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The 2024 Vinfuture Prize Honors Four Scientific Works Under The Theme Of “Resilient Rebound”
The 2024 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony was broadcast live nationally on Vietnam National Television VTV1. The ceremony was graced with the presence of Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, leaders of domestic ministries and departments, international ambassadors, and eminent scientists from around the world.
The four winning works were rigorously curated from a pool of nearly 1,500 impressive nominations spanning more than 80 countries and territories worldwide. These groundbreaking achievements have the potential to significantly impact humanity’s present and future, particularly in critical fields like computer science, public health and global health, material science, and generative medicine. Not only do these innovations offer solutions to universal challenges, but they also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of humanity.
With their potential for exponential growth, this year’s award-winning innovations epitomize the spirit of “resilient rebound.” By pushing the boundaries of science and technology, these breakthroughs unlock new directions and expand the possibilities of application.
The 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize is awarded to five scientists: Professor Yoshua Bengio, Professor Geoffrey E. Hinton, Mr. Jen-Hsun Huang, Professor Yann LeCun, and Professor Fei-Feil Li for transformational contributions to the advancement of deep learning.
Advances in deep learning have opened a transformative era for technological innovation, enabling machines to learn from vast amounts of data and achieve unprecedented accuracy in tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and decision-making. Professors Geoff E. Hinton, Yann LeCun and Yoshua Bengio have made groundbreaking contributions to neural networks and deep learning algorithms, while Mr. Jen-Hsun Huang pioneered accelerated computing platforms that facilitated the modern era of AI (Artificial Intelligence) computing. Professor Fei-Fei Li‘s creation of the ImageNet dataset further drove advances in visual recognition systems, making it possible to train models at scale.
Since 2012, deep learning has become a dominant tool in driving rapid advancements across sectors such as healthcare, autonomous systems, and financial services, and shaping the future of innovation.
In addition to the VinFuture Grand Prize, three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, have been awarded to innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields, women innovators, and innovators from developing countries.
The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields is awarded to Professor Zelig Eshhar, Professor Carl H. June, and Professor Michel Sadelain for development of CAR T cell therapy for cancer and other diseases.
Professor Zelig Eshhar‘s groundbreaking work transformed cancer treatment by developing CAR T cell therapy, a “living drug” that has saved many lives and sparked a thriving biopharmaceutical industry. This innovation offers hope for new medical applications and affordable treatments worldwide. Professors Carl H. June and Michel Sadelain built on this progress, further improving CAR T cell therapy to effectively treat cancer and autoimmune diseases that resist standard therapies. Their pioneering work led to the approval of the first CAR T cell therapy by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for childhood and young adult acute lymphocytic leukemias and is now considered for clinical care world-wide.
The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries has honored Bangladeshi Dr. Firdausi Qadri for innovative improvement of oral cholera vaccination in developing countries.
Dr. Firdausi Qadri has played a key role in improving vaccination against cholera, a severe diarrheal disease due to the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, that occurs after ingestion of contaminated food or water and remains a major public health concern particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Dr. Firdausi Qadri at the ICDDR,B (International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh) has performed large-scale clinical studies with a Vietnamese live vaccine strain which allowed her to conclude on the benefit, power and safety of a single oral dose of an affordable vaccine and consequently on the possibility to perform large-scale vaccination campaigns in her own country and in other poor countries, in order to prevent outbreaks.
Controlling cholera outbreaks at the source enhances global public health security, preventing the spread of the disease across borders.
The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Women Innovators has honored Professor Kristi S. Anseth for advancement in design of polymeric biomaterials and methods for biomedical applications.
Professor Kristi Anseth is a pioneer, who has developed biomaterial cell culture systems, to decipher extracellular matrix (ECM) signals that regulate tissue development, maintenance and regeneration. She designed synthetic ECM that captures the unique cell and dynamic tissue microenvironment in three-dimensional space that can be modulated on demand, providing a means to study 4D-biology. She studies how cells exchange information with the ECM and applies this knowledge to engineer biomaterials for tissue regeneration and disease states, as well as screening drugs.
She is renowned for blending modern molecular and cellular biology with engineering and mathematics to produce the next generation of biomaterials that are tissue substitutes able to restore, maintain, or improve tissue function.
Commenting on the results of the 2024 VinFuture Prize, Professor Sir Richard Friend, FRS, VinFuture Prize Council Chair, stated, “The 2024 VinFuture Prize Laureates have all made advances that have changed the world, and have brought unexpected and powerful new tools. The Grand Prize recognizes the unprecedented advances in Artificial intelligence. It celebrates three elements that together have propelled this success: fundamental advances in deep learning, data sets and the silicon GPU hardware. This year’s three Special Prizes celebrate advances in three very different areas of healthcare. These illustrate the breadth of science and technology that can bring practical and powerful solutions. The vision that the Founders set – to celebrate the potential for discovery and innovation to bring real benefits to societies across the whole globe – is very clearly delivered in the set of this year’s prize winners.”
The VinFuture Prize has solidified its position as one of the world’s most prestigious science and technology awards, with four successful prize seasons. Notably, numerous VinFuture Prize laureates have gone on to receive further accolades at prestigious global awards, validating VinFuture’s visionary approach and pioneering spirit. The VinFuture Foundation remains committed to its mission of serving humanity and inspiring innovation in Vietnamese science and technology. By fostering groundbreaking research and development, the Foundation aims to contribute to sustainable development and global prosperity.
Hashtag: #VinFuture
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the VinFuture Prize
The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide.
The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring female innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields.
In pursuit of its mission, the Foundation undertakes various activities. These include engaging in strategic grantmaking initiatives, fostering intellectual connections, and collaborating in the advancement of science and technology. Learn more at: 
https://vinfutureprize.org.
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MarsLab Introduces Singapore-Based AI Inference Infrastructure Roadmap for Enterprise and Edge Deployment
MarsLab outlines a system-first approach to AI inference infrastructure for enterprise and edge deployment scenarios.
Hashtag: #AIInfrastructure #AIInference #EdgeAI #EnterpriseAI #Singapore
https://www.marslabai.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/marslab-ai/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About MarsLab Pte Ltd
MarsLab Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based AI inference infrastructure company focused on enterprise and edge AI deployment scenarios. The company works across hardware systems, software stack integration, workload validation, and deployment economics, with a system-first approach to practical AI infrastructure.
Under the agreement, ACx and ALMI will share methodologies and best practices in mall asset operations, leasing strategy and project development to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience and maximize the long-term value of CP AXTRA’s land and assets, initially focusing on seven key stores of Makro. The parties will also explore future investment opportunities related to mall and asset development in Thailand, alongside collaborative initiatives for the development of new sites and the redevelopment of existing CP AXTRA sites across the country. This is the third agreement signed between CP AXTRA and Ayala, underscoring the strong partnership and continued collaboration between the two groups, following their previous agreements to operate Makro in the Philippines and expand regional business opportunities.
“This agreement with Ayala allows us to combine CP AXTRA’s deep understanding of the Thai retail market with Ayala’s decades of experience in developing and leasing shopping mall spaces. By applying proven methodologies to our Makro mall, we aim to elevate the standards of the retail environment we offer, not only improving the experience for our shoppers and tenants, but also fostering sustainable growth and creating long-term value for our asset and the surrounding community,” said Tanit Chearavanont, Group Chief Wholesale Business Officer, CP AXTRA Public Company Limited.”
“This is another milestone in our growing relationship and collaboration with the CP Group. Through this partnership, we intend to leverage the complementary strengths of two leading conglomerates to create world-class retail and real estate developments across markets. This also marks Ayala’s entry into the Thailand market, giving us a strong opportunity not only to share our expertise, but also to gain valuable insights from one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and developed retail markets. More broadly, this partnership aligns with Ayala’s strategy of bringing the best of the world to the Philippines while showcasing the best of the Philippines to the world,” said Mark Uy, Managing Director and Group Head of Strategy and Business Development, Ayala Corporation.
“Makro’s nationwide footprint gives it a meaningful role in the everyday lives of Thai consumers. Our opportunity is to help turn that everyday relevance into places people choose to stay, explore, and return to. By combining CP AXTRA’s market knowledge with Ayala Malls’ experience in curating retail partners, improving customer journeys, and building community-oriented retail destinations, we believe these sites can become stronger platforms for shoppers, merchant partners, and long-term asset growth,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Managing Director and Group Head of Leasing and Hospitality of Ayala Land.
The collaboration brings two complementary strengths together. CP AXTRA is one of ASEAN’s leading wholesale and retail operators, with more than 2,700 Makro and Lotus’s stores. The company is a regional leader in multi-format, omnichannel retail platforms across Southeast Asia and is advancing toward retail-tech company. ALMI, is one of the Philippines’ leading mall operators, managing 34 shopping centers recognized for their strong retail planning, curated tenant mix, and enhanced customer experience across Southeast Asia. With extensive expertise in leasing, mall operations, facility management, and mixed-use development, ALMI is well positioned to support CP AXTRA in maximizing the value and potential of its Makro mall assets in Thailand. Ayala Corporation also brings a broader consumer and enterprise ecosystem that can complement CP AXTRA’s regional retail expansion, while ACx, its consumer retail unit, adds perspective on evolving customer behavior, format innovation, and retail partnerships.
The MoC builds on the two groups’ existing strategic partnership, which began in 2025 with the formation of CP AXTRA AC CORPORATION to operate Makro stores in the Philippines and was expanded to include a wider range of collaborative opportunities. This new agreement deepens that partnership further, marking the first time Ayala will bring its mall development and leasing expertise directly to CP AXTRA’s operations in Thailand.
Hashtag: #CPAXTRA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CP AXTRA
CP AXTRA Public Company Limited, is an operator of Asia’s leading wholesaler and retailer, Makro and Lotus’s. The Company is based in Thailand, with operation across 10 countries. CP AXTRA is committed to fulfilling people’s lives with good health, love, joy, and well-being, by providing solutions and meeting customers’ daily needs with technology, innovation, and operational excellence. With over 30 years of retail experience, CP AXTRA is a trusted partner for both B2B and B2C customers, offering a comprehensive range of products and services. Today, it manages over 2,700 offline stores in Thailand and Asia, with strong online presence.
About Ayala Corporation
For more than 190 years, Ayala Corporation has been building businesses that enable people to thrive.
Ayala, currently one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, has meaningful presence in real estate, banking, digital services and telecommunications, and renewable energy. It likewise has a growing presence in healthcare, mobility, and logistics as well as investments in industrial technologies, education, and other ventures. Ayala manages its corporate social responsibility initiatives through Ayala Foundation.
About Ayala Malls
Ayala Malls is the premier lifestyle mall network in the Philippines, known for creating vibrant, well-curated destinations that bring together shopping, dining, culture, and community experiences. With 34 malls nationwide, Ayala Malls continues to lead in elevating the Filipino retail experience by offering a diverse mix of global and local brands, innovative spaces, and enriching events that celebrate local creativity and inclusivity. As part of Ayala Land, the country’s leading real estate developer, Ayala Malls is committed to building dynamic, sustainable spaces where people can connect, thrive, and enjoy life’s everyday moments.
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Aon Brings Leadership Forum to Manila to Help Organisations Navigate Risks and Drive Growth
The event is expected to convene more than 70 C-suite and senior business leaders from top organisations across the Philippines for a closed-door exchange on managing economic, workforce, climate and operational pressures. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the forum aims to foster practical insights and strategies that help organisations navigate uncertainty, protect their businesses and drive sustainable growth.
The program will be officially opened by Karl Hamann, CEO of Philippines for Aon, followed by a keynote from Andrew Jeffries, country director for the Asian Development Bank on the macroeconomic and geopolitical trends shaping the business environment.
Notable speakers include Terence Williams, head of Commercial Risk in Asia Pacific for Aon, and other firm executives alongside external regional leaders, including Annacel Natividad, chief risk officer and sustainability head for Aboitiz Foods Group, and Raymond Martin Aguilar, vice president and head of risk and property management for Globe Telecom, Inc.
“This forum reflects a fundamental shift in how organisations are evolving their approach to risk,” said Williams. “Across Asia Pacific, we are seeing a growing focus on using data and analytics to understand trade-offs, test scenarios and act with greater confidence. Bringing leaders together to share practical experience is critical to strengthening resilience while continuing to drive growth.”
A central feature of the forum will be a C-suite panel on adaptive leadership in a digital world, where senior leaders will share how they are balancing risk, resilience and growth, and the decisions shaping their organisations today. The session will be moderated by Irma Gaviola, head of Commercial Risk, Philippines for Aon.
The program will include risk masterclasses focused on key enterprise exposures, including cyber and climate risks, exploring how organisations can quantify risk, strengthen resilience and design more effective risk transfer strategies.
Participants will also be introduced to Aon’s Risk Analyzers, an interactive environment where clients can experience a suite of analytics-led tools that support scenario testing and supports better risk capital decisions. The tools are designed to help organisations assess exposures and evaluate strategic choices in real time.
“The Philippines sits at the intersection of strong economic growth and increasing risk complexity, said Hamann. “This forum creates a space for candid dialogue and practical insights to help organisations navigate risk with greater clarity and confidence.”
The Better Decisions Leadership Forum is part of Aon’s ongoing commitment to helping organisations turn insight into action – enabling more informed decision-making to protect and grow their business.
Hashtag: #Aon
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
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