singapore-focused equity income and growth strategy introduced under the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP).
The Strategy aligns with EQDP's broader market‑building efforts aimed at deepening research coverage, improving liquidity and broadening investor participation. It is designed to capture the opportunities emerging as these enhancements strengthen the overall ecosystem, particularly in areas of the market that remain under‑researched. Investing exclusively in Singapore‑listed equities and equity‑related securities across market capitalisations, the Strategy places particular emphasis on small‑ and mid‑cap companies, where lower coverage and persistent valuation inefficiencies create a compelling opportunity set.
"Being selected for MAS's EQDP is a meaningful endorsement of our deep understanding of Singapore's equity market and our on-the-ground investment capabilities." said Hui-Jian Koh, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore, Manulife Investments.
"Our Singapore‑based investment team is deeply connected to the local market, supported by the breadth of our Asia and global research network. This combination of local expertise and regional depth allows us to identify opportunities in Singapore that are often under‑researched. The Singapore Opportunities Income Strategy builds on this foundation, offering investors a differentiated income‑and‑growth proposition while contributing to the continued development of Singapore's equity ecosystem", Koh concluded.
Income and growth through a disciplined, bottom-up approach
The Manulife Singapore Opportunities Income Strategy seeks to deliver a balanced income and growth outcome through active stock selection. Income is generated primarily through dividends, complemented by disciplined profit-taking as stocks approach fair value, while retaining exposure to longer-term growth opportunities.
Rather than operating as a pure dividend strategy, the portfolio is constructed to balance income stability with capital appreciation, enabling investors to benefit from valuation re-ratings arising from corporate restructuring, capital management initiatives and market reforms.
Stock selection is driven by a bottom-up, fundamentals-based investment framework, which assesses companies across growth prospects, cash-flow generation, management quality and valuation, with a strong emphasis on identifying clear catalysts for potential re-rating.
Capturing value in under‑researched small‑ and mid‑cap names
Hock Fai Chan, Head of Equities, Singapore, Manulife Investment Management, said: "Singapore's unique equity universe offers a broad and diverse opportunity set that extends well beyond the largest index constituents. We continue to see valuation gaps in small- and mid-cap companies, where research coverage is limited and catalysts for change are increasingly evident. This strategy is designed to capture these opportunities while contributing to the broader development of the market."
Singapore's small- and mid-cap segment presents a particularly compelling opportunity set, given lower sell-side coverage, greater pricing inefficiencies and a rising focus on shareholder returns.
The strategy will typically hold 30 to 50 high‑conviction positions, constructed with a strong emphasis on risk discipline, liquidity awareness and diversification. While benchmarked to the FTSE ST All‑Share Index, portfolio construction remains conviction‑led rather than index‑replicated, enabling the strategy to allocate more dynamically to areas of mispricing.
Singapore's structural strengths underpin the investment case
Singapore's appeal as a financial and wealth hub continues to strengthen, supported by resilient macroeconomic fundamentals — including sustained per‑capita GDP growth, robust foreign direct investment flows and sizeable national reserves. Singapore equities have also been among the best‑performing markets globally, returning close to 36%1 in the past year and outperforming regional and developed‑market peers. At the same time, dividend yields of around 4.8%2 remain among the highest across Asia and major developed markets, reinforcing the market's safe‑haven appeal for income‑oriented investors. Structural reforms — including MAS's EQDP — are beginning to lift research coverage and deepen market liquidity. This progress is particularly evident in the small‑ and mid‑cap segment, where under‑analysed companies are starting to attract more attention from investors. As companies accelerate restructuring efforts and deploy increasingly efficient balance sheets, structural growth trends in digital infrastructure, data centres and the energy transition are adding depth to the opportunity set and supporting a constructive medium‑term outlook for Singapore equities.
For more information about the Manulife Singapore Opportunities Income Strategy, visit: Manulife Singapore Opportunities Income Fund.
About Manulife Wealth & Asset Management
As part of Manulife Financial Corporation, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management's mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by helping people invest confidently to pursue a more secure financial future. Our strength comes from the diversity of our global asset management expertise and distribution capabilities. Our global investment teams span equities, fixed income, alternative credit, private markets, and multi-asset solutions. We provide investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to millions of individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the heart of our approach are three cultural pillars: Partner for Progress, Trust through Transparency, and Intellectual Curiosity. These values shape how we build long-term relationships, develop differentiated investment strategies, and empower advisors and clients to seek meaningful financial outcomes. Whether through cutting-edge technology, AI innovation, personalized advice, or sustainable stewardship, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management is a trusted partner helping clients navigate complexity and invest with confidence. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.
Media Contact
Wynne Fung
Manulife Investment Management
T: +852 9265 2609
E: Wynne_WY_Fung@manulifeam.com
Thomas Kwan
Penta Group
T: +852 9018 2500
E: thomas.kwan@pentagroup.com
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| 1 Source: Bloomberg, as of December 31, 2025. Performance in USD. Europe = Euro Stoxx 50 Index, Singapore = FTSE ST All Share Index. Asia ex Japan = MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index, Japan = Nikkei 225 Index, World = MSCI AC World Index, US = S&P 500 Index,
ASEAN = MSCI ASEAN Index. |
| 2 Source: Bloomberg, J.P. Morgan. November 2025. |
_______________________________
1 Source: Bloomberg, as of December 31, 2025. Performance in USD. Europe = Euro Stoxx 50 Index, Singapore = FTSE ST All Share Index. Asia ex Japan = MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index, Japan = Nikkei 225 Index, World = MSCI AC World Index, US = S&P 500 Index,
ASEAN = MSCI ASEAN Index.
2 Source: Bloomberg, J.P. Morgan. November 2025.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Manulife Investments Targets Under-researched Singapore Small‑ and Mid‑Caps With New Income Strategy
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In the news release, CooperVision Expands MyDay® MiSight® 1 day Myopia Control Soft Contact Lenses Into Asia Pacific Region, issued 02-Mar-2026 by CooperVision, Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:
CooperVision Expands MyDay® MiSight® 1 day Myopia Control Soft Contact Lenses Into Asia Pacific Region
Second Phase of Rollout Builds on Strong Momentum Across Europe and UK.
ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CooperVision is continuing its global rollout of MyDay® MiSight® 1 day contact lenses with immediate availability in Australia and New Zealand, marking the myopia control product's first entry into the Asia Pacific region. In addition, the innovative lenses are now shipping in South Africa, building on the initial launch earlier this year across Europe and the United Kingdom.
The expansions underscore the company's commitment to making evidence-based myopia management interventions accessible to eye care professionals (ECPs) and children worldwide.
"Myopia is a pressing health challenge of epic proportions, now affecting nearly one in three children worldwide," said Debbie Olive, Chief Commercial Officer for CooperVision.*1,2,3 "The growing availability and adoption of our myopia control contact lenses, including MyDay® MiSight® 1 day, are helping drive a meaningful shift in pediatric eye care by supporting children's vision today while helping protect their sight for the future."
MyDay® MiSight® 1 day combines the proven MiSight® 1 day ActivControl® Technology with the advanced silicone hydrogel material used in MyDay® lenses, offering "always-on" myopia control alongside the comfort and performance of a daily disposable silicone hydrogel lens.†4 This technology has demonstrated an approximate 50% reduction in myopia progression and is supported by the longest-running soft contact lens clinical trial for myopia control in children. ‡5,6
"The introduction of MyDay® MiSight® 1 day into the Asia Pacific region marks an important milestone in our global efforts to make the latest in evidence-based myopia control accessible to as many children as possible," said Jennifer Lambert, VP – Myopia Control & Cornea Care for CooperVision, CooperVision. "As MiSight® products become available in more markets worldwide, CooperVision's scale and focus are driving a shift in the paradigm, from simply correcting vision to actively controlling myopia progression."
CooperVision expects to continue its phased MyDay® MiSight® 1 day expansion in the coming months, including additional availability in Asia Pacific markets.
To find out more about CooperVision's contact lens portfolio and evidence-based myopia management interventions, visit: www.coopervision.com/select-region
About CooperVision
CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of contact lenses. The company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly soft contact lenses that feature advanced materials and optics, and premium rigid gas permeable lenses for orthokeratology and scleral designs. CooperVision has a strong heritage of addressing the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia, childhood myopia, and highly irregular corneas; and offers the most complete portfolio of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com.
About CooperCompanies
CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO) is a leading global medical device company focused on helping people experience life's beautiful moments through its two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision is a trusted leader in the contact lens industry, helping to improve the way people see each day. CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women's healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most. Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., CooperCompanies has a workforce of more than 15,000, sells products in over 130 countries, and positively impacts over 50 million lives each year. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, among others, statements regarding the launch of MyDay® MiSight® 1 day. Forward-looking statements necessarily depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results and future actions to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements are risks relating to challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new or alternative products; potential product performance, availability and quality issues; competition; launch delays; and other factors described in CooperCompanies' Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the "Business", "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections in Cooper's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, as such Risk Factors may be updated in annual and quarterly filings. CooperCompanies cautions investors that forward-looking statements reflect the company's analysis only on their stated date. CooperCompanies disclaims any intent to update them except as required by law.
Media Contact
Laura DiCaprio, APR
McDougall Communications for CooperVision
laura@mcdougallpr.com or +1-585-434-2148
_________________________________
* Based on a comprehensive analysis of 276 studies, involving a total of 5,410,945 children and adolescents with spherical equivalent of -0.50D or less, aged 6-19 from across 50 countries, with notable variations in prevalence across different demographic groups.
† Proven to slow myopia progression in children compared to a single vision 1-day lens over a 3-year period.
‡ Using measured and modeled data, pooled across ages (8-17), myopia progression was slowed by an average of approximately 50% with MiSight® 1 day, which shares the same ActivControl® Technology with MyDay® MiSight® 1 day.
_________________________________
1 Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-1042.
2 Liang J, Pu Y, Chen J, et al, Global prevalence, trend and projection of myopia in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2050: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, British Journal of Ophthalmology 2025;109:362-371.
3 James S. Wolffsohn, Monica Jong, Earl L. Smith, Serge R. Resnikoff, Jost B. Jonas, Nicola S. Logan, Ian Morgan, Padmaja Sankaridurg, Kyoko Ohno-Matsui; IMI 2021 Reports and Digest – Reflections on the Implications for Clinical Practice. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2021;62(5):1. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.62.5.1.
4 Chamberlain P et al A 3-year Randomized Clinical Trial of MiSight Lenses for Myopia Control. OVS 2019;96:556-567.
5 Arumugam B et al. Modelling Age Effects of Myopia Progression for the MiSight 1 day Clinical Trial. IOVS 2021;62(8):2333.
6 CVI data on file, 2025.
Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2922809/CooperVision_MyDay_MiSight_1_day.jpg?p=medium600
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2854596/5829336/CooperVision_Logo.jpg
Correction: The first paragraph has been revised.
In the news release, CooperVision Expands MyDay® MiSight® 1 day Myopia Control Soft Contact Lenses Into Asia Pacific Region, issued 02-Mar-2026 by CooperVision, Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:
Second Phase of Rollout Builds on Strong Momentum Across Europe and UK.
ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CooperVision is continuing its global rollout of MyDay® MiSight® 1 day contact lenses with immediate availability in Australia and New Zealand, marking the myopia control product's first entry into the Asia Pacific region. In addition, the innovative lenses are now shipping in South Africa, building on the initial launch earlier this year across Europe and the United Kingdom.
The expansions underscore the company's commitment to making evidence-based myopia management interventions accessible to eye care professionals (ECPs) and children worldwide.
"Myopia is a pressing health challenge of epic proportions, now affecting nearly one in three children worldwide," said Debbie Olive, Chief Commercial Officer for CooperVision.*1,2,3 "The growing availability and adoption of our myopia control contact lenses, including MyDay® MiSight® 1 day, are helping drive a meaningful shift in pediatric eye care by supporting children's vision today while helping protect their sight for the future."
MyDay® MiSight® 1 day combines the proven MiSight® 1 day ActivControl® Technology with the advanced silicone hydrogel material used in MyDay® lenses, offering "always-on" myopia control alongside the comfort and performance of a daily disposable silicone hydrogel lens.†4 This technology has demonstrated an approximate 50% reduction in myopia progression and is supported by the longest-running soft contact lens clinical trial for myopia control in children. ‡5,6
"The introduction of MyDay® MiSight® 1 day into the Asia Pacific region marks an important milestone in our global efforts to make the latest in evidence-based myopia control accessible to as many children as possible," said Jennifer Lambert, VP – Myopia Control & Cornea Care for CooperVision, CooperVision. "As MiSight® products become available in more markets worldwide, CooperVision's scale and focus are driving a shift in the paradigm, from simply correcting vision to actively controlling myopia progression."
CooperVision expects to continue its phased MyDay® MiSight® 1 day expansion in the coming months, including additional availability in Asia Pacific markets.
To find out more about CooperVision's contact lens portfolio and evidence-based myopia management interventions, visit: www.coopervision.com/select-region
About CooperVision
CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of contact lenses. The company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly soft contact lenses that feature advanced materials and optics, and premium rigid gas permeable lenses for orthokeratology and scleral designs. CooperVision has a strong heritage of addressing the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia, childhood myopia, and highly irregular corneas; and offers the most complete portfolio of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com.
About CooperCompanies
CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO) is a leading global medical device company focused on helping people experience life's beautiful moments through its two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision is a trusted leader in the contact lens industry, helping to improve the way people see each day. CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women's healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most. Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., CooperCompanies has a workforce of more than 15,000, sells products in over 130 countries, and positively impacts over 50 million lives each year. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, among others, statements regarding the launch of MyDay® MiSight® 1 day. Forward-looking statements necessarily depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results and future actions to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements are risks relating to challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new or alternative products; potential product performance, availability and quality issues; competition; launch delays; and other factors described in CooperCompanies' Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the "Business", "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections in Cooper's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, as such Risk Factors may be updated in annual and quarterly filings. CooperCompanies cautions investors that forward-looking statements reflect the company's analysis only on their stated date. CooperCompanies disclaims any intent to update them except as required by law.
Media Contact
Laura DiCaprio, APR
McDougall Communications for CooperVision
laura@mcdougallpr.com or +1-585-434-2148
_________________________________
* Based on a comprehensive analysis of 276 studies, involving a total of 5,410,945 children and adolescents with spherical equivalent of -0.50D or less, aged 6-19 from across 50 countries, with notable variations in prevalence across different demographic groups.
† Proven to slow myopia progression in children compared to a single vision 1-day lens over a 3-year period.
‡ Using measured and modeled data, pooled across ages (8-17), myopia progression was slowed by an average of approximately 50% with MiSight® 1 day, which shares the same ActivControl® Technology with MyDay® MiSight® 1 day.
_________________________________
1 Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-1042.
2 Liang J, Pu Y, Chen J, et al, Global prevalence, trend and projection of myopia in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2050: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, British Journal of Ophthalmology 2025;109:362-371.
3 James S. Wolffsohn, Monica Jong, Earl L. Smith, Serge R. Resnikoff, Jost B. Jonas, Nicola S. Logan, Ian Morgan, Padmaja Sankaridurg, Kyoko Ohno-Matsui; IMI 2021 Reports and Digest – Reflections on the Implications for Clinical Practice. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2021;62(5):1. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.62.5.1.
4 Chamberlain P et al A 3-year Randomized Clinical Trial of MiSight Lenses for Myopia Control. OVS 2019;96:556-567.
5 Arumugam B et al. Modelling Age Effects of Myopia Progression for the MiSight 1 day Clinical Trial. IOVS 2021;62(8):2333.
6 CVI data on file, 2025.
Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2922809/CooperVision_MyDay_MiSight_1_day.jpg?p=medium600
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2854596/5829336/CooperVision_Logo.jpg
Correction: The first paragraph has been revised.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
CooperVision Expands MyDay® MiSight® 1 day Myopia Control Soft Contact Lenses Into Asia Pacific Region
