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8Wonder: Moments of Wonder: Where Music Pens the Spirit of a Flourishing Vietnam, and the Will to Soar
An Unforgettable Night of Unity and Emotion
“8Wonder demonstrates Vingroup’s serious investment in making Vietnam a cultural destination for the region,” said Dinh Tuan Dat, a performing arts expert who has followed the festival since its inception in 2023. “I particularly loved the duet between Tlinh and J Balvin. It’s a truly memorable moment, a Vietnamese artist collaborating with an international star on stage. It feels like the first step for Vietnam’s entertainment industry onto the global stage.”
From the moment the lights flashed on and the first deep bass notes reverberated through the air, the vast venue became an “emotional universe.” Multi-layered LED screens and laser beams cut across the night sky, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. The music was a full-body experience, with every bass drop felt as much as heard. S(TRONG) Trong Hieu kicked off the night with his powerful vocals on the song Kho bau (Treasure), opening the floodgates of emotion.
The night was peppered with performances that resonated deeply with the national celebratory mood. A highlight was Hoa Minzy’s rendition of Bac Bling, where she was joined on stage by over 200 schoolchildren dressed in the red and gold of the Vietnamese flag. The crowd chanted her name, a testament to the powerful connection the Bac Ninh native forged with the audience.
The energy soared when singer Soobin appeared in a stylized ao dai, a traditional Vietnamese tunic. He began with his song Nguoi Viet (The Vietnamese), standing amidst a sea of light from thousands of cell phones. “Are you proud to be Vietnamese?” he asked the crowd. The resounding, thunderous cheer was a declaration, a moment when music transcended the stage to become a collective proclamation of national identity.
According to performing arts expert Dinh Tuan Dat, Vingroup’s organizers masterfully wove a subtle message into Soobin’s performance. “The notes from the dan bau [a traditional Vietnamese monochord] he played on the 8Wonder stage brought the audience back to their roots,” Dat observed. “Then the modern piano and beat brought them back to the present, a powerful metaphor for Vietnamese culture reaching the global stage.”
The atmosphere shifted dramatically when DPR IAN took the stage, his hypnotic voice and captivating presence electrifying the crowd. During hits like Don’t Go Insane and Limbo, the energy peaked when he stepped into the crowd, accepted a conical hat (non la), and wore it while playing his bass guitar.
The climax arrived with the explosive collaboration between Tlinh and J Balvin. The stage was a kaleidoscope of color, a “Latin carnival,” as Tlinh’s energetic rap blended seamlessly with the Latin music icon’s vibrant beats. The audience danced, cheered, and waved Vietnamese flags. It was a fiery performance, but for industry watchers, it was a historic moment: a Vietnamese artist standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a global superstar, not as a background act but as an equal. In that instant, the dream of “Made in Vietnam – Heard Worldwide” no longer seemed distant, but a tangible reality on the 8Wonder stage.
A Strategic Vision for Vietnam’s Cultural Future
Looking back at the entire event, it’s clear that 8Wonder was not just a concert but a strategic cultural statement. Every detail, from the choice of artists and musical concepts to the international collaborations, reflected a long-term vision: to bring Vietnamese culture to the world using the universal language of music and art.
When Hoa Minzy performed Bac Bling with schoolchildren in the national colors, and when Tlinh and J Balvin waved the Vietnamese flag, they transformed traditional elements into modern art that resonated with both young audiences and the international community.
“Each performance at 8Wonder was a cultural slice,” said Dinh Tuan Dat. “It both honored national values and paved the way for international integration.”
As an event celebrating the 80th National Day, 8Wonder had an even deeper significance. The stage at the National Exhibition Fair Center became a space where Vietnamese and international artists could collaborate, sing, and create together.
Dr. Bui Quoc Viet, a former member of the Independent Advisory Council of the Vietnam Tourism Association, noted that “8Wonder created a two-way street, bringing the world to Vietnam and Vietnam to the world.” He added that the festival solidified “Vietnam’s position as a leading destination for festivals and entertainment in the region.”
Dr. Viet concluded that for Vingroup, 8Wonder was more than just a demonstration of its ability to organize a major international event. It was about the company’s commitment to supporting the nation’s development, choosing to contribute to cultural growth. By creating an international stage for Vietnamese artists, the company helped build cultural value, foster a sense of national pride, and fuel the ambition for Vietnam to reach beyond its borders.
The festival ended with a brilliant fireworks display, a joyous crescendo to the National Day celebration. Beyond the lights and the music, 8Wonder: Moments of Wonder 2025 became a new symbol, a symbol of pride, of integration, and, above all, of a strong, ambitious Vietnam moving forward with the world.
Hashtag: #8Wonder #MomentsofWonder2025
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Etiqa’s Project Firefly Reinforces Mangrove Ecosystem in Sungai Panjang in Collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society
Through Etiqa’s Project Firefly, Etiqa is taking proactive steps to preserve and sustain the ecosystem by planting 130 Sonneratia Caseolaris or locally known as Berembang saplings and 200 Sonneratia Caseolaris seeds, undertaking habitat restoration works, and mobilising 50 Etiqa volunteers for a community-driven initiative along Sungai Panjang, covering a total stretch of 10 kilometres. In addition, an awareness session was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science which aimed to educate participants on the ecological importance of fireflies and the need for long-term conservation.
Fireflies play an important role as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health, which in turn supports environmental balance and benefits surrounding communities. However, across Malaysia, firefly populations are declining due to rapid habitat loss caused by river pollution, deforestation, and increasing light pollution along mangrove-lined rivers. These threats not only endanger native species but also affect the livelihoods of local fishermen and villagers who rely on healthy river ecosystems and firefly-based eco-tourism. Protecting congregating firefly zones through the preservation of adequate vegetation buffers along riverbanks is therefore critical to ensuring the long-term survival of these species and the sustainability of local livelihoods.
Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad (EGIB) said, “We initiated Etiqa’s Project Firefly as conserving native firefly species is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities that co-exist around them. By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only protecting an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity but also helping sustain the eco-tourism and river-based livelihoods of Sungai Panjang residents. This reflects Etiqa’s purpose in Making the World a Better Place that includes meaningful environmental action which strengthens both nature and society, creating long-term value for future generations.”
Mr. I.S Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysia Nature Society says, “Fireflies are natural indicators of a healthy mangrove ecosystem, and their presence reflects the overall condition of our rivers and surrounding environments. We commend Etiqa for taking proactive steps through Etiqa’s Project Firefly to address the growing threats of habitat degradation along fireflies corridor. Meaningful conservation requires collective action, and we hope this initiative will inspire more companies to collaborate with environmental organisations and local communities to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods for the long term.”Hashtag: #Etiqamy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Etiqa
Etiqa is a multi-channel distributor of Insurance and Takaful products via its 10,000 agency force, 44 branches and 17 offices, over 490 bancassurance network (via Maybank branches, third-party banks, as well as co-operatives and brokers) through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.
In striving to make the world a better place, Etiqa’s Sustainability journey focuses on internal initiatives that reduces its carbon footprint and increases its social impact, as well as external solutions that allow its clients to do the same.
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PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards
Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”
Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.
The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.
Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows:
| PolyU Startups | Featured Innovations | Company Representatives |
| AniMed Technology Limited | Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring | Dr LYU Weimin Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited |
| CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited | AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings | Ms Amber ZHANG Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited |
| DRESIO Limited | AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution | Mr Alexander YING CEO, DRESIO Limited |
| Eieling Technology Limited | FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device (CES 2026 Innovation Award) |
Prof. ZHENG Yongping Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited |
| Entoptica Limited | Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies | Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited |
| Feelings Group Limited | AI-powered computer vision solution | Dr WONG Wing-sze Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited Ms YIP Chi-hay |
| Gembody Limited | Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system | Ms MAO Qian CEO, Gembody Limited Dr YANG Fan CTO, Gembody Limited |
| ImageVector MedTech Limited | AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration
|
Dr JIANG Tianshu
Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited |
| Immune Materials Limited | Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials | Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited Prof. KAN Chi-wai |
| Innobound Limited | Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance | Ms GAO Lan CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited |
| MedVision Limited | AI-powered medical imaging solution | Prof. CAI Jing Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited Dr MA Zongrui |
| Mirror Caring Limited | Knee health management solution | Prof. Stephen WANG Jia Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited |
| Nuvatech Limited | Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI | Mr DENG Yanheng Founder, Nuvatech Limited |
| On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited | Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device | Dr Rayman GONG Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited |
| ReSaTech Limited | AI solutions for product reliability | Mr Ricky LAW CEO, ReSaTech Limited |
| UbiquiTech Innovations Limited | Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces | Prof. CAO Jiannong Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Dr LIANG Zhixuan |
| Vcare Vision Technology Limited | Non-invasive myopia prevention solution | Dr TANG Yuk-ming Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited |
| Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited | Smart Firefighting Robot
(CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award) |
Mr WANG Meng PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited |
| XOXO Beverages Limited | Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency | Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited |
Hashtag: #PolyU
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Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.
Peer Modeling
Starlight Centre has provided specialised care services for children with high-functioning autism from primary 1 to 6 and have supported many students who are now ready to demonstrate positive behaviours from the programmes. Through peer modelling, younger students can observe and learn from their more experienced peers, helping them understand the acceptable boundaries of good behaviour.
RISE™
The Starlight RISE™ Primary School Readiness Program effectively prepares young children for formal education by developing their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging, play-based activities.
By actively involving parents in the process through comprehensive evaluations and strong partnerships, Starlight Centre aims to make parents feel valued and confident that their child’s development is being supported holistically, beyond just basic skills.
Hashtag: #AutismEducation #SpecialNeedsEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentingSupport #StarlightCentre
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About Starlight Centre
Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.
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