You always work hard to earn more. But shouldn’t your earnings also work hard for you?

For over 131 years, we have been steadfast in our commitment to help our Clients navigate life’s challenges with lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. We are excited to officially launch a new cross-channel brand promotion, further demonstrating Sun Life's unwavering commitment to the Hong Kong market. We aim to strengthen our leadership position in life and health, wealth and pensions, and asset management, and to establish Sun Life as an influential and sustainable top-tier brand. 

Our heartfelt advertisements will captivate the audience, conveying the message that no matter what sort of adversity or challenge we might face, Sun Life will always be there with you, illuminating the lives of every Hong Konger.  

Look out for our advertisements across TV, taxi’s, cinema, and social media platforms from October through to the end of December 2023! 

With effect from 29 November 2023, a new constituent fund, namely Sun Life MPF US & Hong Kong Equity Fund, will be established under the Sun Life Rainbow MPF Scheme (“the Scheme”). There will be no impact on the fee structure, investment objective, policy, restrictions, risk profile and dealing arrangement of the existing constituent funds under the Scheme.

For more details, please refer to the latest addendum to the MPF Scheme Brochure of the Scheme.

Our BestServe MPF mobile app is undergoing a transformation and will be renamed the Sun Life MPF in early November. The name change, together with the refreshed look, will make it easier for you to recognize and connect with us.

What's in Store for You in Sun Life MPF Mobile App?

• Effortless MPF Management
  
  Take charge of your MPF account and portfolio at one glance, enabling you to easily modify investment mandate and switch funds according to your needs and preferences.
  
  
• Efficient Access to E-Statements
  
  Keep track of your records and transactions with our app by accessing and downloading electronic statements issued over the past 24 months.
  
  
• Convenient Instruction Handling
  
  Stay up-to-date anytime and anywhere on the status of your instructions and cancel any submitted instructions before the cut-off time, right at your fingertips.
  
  
• Keep Contact Information Updated
  
  Stay connected by easily updating your contact details through our app, ensuring that you receive timely and relevant notifications.

Have you thought about at what age you plan to retire? What would you like to do in retirement? What do you fear most about retirement? 

If you have the same fear as Ada Kung, our Chief Investment Strategist of Sun Life Asset Management, she’ll explain how to leverage the compound interest effect to “accumulate small amounts to create a larger whole” for the future, by an additional $1,000 monthly MPF voluntary contribution. Click to watch the video: https://youtu.be/Q7t-JR-o9jk.

Want to find out how much more you will need to save for retirement? Click here to use our Retirement Savings Calculator: https://sunlife.co/2hdh

This video is voice over in Cantonese with both Chinese and English subtitles. 

*Note: The content in the video is only for general information sharing. It is not a form of investment opinion, it is neither an invitation of investment, nor an agreement to make a purchase of any investment product. Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited is not responsible for any loss or damage arise from the information or opinion featured in this video and not responsible for the completeness of any information or opinion. Investment involves risks and past performance is not indicative of future performance. Investment return may rise as well as fall due to market condition and currency movement which may affect the value of investments. The value of units may vary due to changes in exchange rates between currencies. Emerging markets may involve a higher degree of risk than in developed markets and are usually more sensitive to price movements.

As we enter the last quarter of 2023, our view for overall markets remains neutral and slightly optimistic. In fact, stock markets generally outperform in Q4. From 2002 to 2022, the MSCI World Index registered a quarterly increase in Q4 in 17 out of 20 years, with an average increase of about 3.8%*. Q4 performance have been the best compared with other quarters. As for bonds, investors are expecting a "Higher for Longer" interest rate environment. Taking historical data* as a reference, the federal funds rate typically enters a plateau period before rate cuts. Since 1990, there has been 4 interest rate plateau periods and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Investment Grade Bonds Index recorded positive returns in all 4 periods, outperforming global equities. Investment-grade bonds, therefore, may offer opportunities after rate hike cycle ends. However, higher rates for longer may affect investment sentiment. While capturing seasonal opportunities, investors may consider diversifying portfolios with equities and investment-grade bonds for to balance portfolio risks.

To learn the market outlook for the second quarter of 2023 provided by Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited, you can access the full version of the Market Navigator – Q4 2023 for more details.

*Source: Bloomberg

Investment involves risks and past performance is not indicative of future performance. Investment return may rise as well as fall due to market condition and currency movement which may affect the value of investments. The value of units may vary due to changes in exchange rates between currencies. Emerging markets may involve a higher degree of risk than in developed markets and are usually more sensitive to price movements.

After the Intermediary of the Year1 award, Sun Life Hong Kong further garnered the grand award, Sponsor of the Year 1 by Benchmark for two consecutive years! The Benchmark “Sponsor of the Year” 1  award recognizes MPF Sponsors demonstrating excellence in their product designs, fund manager selection, cost structuring and engagement.

In addition, Sun Life MPF’s administrator BestServe Financial Limited is awarded the Best MPF Administrator Company of the Year by Mediazone, presented by Asia’s Most Valuable Companies in Hong Kong 2023 Awards.

Along with continuously enhancing MPF products and services, among all MPF providers, Sun Life MPF ranked no. 1 in the cumulative growth of asset in percentage in the past 10 years, showcasing the leading position of Sun Life MPF in the market.

Please visit our Award webpage to find out more details about the MPF awards received by Sun Life.

1 Source: BENCHMARK MPF Awards 2022.

2 Source: Mediazone Group

3 Source: Gadbury Report – MPF Market Shares and Estimated Net Fund Inflows in the MPF System, Hong Kong (Q1 2013 – Q2 2017) and Mercer MPF Market Shares Report (Q2 2017 – Q1 2023). The cumulative growth in percentage in terms of MPF net asset is calculated by the difference between the MPF net asset market share during Q1 2012 and Q2 2022

On 5 June, Sun Life Hong Kong launched three new MPF funds in relation to global low carbon index, US and European equities which will provide MPF investors a wider choice of investment options. The launch of these three investment vehicles underscores Sun Life Hong Kong’s commitment to providing a suite of MPF solutions that cater to Clients’ varying needs and preferences.

Rainbow Pan, General Manager, Wealth & Pensions of Sun Life Hong Kong Limited, said “Given the impact of today’s geopolitical tensions, inflation, and escalating interest rates, fluctuations in both the global economy as well as asset prices are almost impossible to avoid. Due to the difficulties of making profits from a single investment, many MPF investors are seeking to adopt a long-term investment strategy of achieving progress while maintaining stability and diversifying risks. The enriched product portfolio reflects our long-standing principles of sustainable development, responsible investing, and attention to consumer choices, enabling our MPF investors to tailor their retirement plans by allocating funds more flexibly according to their own specific investment goals and risk tolerance.”

Starting from 3rd July 2023, we are extending the direct deposit payment method to all local bank account when you request for a claim or withdrawal from your MPF account. Please note that a bank account under the name of a third party or joint bank account will not be accepted.

The enhancement enables direct credit payment transfer in a faster and “MPF go paperless” way. Please refer to the latest claim or withdrawal forms from our website at www.sunlife.com.hk for details. 

The US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)  has paused the pace of increasing the interest rates in June, however, as the banking crisis has not further fermented and inflation remains at high level, the US monetary policy may remain tight and increase the risk of an economic recession. Thus, investors may consider holding a certain percentage of bonds in their portfolios. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Investment Grade Bonds Index recorded positive returns in the last four recession periods, with an average return of more than 4.5%*. The data shows that investment-grade bonds could bring opportunities to investors during the economic downturn. As for equities, we expect concerns about recession to be rising, short-term performance of risky assets may be limited, however, with the US economy only experiencing a mild recession, the stock markets will find support after adjustment, so the strategy of accumulating stocks at low prices remains appropriate.

To learn the market outlook for the second quarter of 2023 provided by Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited, you can access the full version of the Market Navigator – Q3 2023  for more details.

*Source: Bloomberg

The Key Scheme Information Document uses plain language, charts and tables to present and disclose key information (e.g. fund choice, fees, contribution, transfer, withdrawal) of an MPF scheme in a standardized format. Access to other documents containing detailed information of an MPF scheme (e.g. the MPF Scheme Brochure) is provided by web link or QR code.

Information in an MPF Scheme Brochure includes:

• Names of operators (i.e. trustee, custodian, investment manager, auditors or other service providers)
• Contributions, withdrawals and switching procedures
• Investment policies and objectives of each constituent funds
• Valuation of funds
• Guarantee features (if any)
• Fees and charges
• Risk factors affecting fund performance

Source: MPFA

As the third largest MPF service provider1 in Hong Kong, Sun Life Hong Kong  has achieved a total of 35 MPF Awards in 2023 including the Intermediary of the Year2 at BENCHMARK MPF of the Year Awards 2022.

BENCHMARK MPF of the Year Awards 20222

Intermediary Award - Intermediary of the Year2 

This is the 4th consecutive year Sun Life Hong Kong received the Benchmark “Intermediary of the Year” award. This award recognizes MPF intermediaries that excel product knowledge, technology application, relationship building and marketing techniques better than others in the industry.

Please visit our Award webpage to find out more details about the MPF awards received by Sun Life.

1. Based on assets under management. Source: Mercer MPF Market Shares Report (as at December 31, 2022). MPF refers to Mandatory Provident Fund.

2 Source: BENCHMARK MPF Awards 2022.

The latest dot plot from the US Fed reflected that rate hike cycle is coming to an end , clouds over bond markets faded as we expected. According to Bloomberg data, Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index increased 3%*in the first quarter of year. What we didn't expect was the collapse of banks in US and Europe. Investors tended to risk off and funds poured into safe-haven assets such as Treasuries. We believed as financial markets stabilize, investment-grade corporate bonds would attract investors again. As for equities, we expect outlook to stay unclear as markets continue to be influenced by economic data. And stock market performances are relatively weaker in summer. However, volatile markets offer opportunities to accumulate at low prices.

To learn the market outlook for the second quarter of 2023 provided by Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited, you can access the full version of the Market Navigator – Q2 2023 for more details. 

* Source: Bloomberg 

Sun Life Hong Kong has launched a Tax-deductible Voluntary Contribution (“TVC”) online portal to assist MPF members in opening a TVC account at anytime, anywhere through internet with 4 simple steps. For more details, please visit our TVC webpage at .

TVC is a form of MPF contributions which can help you save money while enjoying tax deduction. The contributions you make to this TVC account (up to an annual limit of HKD60,000) will be counted as a deductible item when you report your taxable income. Depending on your TVC amount, based on the prevailing highest tax rate (i.e. 17%), the maximum tax savings can reach HK$10,200*.

Scheme members can enjoy the flexibility to make TVC to their TVC accounts at any time and in varying amounts. They can also increase or reduce the amount of contributions, or cease to make contributions, or resume the making of contributions at any time, having regard to their personal circumstances.

TVC is designed to fortify your retirement reserves, so it is subject to the preservation requirement applicable to mandatory contributions and can only be withdrawn upon scheme member's reaching age 65 or on other statutory grounds under the MPF legislation.

*This is the maximum tax concession amount in the year of assessment 2021/2022.

Disclaimer

Investment involves risks and past performance is not indicative of future performance. Investment return may rise as well as fall due to market condition and currency movement which may affect the value of investments. The value of units may vary due to changes in exchange rates between currencies. Emerging markets may involve a higher degree of risk than in developed markets and are usually more sensitive to price movements.

In recent years, more and more responsible companies have included ESG elements in their corporate policies while investors have expected higher potential returns from companies with outstanding ESG scores. But what is ESG? Investors may be curious as to whether this value-oriented strategy will affect investment returns.

In ESG, “E” stands for the environment, and covers issues such as the effects of climate change, natural resources shortage, environmental pollution, energy efficiency, etc. “S” represents the social aspect, encompassing labour, public health, information safety and related issues. “G” refers to corporate governance which includes factors such as the quality of the board.

Generally speaking, ESG is a tool to analyze sustainability of a company. Unlike traditional financial data, that of ESG reflects factors that are not disclosed in financial reports but are still important when measuring the value of a company. ESG factors can be regarded as intangible assets of responsible company.

To learn more about ESG investment and development trend provided by Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited, you can access for more details.

The 2022-23 Good MPF Employer Award (the Award), organized by the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA), is now open for applications and nominations.

The Award aims to promote and foster employer compliance with MPF legislation; encourage employers to provide better retirement benefits for their employees; and recognise employers who are exemplary in enhancing the retirement benefits of their employees. Nearly 2,800 companies and organizations have been honoured as “Good MPF Employers” since its debut in 2015.

Eligible employers should act now and apply for the Award. Employees are also welcome to nominate their employers for the Award. For more details, please visit the website. The deadline is 30 June 2023.

Sun Life MPF has been awarded in the Sing Tao Service Awards 20211 by Sing Tao Daily in the MPF award category. The award was based on various areas such as brand awareness, service quality, brand positioning, reputation, market communication, understanding of customer needs and service support with public voting and the assessment of professional judges, fully reflecting the recognition of the community and the market.

As the third largest MPF service provider in Hong Kong, Sun Life has also been awarded the "Sponsor of the Year Award" and "MPF Intermediary Award of the Year" in "Benchmark"2 for its outstanding investment performance and high-quality services recognized by the industry.

¹ Source: Sing Tao Service Awards 2021 - Sing Tao Daily

² Source: BENCHMARK MPF Awards 2021

Global equities have been derated this year amid sharp increase in interest rates. Growth sectors such as technology stocks were particularly under pressure. According to Bloomberg data ³, Nasdaq Composite Index, the index reflecting the performance of US tech stocks, dropped 32% in total return terms in the first three quarters of this year. Although corporate earnings are likely to revise downward while central bank constraints under high inflation and low economic growth environment should not be neglected, valuations of many stock markets have fallen to rather low levels. Lower valuations provide more cushions for investors with high cash level to buy gradually for long-term. In addition, as US rate hike cycle enters middle phase, interests offered by fixed income assets show signs of attractiveness. We believe long-term government bonds and investment-grade corporate bonds would benefit first by capital inflow.

To learn the market outlook for the fourth quarter of 2022 provided by Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited, you can access the full version of the Market Navigator – Q4 2022 for more details.

³ Source: Bloomberg

Feeling puzzled in managing your MPF? Let’s visit the page  “Watch & Learn” to learn about MPF knowledge by watching these three animated videos to understand more about below MPF topics:

• Multi-manager Investment Approach

- Higher flexibility on asset allocation under Multi-manager approach

• Key Reasons for Investment Loss

- Review and find out the reasons behind when you encounter MPF

• MPF Accounts Consolidation

- Save your time by consolidating multiple MPF accounts.

To further enhance the client experience and online services, Sun Life has completed the enhancement for Online Pension Service Centre - a web portal to assist members managing their MPF accounts more efficiently via internet, putting you in control.

The revamped login page is presented with instruction videos for Online Pension Service Centre and BestServe MPF mobile app to assist you to know more about our digital MPF tools. Other than that, the enhancement also provides value-added services like adding the linkage to download the BestServe MPF mobile app, client e-newsletter and MPF FAQs webpage.

Access Online Pension Services Centre  to manage your MPF accounts now.

With effect from 1 October 2022, “Direct Credit” has become one of the MPF contribution payment methods for Sun Life Rainbow MPF Scheme. It allows you to deposit MPF contributions to Trustee’s designated bank account directly by bank transfer or cheque deposit. “Direct Credit” is applicable to Employer Account, Self-employed Person Account and Tax Deductible Voluntary Contribution Account. Apart from “Direct Credit”, you can also make MPF contributions by Direct Debit Authorization or cheque payment by post. 

To make MPF contributions via “Direct Credit”, please quote the Member Number and Member Name on the supporting document such as deposit slip or online transaction confirmation print screen and send it to slmpf.ops@bestserve.com or fax to 3183 1889 immediately. Surcharge will be imposed if the Trustee cannot receive i) complete information required in Section 1 of the MPF Contribution Direct Credit Notification, ii) complete Remittance Statement, iii) supporting document and iv) relevant payment by the contribution paid date of the corresponding contribution period stated in Section 1 of the MPF Contribution Direct Credit Notification.

For more details (e.g. required supporting documents) and operation procedures, please visit the “Find a Form” page under www.sunlife.com.hk to download the MPF Contribution Direct Credit Notification or contact the Sun Life Pension Services Hotline at 3183 1888.

Have you noticed how ‘distinctive’ Hong Kongers are? We filmed series of video to showcase the uniqueness of Hong Kongers. The videos feature three different age groups of Hong Kongers. No matter which age group you belong to, Sun Life MPF always stands by you, taking care of your every need as we are always your active partner for a better tomorrow.  

Please click below links to watch the series of viral videos now!

Video 1 - Small Potato employee

Video 2 - Working woman with strong presence

Video 3 - Hardworking dad 

It feels like a lifetime for investors in this first half of year as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, global tightening of monetary policies and China COVID situation pushed global stocks into bear market territory. Markets are pricing in a recession scenario that stocks suffered selloffs. However, we do not expect the bear markets to last long. It takes time for inflation to peak and for markets to further price in company earnings cut. On the other hand, Hong Kong stocks have been in the bear market territory for over four years. With valuation at multi-year lows and Chinese policy cycle remaining at loosening phase, the hardest time of Hong Kong stocks may have passed. For investors, time is the key to ride through bear markets. Stay patient.

To learn the market outlook of third quarterly of 2022 provided by Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited, you can access the full version of the Market Navigator – Q3 2022  for more details.

More than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, global investment markets still grapple with heightened volatility. Different industries faced severe challenges, only those with resilience can truly shine in these troubled times.

Riding on overall bright performance and top-notch customer service, Sun Life is the proud winner of multiple prestigious MPF awards. What is the secret to their success? Let’s find out by watching our management interview video now!

In accordance with the latest requirements under the Code on Disclosure for MPF Investment Funds, the Key Scheme Information Document (the “KSID”) for all MPF schemes  are available from 30 June 2022. 

The KSID provides with key information about an MPF scheme, which forms part of the offering document. While the KSID could facilitate you to obtain an overview of the key details and features of an MPF scheme, you should not make investment decisions based solely on the KSID. You should also be advised to scan the QR code provided in the KSID to download and refer to relevant MPF Scheme Brochure for  details .  

Please visit Find a Form page to download the relevant KSID.

The Legislative Council (LegCo)’s passage of the Employment and Retirement Schemes Legislation (Offsetting Arrangement) (Amendment) Bill 2022 (the Amendment Bill) on 9 June 2022 to abolish the arrangement for employers using the accrued benefits of MPF mandatory contribution made for employees to offset severance payments (SP) / long service payments (LSP) under the Employment Ordinance (“offsetting arrangement”), in order to further enhance the MPF’s retirement protection function. Apart from MPF schemes, the abolition of the offsetting arrangement will also be applicable to occupational retirement schemes under the Occupational Retirement Schemes Ordinance.

Please click here to learn more about this from MPFA press release.

As the third largest MPF service provider in Hong Kong¹, Sun Life has achieved a total of 42 MPF Awards recently including  the Sponsor of the Year² and Intermediary of the Year2 at BENCHMARK MPF of the Year Awards 2021.

BENCHMARK MPF of the Year Awards 20212

Grand Award – Sponsor of the Year2    

The Benchmark "Sponsor of the Year" award recognizes MPF Sponsors who have demonstrated excellence in their product designs, fund manager selection, cost structuring, and engagement.

Intermediary Award – Intermediary of the Year2  

The Benchmark "Intermediary of the Year" award recognizes MPF intermediaries that excel product knowledge, technology application, relationship building and marketing techniques better than others in the industry.

Please visit our Award webpage to find out more details about the MPF awards received by Sun Life.

¹ Based on assets under management. Source: Mercer MPF Market Shares Report (as of December 31, 2021). MPF refers to Mandatory Provident Fund.

² Source: BENCHMARK MPF Awards 2021.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has brought jitters to asset prices across a broad spectrum, from equity to fixed income, and from currency to commodity markets. While some markets have since stabilized to a certain extent, this geopolitical event, which is still ongoing as of writing, could have much farther and wider ramifications. The de-globalization movement, which began taking sharp in 2018 when US and China were at loggerhead on trade-related matters, is poised to exacerbate with European and other Western nations determined to reduce reliance on Russia for their energy and other natural resources needs. De-globalization in turn would lead to higher prices and costs while at the same time moderating global economic growth. Investors may need to adjust their portfolios as well as expectations on future investment gains in the coming new world order.

To learn the market outlook of first quarterly of 2022 provided by Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited, you can access the full version of the Market Navigator – Q2 2022  for more details.

To improve overall client’s experience, the MPF Frequently Asked Questions (“MPF FAQs”) webpage has been launched together with the enhancement of website widget “Sunny.

Please visit the MPF FAQs webpage to find out the answers in a hassle-free way when facing problem in managing your MPF account(s).

The enhanced “Sunny” is now also able to guide clients to acquire MPF information on Sun Life website.

With our digital tools like Online Pension Service Centre and MPF Mobile App, both employer and employee clients are able to enjoy a convenient digital experience throughout their MPF journey.

To learn more about out digital tools, please visit our dedicated webpage “Digitalizing your MPF journey ”  for more information.

The 2021-22 Good MPF Employer Award (the “Award”), organized by the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, is now open for applications and nominations. 

 The Award aims to promote and foster employer compliance with MPF legislation; encourage employers to provide better retirement benefits for their employees; and recognise employers who are exemplary in enhancing the retirement benefits of their employees. Nearly 2,500 companies and organizations have been honoured as “Good MPF Employers” since its debut in 2015. 

Eligible employers should act now and apply for the Award. Employees are also welcome to nominate their employers for the Award. For more details, please visit the Good MPF Employer Award website. The deadline is 30 June 2022.