Great Eastern Holdings reported a profit attributable to shareholders of S$346.3 million for the quarter ended 31 Mar 2026, virtually unchanged year-on-year, as stronger insurance underwriting gains offset a softer investment climate.

Total weighted new sales (TWNS) rose 16 per cent to S$401.9 million, while new business embedded value (NBEV) climbed 31 per cent to S$195.4 million, reflecting continued momentum in Singapore. The group did not declare any dividend for the period.

Singapore led growth, with higher protection and savings product uptake helping lift TWNS and NBEV. Malaysia’s contribution was broadly flat amid weaker consumer sentiment, and management did not provide a detailed segmental profit breakdown. Group insurance profits improved, supported by reserve releases and stable underlying claims experience, cushioning the adverse mark-to-market impact from volatile investment markets.

Headwinds came from subdued demand in Malaysia and a less favourable investment environment, which limited overall profit growth despite operational improvements. The group said capital adequacy ratios at its insurance subsidiaries remained comfortably above regulatory minima.

Management indicated that Great Eastern will continue to execute its long-term strategy, invest in priority growth areas and maintain balance-sheet flexibility. It expects ongoing market uncertainty but believes the group’s robust fundamentals will support sustainable expansion. Group chief executive officer Greg Hingston noted that the strong start to the year demonstrates the resilience of the underlying business and the benefits of disciplined strategy execution, adding that the company is positioned to navigate volatility while pursuing growth opportunities.