Media OutReach
Global Scholars Converge in Hong Kong at Hong Kong Baptist University’s Inaugural International Interdisciplinary Research Summit
Inspiring Collaboration and Innovation to Drive Impactful Research Addressing Global Challenges
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)’s inaugural International Interdisciplinary Research Summit (IIRS) has convened leading scholars, researchers, and innovators from diverse fields from Hong Kong and worldwide to foster collaboration and address pressing global challenges, particularly in fields including Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Health and Drug Discovery.
Interdisciplinary Solutions: Enabling Early Identification of High-Risk Individuals for Disease Treatment
In a world where health challenges have reached unprecedented levels, HKBU’s inaugural International Interdisciplinary Research Summit (IIRS) showcased how interdisciplinary collaboration, between Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Health and Drug Discovery, can revolutionize and accelerate the development of new and more effective treatments for a range of diseases. As highlighted by Vice President (Research and Development) Professor Aiping Lyu, the university is dedicated to fostering international research collaboration against today’s complex challenges. He noted that the university’s focus on four transdisciplinary clusters – creative media and practice, health and drug discovery, analytics and AI, and humanity and culture, is crucial for fostering innovation.
Keynote speakers of the Summit included Professor Jeremy Nicholson, Director, Australian National Phenome Centre, Murdoch University, Australia; Albert Einstein Honorary Professor of Medical Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; Emeritus Professor of Biological Chemistry, Imperial College London, UK. Known to be one of the world’s foremost coronavirus experts, Nicholson covered the topic of “Molecular Phenomic Approaches in Population Health and Disease Diagnosis”. He unveiled how AI and advanced data analysis are used to analyse genes and lifestyle, highlighting that studying humans for future scientific relevance requires considering the complex interplay of genes, environment, politics, funding, and human interactions that ultimately influence the translation of science into clinical medicine.
Professor Thomas Efferth, Director, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, and Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Germany, leads a research team developing compounds that could replace opioids as pain relief without addiction. In the speech titled “Artificial Intelligence and Network Biomedicine in Natural Product Research”, Efferth highlighted the transformative role of AI and systems biology in natural product research, explaining that tasks previously performed manually by generations of PhD students, such as pipetting in wet labs, can now be automated with robots. Moreover, AI can optimize experiment design, creating significant opportunities for deep learning and AI in research.
Likewise, Professor Gavin Winston, Department of Medicine, Centre for Neuroscience Studies and School of Computing, Queen’s University, Canada, is leveraging AI and ML to revolutionise brain imaging for neurological diagnosis and treatment. In his presentation titled “Machine Learning in Neuroimaging across Disciplines”, he highlighted how advanced techniques like deep learning are enabling more efficient and precise analysis of MRI and CT scans, ultimately leading to improved outcomes. Notably, his current research focuses on utilising robotics and neuroimaging to understand and address cognitive impairment in individuals with epilepsy, demonstrating a commitment to improved patient care.
Professor Jianfeng Feng, Dean of the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence and School of Data Science at Fudan University, spoke on the topic “From Multi-Omic Data to Brain Diseases, Digital Twin Brains, and Brain-Inspired AI”. One of Feng’s research projects found that blood biomarkers can forecast the risk of dementia 15 years before diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. He emphasised that AI and ML are transforming healthcare, from understanding the foundations of diseases to developing personalised medicine.
The summit’s panel discussions further amplified the impact of interdisciplinary approaches in disease treatment. Leading experts delved into crucial discussions, enriched by perspectives on natural products and Traditional Chinese Medicine, centred on the challenges and way forward in translating big data into actionable understanding. Key topics included integrating Al capabilities with domain knowledge for data-driven model interpretation, addressing the paradox of using doctor-labelled data for Al training in clinical applications, managing multi-scale parameter calibrations and validations in principle-based modelling, and balancing computational cost with biological predictability through strategic coarse-graining. These sessions generated a wealth of new perspectives and underscored the indispensable role of science in addressing societal health challenges.
Professor Johnny Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research), HKBU, remarked that the IIRS cultivated a vibrant atmosphere for sharing knowledge and working together. Scholars have gathered and expressed enthusiasm for the groundbreaking research expected to result from the relationships formed at the summit.
As one of the priorities of the University’s Institutional Strategic Plan 2018-2028, HKBU aspires to be a leading, research-led, liberal arts University in Asia. The University keeps enhancing its capacity and strength to produce world-class research with an aim to bring significant impact to society. To learn more about HKBU’s research strengths and our publications, visit HKBU Research Website.
Hashtag: #HKBU
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HKBU Research Office
At Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), we nurture and uphold a robust research culture and environment, and equip our remarkable researchers with visionary insights and strategic experiences throughout their intellectual journey. While promulgating our esteemed researchers, their interdisciplinary research initiatives, and HKBU’s research excellence locally and internationally, we value our solid connections with the HKBU community.
Together with every community member, we strive for research excellence in our four strategic research clusters: Creative Media and Practice, Health and Drug Discovery, Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, and Humanities and Cultures.
Explore more about HKBU’s research at
https://research.hkbu.edu.hk/.
Media OutReach
PERSOL Unveils Unified Regional Outsourcing Brand to Drive Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence in Singapore
PERSOL Outsourcing will deliver tailored end-to-end solutions for today’s evolving business landscape
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – PERSOL, Asia Pacific’s leading HR solutions provider, today announced the official launch of PERSOL Outsourcing. This strategic rebranding brings together the collective strengths of P-Serv and EVO, creating a unified, future-ready outsourcing brand designed to help businesses navigate an increasingly complex and tech-driven market.
The rebranding of P-Serv and EVO as PERSOL Outsourcing marks a significant milestone in PERSOL APAC’s regional growth strategy. By combining three decades of operational stability with digital capabilities, PERSOL Outsourcing is positioned to deliver tailored end-to-end solutions that integrate People, Process, and Technology.
“The launch of PERSOL Outsourcing reflects our commitment to scaling smarter and innovating faster for our clients,” said Foo See Yang, Managing Director and Strategic Business Group Head, PERSOL APAC. “By unifying our business process design and technical expertise under one brand, we can deliver more comprehensive, scalable, and future-ready solutions to our clients in the region. The rebranding allows PERSOL APAC to better support clients’ evolving needs in areas such as digital transformation, workforce optimisation, and operational resilience.”
Tailored Solutions for an Increasingly Complex Landscape
PERSOL Outsourcing addresses the rising demand for agile delivery models in a regional Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) market that is expected to reach US$147.06 billion by 2032. As regional enterprises increasingly seek partners who can navigate this rapid growth through specialised domain expertise, PERSOL Outsourcing will focus on delivering solutions across three core pillars:
- Customer Experience: Supporting service delivery across all touchpoints, from customer service management to omnichannel contact centre operations and front-of-house operations.
- Corporate Services: Streamline complex shared service operations through a comprehensive suite of solutions including Human Resource Advisory, Finance, Marketing, and Compliance. Services include the management of intricate administrative, facility, and regulatory requirements based on organisational needs and growth trajectories.
- Technical: Driving digital transformation through engineering and IT infrastructure management. Capabilities span cloud operations, digital support, and platform management, leveraging AI implementation and automation to innovate and improve core business processes.
Effective immediately, P-Serv and EVO will operate under the PERSOL Outsourcing brand. The integration will allow clients to tap into an expanded suite of regional resources and digital innovations designed to drive greater operational efficiency.
For more information, please visit https://www.persoloutsourcing.com/.
Hashtag: #PERSOLOutsourcing
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About PERSOL Outsourcing
PERSOL Outsourcing is a regional strategic partner delivering comprehensive outsourcing solutions that seamlessly integrates people, process, and technology. As a newly integrated brand following the rebranding of P-Serv and EVO, PERSOL Outsourcing unites three decades of operational excellence with deep domain expertise to drive agility and resilience for enterprises across Asia-Pacific.
About PERSOL APAC
PERSOL is Asia-Pacific’s leading Staffing and HR solutions partner, operating across 13 markets with deep local insight and regional scale. With more than 140 offices and decades of experience, we deliver integrated workforce solutions that are tailored, tech-enabled, and designed for the dynamic world of work.
We combine human expertise with smart technology to help organisations solve workforce challenges, unlock potential, and stay ahead of change. From recruitment and talent management to workforce strategy and advisory, our collaborative approach puts your goals at the centre.
In 2025, we came together under the PERSOL name – reflecting our bold vision for the future of work and our Group’s Vision: ‘Work and Smile’. Whether you’re building teams, growing careers, or transforming how work gets done, we’re here.
Media OutReach
PERSOL Introduces Unified Regional Outsourcing Brand to Boost Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence in Malaysia
PERSOL Outsourcing will deliver tailored end-to-end solutions for today’s evolving business landscape
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – PERSOL, Asia Pacific’s leading HR solutions provider, today announced the official launch of PERSOL Outsourcing. This strategic rebranding brings together the collective strengths of P-Serv and EVO, creating a unified, future-ready outsourcing brand designed to help Malaysia businesses navigate an increasingly complex and tech-driven market.
The rebranding of P-Serv and EVO as PERSOL Outsourcing marks a significant milestone in PERSOL APAC’s regional growth strategy. By combining three decades of operational stability with digital capabilities, PERSOL Outsourcing is positioned to deliver tailored end-to-end solutions that integrate People, Process, and Technology.
“The transition to PERSOL Outsourcing is a natural evolution of our deep-rooted presence in Malaysia and the wider region,” said Brian Sim, Managing Director and Country Head of PERSOL Malaysia. “By unifying the specialised domain expertise of P-Serv and EVO, we are better positioned to help our clients navigate the evolving business and workforce landscape. Our clients will continue to work with the same expert teams they trust, but with the added benefit of unified regional scale and enhanced digital capabilities that drive long-term resilience and efficiency.”
Tailored Solutions for an Increasingly Complex Landscape
PERSOL Outsourcing addresses the rising demand for agile delivery models in a regional Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) market that is expected to reach US$147.06 billion by 2032. In Malaysia, Customer Experience BPO market generated US$1.43 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% by 2030. As local and regional enterprises increasingly seek partners who can navigate this rapid growth through specialised domain expertise, PERSOL Outsourcing will focus on delivering solutions across three core pillars:
- Customer Experience: Supporting service delivery across all touchpoints, from customer service management to omnichannel contact centre operations and front-of-house operations.
- Corporate Services: Streamline complex shared service operations through a comprehensive suite of solutions including Human Resource Advisory, Finance, Marketing, and Compliance. Services include the management of intricate administrative, facility, and regulatory requirements based on organisational needs and growth trajectories.
- Technical: Driving digital transformation through engineering and IT infrastructure management. Capabilities span cloud operations, digital support, and platform management, leveraging AI implementation and automation to innovate and improve core business processes.
Effective immediately, P-Serv and EVO will operate under the PERSOL Outsourcing brand. The integration will allow clients to tap into an expanded suite of regional resources and digital innovations designed to drive greater operational efficiency.
For more information, please visit https://www.persoloutsourcing.com/.
Hashtag: #PERSOLOutsourcing
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About PERSOL Outsourcing
PERSOL Outsourcing is a regional strategic partner delivering comprehensive outsourcing solutions that seamlessly integrates people, process, and technology. As a newly integrated brand following the rebranding of P-Serv and EVO, PERSOL Outsourcing unites three decades of operational excellence with deep domain expertise to drive agility and resilience for enterprises across Asia-Pacific.
About PERSOL APAC
PERSOL is Asia-Pacific’s leading Staffing and HR solutions partner, operating across 13 markets with deep local insight and regional scale. With more than 140 offices and decades of experience, we deliver integrated workforce solutions that are tailored, tech-enabled, and designed for the dynamic world of work.
We combine human expertise with smart technology to help organisations solve workforce challenges, unlock potential, and stay ahead of change. From recruitment and talent management to workforce strategy and advisory, our collaborative approach puts your goals at the centre.
In 2025, we came together under the PERSOL name – reflecting our bold vision for the future of work and our Group’s Vision: ‘Work and Smile’. Whether you’re building teams, growing careers, or transforming how work gets done, we’re here.
Media OutReach
Maharlika Consortium Breaks Ground for PHP 2 Billlion Microgrid Investment Powering 12,000 Philippine Homes
Right Image:
Maharlika Consortium is a recognized leader in microgrid innovation, deploying best-in-class technology that includes advanced solar PV power, high-performance battery storage systems (BESS), intelligent hybrid generation, smart meters, and sophisticated distribution grids to deliver 24/7 clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to residential and commercial consumers.
Awarded following a competitive selection process by the Philippine government under the Qualified Third Party Programme (QTP) and the new Microgrid Service Provider (MGSP) Act, the approved microgrids will deploy a smart, clean, and modern utility-grade power infrastructure. The portfolio will initially deploy 7 MWp Solar PV, BESS totaling 8.0 MWh, efficient diesel capacity of 3.5 MW and a smart power distribution network of 225 km across the three provinces. This ambitious undertaking is expected to generate approximately 300 full-time jobs during the 10-12 month construction period, with 30 permanent positions for operations and maintenance (O&M) and additional part-time sub-contractors for ongoing maintenance works.
This significant milestone underscores the Philippine government’s intensified efforts to fast-track rural electrification projects. These initiatives are propelled through pathways such as the Certified Energy Project of National Significance (CEPNS) designation and inter-agency streamlining, consistent with the respective mandates and authorities of the concerned government agencies, a push acknowledged by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin and ERC Chairperson Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan. Now facing a global oil crisis, more than ever, decentralized and hybrid power infrastructure is the country’s best strategy to increase its energy security. Such hybrid powered microgrids will reduce the burden on fuel subsidies by the government while ensuring business continuity in entire communities, because over 50-60 percent of the power is generated from locally available sunlight.
In Palawan, a province celebrated for its environmental efforts and home to the world-class pioneering Sabang microgrid, the news was warmly received by local leadership. “This program is about creating opportunities, improving lives, and building a brighter future for every San Vicentenian. As we lay the foundation today, we are not only building infrastructure—we are building hope.” said San Vicente Mayor Ramir R. Pablico.
Community leaders and indigenous representatives also expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its long-awaited impact on education, livelihoods, and cultural continuity. “We have been waiting a long time for this project because our community truly wants access to electricity. While I know some of our residents may face challenges in getting connected due to financial constraints, I am confident they will find ways, because they want their children to study well. Reliable lighting will help ensure better education for our community,” said Barangay Captain Alvin J. Marsi of Taburi. “We are grateful to our elders and the Indigenous Political Structure for their support through the entire approval process. Their consent reflects a shared aspiration to advance and develop their community,” said Dina C. Pascual, Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR). “This project is very meaningful for us. I believe this is not only for our generation, but especially for the children. We hope that access to electricity will encourage our youth to stay, so they can continue to protect and uphold the rights of our indigenous community,” shared Ebredy Orok, an Indigenous community elder, who affirmed that the project has been granted a Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) through the National Commission on Indigenos Peoples (NCIP).
Her Excellency Ambassador Constance See of Singapore, who led key dignitaries during the ceremony, underscored the broader significance of the project, highlighting both its development impact and the strength of bilateral cooperation. “This is not just an energy project—it is a development project. Projects like this microgrid strengthen livelihoods, improve access to essential services, and demonstrate how Singapore and the Philippines can work together to deliver practical, lasting benefits for communities.”
Atem S. Ramsundersingh, CEO of WEnergy Global, the pioneering company in hybrid power systems and offgrid microgrids over past 14 years, highlighted the significant opportunity for financiers. “We invite financing institutions to join this movement as lenders, claim real, measurable SDG impact, and gain early access to an approximately US$7 billion off-grid infrastructure market in the Philippines. Our 24-site portfolio is diversified, de-risked, and shovel-ready, now also open for financing of 8 additional sites. We expect to apply for more offgrid microgrid sites in 2026 and beyond and invite national and international investors to join this mission.”
“These approvals and the subsequent groundbreaking validate our approach: building bankable, scaleable microgrids to empower the over 2 million Filipino households that remain unenergized,” added Quintin V. Pastrana, President of Maharlika Clean Power Holdings. “We are grateful to our partners who have sustained their patience and determination to secure the necessary approvals under this new regulatory framework and believe with this experience and more streamlined processes, we can bring in more private sector investment to support the government reach its 100% household energization target within the decade.”
With the groundbreaking successfully completed, construction is now officially underway. While development will proceed in phases, ensuring all DENR clearances, final local government unit permits, and compliance with remaining ERC requirements are meticulously secured, the Maharlika Consortium remains steadfast in its aim to have every community energized by Christmas 2026, bringing 24/7 power to households, schools, barangay health stations, and micro, small, and medium enterprises. These decentralized power infrastructure systems are also opening up opportunities for owners and operators of micro and containerized data centers to co-locate with this decentralized set up and the use of clean energy sources.
Backed by the ERC, DOE and DENR, and with vital support from governors, mayors and barangays clearing rights-of-way and permits, this program marks a decisive shift in how rural electrification gets done in the Philippines: faster, accountable and designed for impact. The Maharlika Consortium is matching that public resolve with WEnergy Global driving disciplined execution, engineering with suppliers and local contractors to deliver fit-for-island components and climate-resilient power networks that withstand typhoons, floods and earthquakes. The objective is specific and measurable: close the energy-poverty gap in our host communities, unlock local jobs and services, and deliver lifetime reliability and value for money.
Hashtag: #MaharlikaConsortium #WEnergy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn











