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The MTick Arrives in Asia: DFI Retail Group Leads as First Asian Retail Partner with GenM to bring Visibility and Accessibility to the Menopause Support

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  • 1 billion women are experience menopause at any given time—yet 87% feel overlooked and underserved by retailers and brands.1
  • For the first time, the MTick® is going global, as leading Asian retailer DFI Retail Group partners with GenM to champion menopause visibility, accessibility, and inclusivity to the Asian retail market.
  • The initiative will roll out at DFI’s stores across 5 different markets, including Guardian in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, and Mannings in Hong Kong and Macau.
  • Customers can expect to see M-Tick-certified displays in stores starting in mid-2026.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2025 – DFI Retail Group (DFI) becomes the first Asian retailer to join the GenM Collective and adopt the MTick® symbol – bringing menopause-friendly products to millions of women across five key Asian markets. This marks an important milestone in setting a new international standard for the retail landscape, and underscores DFI’s commitment to positioning its Health & Beauty business as a trusted advisor for wellness, empowering everyday wellbeing for all.

Guardian and Mannings stores under DFI Retail Group

DFI and GenM are partnering to transform how women search, source and shop for menopause-related products by curating MTick®certified selections tailored to each market. The products will meet one or more of the following criteria: backed by authorised medicinal, cosmetic or health claims; tried and tested by women experiencing menopause; and feature verified technology designed to support any of the 48 identified signs of menopause.

Starting in mid-2026, Guardian and Mannings stores will introduce dedicated spaces featuring menopause-friendly product ranges, supported by online product information and educational content. Every activation will feature clear product signposting and accessible menopause resources designed to empower women to shop with confidence and make more informed choices.

The MTick®is the trusted, universal shopping symbol and certification designed to signpost menopause-friendly products. To date, over 1,000 MTick-certified SKUs are available, with eight of the largest UK retailers displaying MTick-certified products in dedicated areas, either online or in-store, including Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Holland & Barrett, Next, Matalan, and most recently, Asda and Ocado.

Globally, 1 billion women are experiencing menopause at any given time – yet 87 per cent of women report feeling overlooked and underserved by brands and retailers that they’ve trusted throughout their lives. GenM’s research also shows that 94 per cent of women want to shop menopause-friendly labelled products, but two-thirds (66 per cent) say that these are difficult to find.1

United by the MTick®, GenM and DFI, with Guardian and Mannings, are set to provide visibility, choice, and trust to customers going through menopause across five different markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau.

Andrew Wong, Chief Executive Officer for Health & Beauty, DFI Retail Group, commented:

“At DFI, we are committed to empowering everyday wellbeing for all our customers. Partnering with GenM to bring the MTick® to Asia is a meaningful step forward in our wider Health & Beauty strategy focusing on wellness—one that champions inclusivity, accessibility, and education. By offering menopause-friendly products and services across our Guardian and Mannings stores, we’re not only addressing an underserved need, but also reinforcing our role as a trusted wellness advisor in the region. This partnership reflects our dedication to supporting women through every life stage, with confidence and care.”

Heather Jackson, CEO and Co-Founder of GenM, commented:

“DFI joining the GenM Collective marks a truly global milestone for menopause inclusivity and accessibility. By breaking new ground in Asia’s health and beauty sector, with Guardian and Mannings, we’re redefining how women search, source, and shop for menopause-friendly products – not just here in the UK, but on a global scale.

Menopause is not a trend; it’s a forever market and a lifelong reality that retail must play a vital role in supporting women through. We’re creating a new category of retail that is the most exciting, inclusive, accessible and vibrant category that has been seen in retail for the last 40 years. Now, with DFI on board, our mission to empower the 1 billion menopausal women globally and to ignite a purposeful shift in the retail landscape is accelerating fast.

United by the MTick®, retailers like DFI are truly transforming the shopping experience; delivering choice, trust, accessibility, and visibility to menopausal consumers. This is the start of something extraordinary. Watch this space!”

For more information on the MTick® and GenM Collective, please visit: https://gen-m.com/

References
[1] UK Visibility Report 2024 – representative of 2,000 UK respondents.
Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #Guardian #Mannings #GenM #MTick #HealthandBeauty #MenopauseProducts #Women’sHealth

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”. As at 30 June 2025, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated over 7,500 outlets, and employed over 83,000 people. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings and restaurants.

Guardian
Guardian was established in 1967 in Malaysia and has grown into a trusted health and beauty retailer in Southeast Asia. With more than 1,100 stores across Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Guardian offers a comprehensive range of healthcare, beauty care, personal care, and baby care products to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Guardian stores also offer professional services such as patient-care counselling, dispensary and personal care services, providing a convenient, one-stop health and beauty solution.

Mannings
Mannings is Hong Kong’s largest health and beauty retailer, operating over 340 outlets, including more than 60 in-store pharmacies, across Hong Kong, Macau, and the Greater Bay Area. With a diverse range of products and services, Mannings is committed to integrating the concept of “Wellness” into our daily lives while pioneering a new era of health. By offering innovative health technologies, AI solutions, preventive healthcare, self-managed health tools, and digital wellness and beauty solutions, Mannings empowers individuals and families to prioritize their well-being.

Mannings also provides complementary professional services, including Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines program, Advice for Minor Ailments, as well as medication and usage consultations, safeguarding the community’s health and beauty.

About GenM

GenM is the Menopause Partner for Brands and Home of the MTick® – the universal symbol and certification for menopause-friendly products. With a Collective of over 120 of the most progressive and powerful retail partners such as Boots, Tesco, QVC, Matalan, Morrisons, Next and Sainsbury’s as well as brand partners; TENA, Colgate, Sanex, Charles Worthington, Dove, Sure and Revolution Beauty, GenM is driving the creation of a new purposeful retail category of menopause, delivering trust, choice and visibility to the overlooked and underserved 15.5 million menopausal audience in the UK.

GenM’s game-changing MTick® is transforming the way women search, source and shop for products that may ease, relieve or support any of the 48 menopause signs. The MTick® is only displayed on products that meet the strict qualifying criteria of this certification. United by the MTick®, the GenM Collective is empowering women to shop with ease and confidence so that she can, ultimately, live her best menopause.

About the MTick®
MTick® certification is only granted to brands and retailers which meet one (or more) of these criteria, and means they can proudly display the symbol on packaging, marketing, or at point or sale:

1. Backed by authorised medicinal, cosmetic and/or health claims*
2. Tried and tested by menopausal women in clinical user trials that generate statistical evidence for a specified symptom(s) or sign(s)
3. Features trialled and verified technology or functionality to support one (or more) of the 48 symptoms or signs

*Health claims – For the 48 symptoms and signs, EFSA approved health claims.

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XIXILI Reimagines Plus-Size Lingerie in Malaysia

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 December 2025 – XIXILI is rewriting the rules of lingerie shopping with its Plus Size Collection, moving beyond the typical S, M, L, XL approach that leaves so many women without options. The brand’s extensive range proves that well-fitted, beautiful lingerie shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for a select few.

When One Size Definitely Doesn’t Fit All

XIXILI’s Plus Size Collection flips the narrative that women need to settle for less-than-ideal sizes.

“For too many women, bra shopping has meant settling for sizes that almost fit or styles that prioritise function over fashion,” says XIXILI spokesperson Grace Tan. “Inclusivity is about recognising that every woman deserves access to beautiful, sexy, well-fitted lingerie. That shouldn’t be a problem they have to solve alone.”

To address the challenges of online fitting, XIXILI combines a detailed bra size chart with its pioneering ‘Try-On in 3D’ avatar tool. The feature allows women to generate a personalised digital twin based on specific measurements, enabling them to visualise the fit before purchasing.

Support Without Sacrifice: Plus Size Done Right

The Rufina Full Coverage Full Cup Bra sits at the heart of XIXILI’s Plus Size collection, designed for women who have been told they have to choose between support and style. The Rufina bra offers full coverage support with a contemporary silhouette that works under everything from work blouses to festive party dresses. Engineered specifically for fuller figures, it celebrates natural curves instead of trying to hide or minimise them. It’s the kind of foundation piece that lets you focus on your day, not your discomfort.

“We want every woman to feel supported, comfortable, and beautiful in whatever she’s wearing,” says Grace Tan. “Whether it’s for work, family gatherings, or special occasions, the right fit makes all the difference to daily comfort and confidence.”

Empowering Women With Knowledge, Not Just Options

XIXILI recognises that offering more sizes is only half the equation. Many women have spent years navigating limited options without proper guidance on finding their actual measurements.

The brand addresses this through interactive bra size charts, how-to-measure videos, and one-on-one personalised fittings at boutiques nationwide. By equipping women with the tools and knowledge to identify their true size, XIXILI transforms what can be a frustrating shopping experience into a more confident and informed process.

As Christmas shopping gets underway, the Plus Size Collection offers both a thoughtful gift for loved ones and an opportunity for self-care during the busy holiday season.

For more information and to discover the full range, visit XIXILI’s website.

Hashtag: #XIXILI





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

XIXILI

A homegrown Malaysian brand, XIXILI offers beautiful fashion lingerie and shapewear in Malaysia that prioritises fit and comfort. With an extensive range of bra sizes from A to I and bands 65 to 110cm, XIXILI caters to women of all shapes and sizes. Expert fitters are dedicated to helping each customer find the perfect bra, boosting confidence and enhancing silhouettes.

XIXILI became the first Malaysian lingerie brand to introduce a Try-On in 3D avatar tool, allowing customers to virtually try on XIXILI lingerie using a 3D avatar tailored to their specific body type and measurements. Whether for everyday wear or something special, XIXILI ensures women always look and feel amazing.

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Essential Document Checklist for SIM Applications

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 December 2025 – Submitting an application to the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) represents a significant academic milestone and requires meticulous preparation. Incomplete or missing documentation may result in processing delays or possible rejection. To assist applicants in meeting these requirements, this guide provides a detailed overview based on SIM’s official application standards.

Preparation Is Key

SIM reviews thousands of applications each year, and incomplete submissions remain one of the primary causes of processing delays. Early preparation of all required documents is essential to ensure a seamless application experience and allow applicants to remain focused on their academic objectives. As stipulated in SIM’s Application Process Guide, all supporting documents must be uploaded at the point of application and submissions lacking these documents will not be processed.

The Core Documents Every Applicant Needs

Prior to applying to the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), applicants should ensure that all required documents are prepared to prevent processing delays. Scanned copies of academic certificates and transcripts, such as GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels, diplomas or degrees must be provided, along with certified translations and notarisation for documents not in English.

Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL results, is mandatory for applicants whose previous education was not conducted in English. Identification documents are also required, including the NRIC for local applicants and a valid passport for international applicants, accompanied by a recent passport-sized photograph that complies with SIM’s specifications.

International applicants must additionally prepare documentation for the Student’s Pass application, which includes the passport bio-data page, birth certificate, evidence of financial capability, and, where applicable, parent or guardian identification documents.

Quick Tips to Avoid Delays

Submitting an application to the SIM can be a straightforward process with proper preparation. Ensure that all documents are uploaded in the correct format, with PDF being the standard for certificates and transcripts. For documents not in English, certified translations must be provided to prevent rejection or requests for re-submission.

Applicants should also adhere to SIM’s photo specifications by submitting a recent passport-sized photograph that meets official guidelines. International students must pay particular attention to financial documentation, as proof of financial capability is a key requirement for the Student’s Pass application. Bank statements and supporting documents should be prepared in advance to comply with Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) requirements. Following these steps will help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth application process.

Application Essentials

Prospective students are advised to submit a complete and accurate application to ensure smooth processing. Detailed instructions and programme-specific requirements can be found on SIM’s official application portal. Applications that are incomplete or contain inaccuracies will not be considered. To avoid delays, applicants should make use of the provided checklist and guidelines to confirm compliance before submission.

References:

  1. SIM Application Process – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/application-process

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

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Vinfuture 2025 Honors Four Groundbreaking Scientific Achievements Under The Theme “Rising And Thriving”

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HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 December 2025 – The VinFuture Foundation officially announces the laureates of the VinFuture Prizes 2025. Four outstanding scientific and technological breakthroughs have been honored, reflecting this year’s theme “Rising and Thriving”, and highlighting the role of cross-border scientific collaboration in addressing global challenges in health, environment, and human livelihood.

The Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Mr. Tran Thanh Man, presents the VinFuture 2025 Grand Prize, worth USD 3 million, to the laureate scientists.

The 2025 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony was broadcast live on VTV1, the national television channel of Vietnam. The event was attended by Mr. Tran Thanh Man, Politburo member and Chairman of the National Assembly, along with leaders of central ministries and agencies, representatives of embassies and international organisations, and distinguished scientists from around the world.

The VinFuture Prize 2025 received 1,705 nominations from scientists, research institutions, and technology enterprises worldwide, representing an almost threefold increase relative to the inaugural year. These submissions highlight impactful cross-border research efforts focused on protecting public health, advancing next-generation intelligent materials, addressing climate change, accelerating novel energy solutions, and strengthening global food security frameworks.

The 2025 VinFuture Grand Prize valued at US$3 million is awarded to Dr. Douglas R. Lowy, Dr. John T. Schiller, Dr. Aimée R. Kreimer and Prof. Maura L. Gillison (USA) for discoveries and development of HPV vaccines for prevention of tumors caused by human papillomaviruses.

Foundational studies on HPV capsid proteins by Drs. Douglas Lowy and John Schiller led to the development of highly effective HPV vaccines, preventing millions of cervical cancer cases, especially in developing countries. Furthermore, the single-dose vaccination regimen developed by Dr. Aimée Kreimer – now recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) – has significantly expanded vaccine access for populations worldwide.

In parallel, laboratory and epidemiological studies by Prof. Maura Gillison and Dr. Aimée Kreimer established the link between HPV and head-and-neck cancers, which represent an emerging cancer threat expected to be mitigated by HPV vaccination efforts. The achievements of Dr. Douglas Lowy, Dr. John Schiller, Dr. Aimée Kreimer, and Prof. Maura Gillison have already saved millions of lives and will keep lowering the global cancer burden for decades to come.

In addition to the Grand Prize, the 2025 VinFuture Prizes will also present three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, recognizing Innovators from Developing Countries, Women Innovators, and Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields.

The 2025 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries​ is awarded to Prof. María Esperanza Martínez-Romero (Mexico) for advances in microbial ecology and symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the tropics. Prof. Martínez-Romero has discovered and described numerous new Rhizobium species, significantly expanding scientific understanding of microbial taxonomy and plant-microbe interactions in agriculture. Her work has opened new directions in the study of bacterial-plant symbiosis, with profound implications for sustainable agriculture in resource-limited settings.

The 2025 VinFuture Special Prize for Women Innovators is awarded to Prof. Mary-Claire King (USA) for identification of the breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1, laying the foundation for genetic testing, screening programs, and personalized treatment. Her landmark identification of the BRCA1 locus on chromosome 17q21 in 1990, before the human genome was sequenced, is considered a historic milestone, demonstrating the genetic basis of cancer risk and transforming prevention and treatment strategies worldwide.

The 2025 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields has honored Prof. Venkatesan Sundaresan (USA), Prof. Raphaël Mercier (Germany), Dr. Emmanuel Guiderdoni (France), Dr. Imtiyaz Khanday (USA) and Dr. Delphine Mieulet (France) for innovations in the development of clonal hybrid crops. Hybrid seed production for rice, the staple food for more than half of humankind, is a laborious and costly procedure resulting in a high seed cost. The team’s work has enabled rice plants to produce seeds that retain all the superior traits of the parent plant through self-pollination, grounded in new insights into developmental biology and genetics. This groundbreaking research improves yields, reduces seed production costs, and advances sustainable global food security.

Sharing his reflections on this year’s honored works, Prof. Sir. Richard Friend, Chair of the VinFuture Prize Council, stated: “The 2025 VinFuture Prize Laureates have made big advances in science that have brought direct benefits to human health and to global sustainable food crop production. From new vaccines and new understanding of genetic susceptibility to disease to new approaches for plant breeding and new protocols for healthy crop growth, these achievements exemplify the power of science driven by compassion and cross-border collaboration – showing that when knowledge serves humanity, it not only deepens our understanding of the world but also strengthens and sustains the very foundations of life itself.

After five consecutive and widely acclaimed award cycles, the VinFuture Prize has been securing recognition among the world’s most prestigious science and technology awards, receiving 6,132 nominations from nearly 110 countries and territories across five continents, and honoring 48 outstanding laureates. The awarded innovations—spanning clean energy, artificial intelligence, biomedical technologies, and transformative advances in agriculture—are elevating quality of life, strengthening human well-being, and shaping strategic pathways for the future of humanity.

The VinFuture Prize Ceremony and VinFuture Sci-Tech Week have evolved into an established global platform for scientific exchange, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and business leaders to advance collaborations toward a sustainable, humane, and prosperous future.

Notably, after five award seasons driven by persistent efforts to connect global scientific excellence with the Vietnamese research community, the VinFuture Foundation and the VinFuture Prize have not only fostered new opportunities and momentum for national science, but have also strengthened Vietnam’s standing as a trusted destination for the world’s scientific community—where innovation is widely shared and amplified for the collective prosperity of humankind.

Launch of the 2026 VinFuture Prize Award Season: The VinFuture Prize 2026 will officially open its nomination portal from 2:00 PM on January 9, 2026, to 2:00 PM on April 17, 2026 (Hanoi time, GMT+7). Nominating partners are invited to submit candidate information through the online nomination portal at: https://vinfutureprize.org/vinfuture-prize-nomination/.

Hashtag: #Vinfuture

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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