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After five years, VinFuture stands as a symbol of confidence in science for humanity
VinFuture: Free-spirited, bold, and ahead of its time
Looking back on the Prize’s remarkable five-year journey, Professor Friend shared that all the feedback he had received from his colleagues had been “one of huge positivity.” He recalled that many were initially unsure “if a newly founded prize from Vietnam can make it globally,” but today, VinFuture proudly celebrates “a wonderful list of VinFuture Prize Laureates from all over the world.”
Having already recognized four sets of winners, with the fifth to be announced later this year, he believed that “there is a quality about the group of prize winners we’ve recognized that is highly appreciated globally.”
When asked to describe VinFuture’s five-year journey in a single word, Professor Friend did not hesitate: “Optimism.” He explained, “We tend to be too negative in the developed world. We tend to find things that are wrong, not things that are right. What is so refreshing with the VinFuture Prize is the appreciation that we can make the world better. We count what has been good and we celebrate it.”
He emphasized that the VinFuture Prizes are “not tied to a particular area. It’s not chemistry or physics. It’s everything that can create a better future for humanity.” What sets VinFuture apart, he continued, “is the freedom we have to interpret the Founders’ vision. Our criteria are broad. That flexibility makes possible the freedom to explore fields that may only gain broad recognition in the years to come.”
Expressing his satisfaction with the Council’s approach, Professor Friend remarked, “I’m very pleased that we have that boldness to make some awards ahead of where others later have arrived. And that is precisely what keeps VinFuture ahead of its time.”
Reflecting on his work with the Prize Council, Professor Friend highlighted what he valued most — “the genuine learning spirit.” The Council, he said, “brings together people from very different professional fields, but we all share one thing in common — a love of learning.” Every discussion, he added, “becomes an opportunity to learn something new. We learn from the nominations and from the investigations we conduct. Altogether, it’s driven by a shared sense of curiosity and discovery.”
Although the decisions are always challenging, Professor Friend noted that the Council works “closely” and “reaches consensus.” He explained, “We all approach discussions with the same goal: to understand deeply the impact of each nomination, thereby ensuring a fair decision and honoring the most deserving achievement. We ask tough questions, we dig into details, and in the end, we reach consensus.”
Vietnamese people are capable of achieving great things
Reflecting on VinFuture’s founding during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — a time filled with uncertainty — Professor Friend described that moment as “a real wake-up call that the whole world has to work as one.” He noted that the pandemic had shown how quickly crises could spread across the globe, and how essential it was for solutions to be global in scale. In that context, the establishment of VinFuture carried “profound significance: to honor the efforts that bring about positive change for humanity.”
He recalled with emotion the first VinFuture Grand Prize, awarded to the scientists who discovered the mRNA vaccine technology — “winners who later received the Nobel Prize.” Their visit to Vietnam in January 2022, despite global lockdowns, was deeply moving to him. “Meeting the people who had helped save millions of lives, right in the midst of the pandemic, was an experience I’ll never forget,” he said.
He described the award ceremony in Hanoi as “a very special moment — a moment of global coming together and a real sense of hope and opportunity.” The fact that it took place in Vietnam, he added, made it even more powerful, as it “represented the whole of the world.”
Speaking about VinFuture’s broader impact, Professor Friend emphasized that the Prize has brought significant positive influence to Vietnam itself. By hosting an internationally respected award that celebrates scientific excellence and humanity-centered innovation, VinFuture has helped elevate Vietnam’s global visibility and reputation as a nation that values science, technology, and the pursuit of knowledge. “I see Vietnam as a country that is proactively embracing the opportunities that science and technology bring to society and the economy, and the opportunity for education and employment,” he said.
Through VinFuture, Vietnam has positioned itself as an emerging hub for scientific dialogue and innovation — a place where the world’s leading minds can gather to exchange ideas and inspire one another. He believed that the chance “to meet, to understand what these prize winners have done” serves as “an inspiration for the Vietnamese research community and younger generations to believe in their own potential.”
He also pointed to the annual VinFuture Sci-Tech Week in Hanoi as a compelling expression of this ambition. The event, he said, “has brought to Vietnam far-reaching global dialogues — intellectual exchanges with the potential to shape the course of the world.” These discussions have sparked remarkable public engagement, attracting not only researchers but also the broader society. “It is in such moments,” he observed, “that science becomes an integral part of public life.”
Concluding his reflections, Professor Friend expressed his deep admiration for Vietnam’s drive and determination. “The eagerness to make the world better and to make things happen in Vietnam shines through very strongly,” he said. “I believe that the opportunity to engage directly with those who have driven change across the world will be deeply inspiring — kindling a strong belief that the Vietnamese people are fully capable of achieving truly great things.”
Hashtag: #VinFuture
https://vinfutureprize.org/The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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AECOM supports CEDD and AFCD of HKSAR Government in launching Hong Kong’s first comprehensive nature-based solutions guidelines to advance sustainable urban development
Developed through multidisciplinary expertise in ecology, landscape architecture, engineering, climate resilience and urban planning, the HKNbSDG provides a practical blueprint for designing, implementing, sustainably managing, and evaluating NbS across diverse environmental contexts — from rivers and wetlands to coastlines and high-density urban districts.
Factoring in the characteristics of Hong Kong’s natural ecology and urban development, the HKNbSDG is built on three core principles that outline a holistic approach to promoting ecosystem diversity at multiple scales, embracing human-nature coexistence for mutual benefits, and improving resilience through NbS. It also includes a performance evaluation framework to support evidence-based decision-making and features local case studies, including Long Valley Nature Park and Tung Chung East Eco-shoreline.
“The HKNbSDG reflects our commitment to advancing nature‑positive design and supporting Hong Kong’s journey toward climate resilience and sustainable growth,” said Dr. Johnny Cheuk, senior vice president and Hong Kong executive leader at AECOM. “By integrating ecological science into design practice, we aim to empower practitioners to harness nature’s potential in building climate-resilient infrastructure.”
The HKNbSDG was officially launched at the Promulgation Ceremony held on March 3, 2026, at Long Valley Nature Park. The event was officiated by Miss. Diane Wong Shuk-han, JP, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology; Mr. David Lam Chi-man, JP, Under Secretary for Development; Mr. Charles Karangwa, Global Head of Nature-based Solutions Centre of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); Ir Michael Fong Hok-shing, JP, Director of Civil Engineering and Development; and Mr. Mickey Lai Kin-ming, JP, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation.
The ceremony featured an introduction to the HKNbSDG by Stephen Suen, director of landscape architecture at AECOM, followed by a panel discussion on building cross-sector partnerships to reverse nature and biodiversity loss through NbS.
Panelists included:
- Mr. Charles Karangwa, Global Head, Nature-based Solutions Centre, IUCN
- Ir. Michael Fong Hok‑shing, JP, Director of Civil Engineering and Development
- Mr. Mickey Lai Kin Ming, JP, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
- Ms. Frances Chen, Director, Sustainability & Climate Change, North Asia, HSBC
- Mr. Benny Au, Senior Manager, Sustainable Development, Swire Properties Limited
The release of the HKNbSDG supports Hong Kong’s key policy commitments, including the Climate Action Plan 2050 and its biodiversity conservation targets, by providing a practical roadmap for enhancing urban resilience and expanding green infrastructure. This publication equips practitioners with essential tools — from integrating ecology into early planning to designing for multifunctional benefits — grounded in Hong Kong-specific experience. It also serves as a central resource for advancing the Northern Metropolis development strategy, where NbS is helping to drive urban-rural integration and foster the co-existence of urban development and ecological conservation.
The HKNbSDG forms part of AECOM’s broader mission to help cities adapt to climate risks while enhancing quality of life. By bringing together global best practices and local ecological insights, AECOM aims to strengthen industry-wide capability in implementing NbS at scale.
Learn more about the Hong Kong Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines here.
Download high-resolution images here.
Hashtag: #AECOM #NatureBasedSolutions #NaturePositive #ClimateResilience #Biodiversity
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AECOM
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of US$16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at AECOM.
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Asian Computer Industry Online Exhibition 2026: A Global Hub for Technology Industry Collaboration
Since its launch in 2022, the exhibition has been jointly organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com). The event has supported numerous companies in expanding into overseas markets and has earned strong industry recognition for high-quality buyers, efficient matchmaking, and measurable order results.
In 2026, ACI 2026 will expand in scale and be held concurrently with leading international technology trade shows, including Embedded World, Display Week (SID), COMPUTEX TAIPEI, and ISC High Performance. By aligning with major global exhibitions, the event creates a strong time-synergy effect, enabling international buyers to efficiently compare products, evaluate suppliers, and complete procurement decisions within a concentrated timeframe. This strategic alignment enhances purchasing efficiency and maximizes cross-exhibition business opportunities.
ACI 2026 features a robust lineup of respected Taiwanese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as HIGHGRADE TECH, OKAYO ELECTRONICS, BIPOLAR ELECTRONIC, YNG WEI, YNG YUH ELECTRONIC, ESMT, GOOD OPPORTUNITY ELECTRONIC, MSTRONIC, SUN RISE EXACT, AIRWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, KING DESGIN INDUSTRIAL, CLEVER INTELLIGENCE UNITY, YO-TRONICS TECHNOLOGY, DORIS INDUSTRIAL, REUEX INDUSTRIAL, ARIOSE ELECTRONICS, UNITEX NUNG LAI BUTTON and many more. These companies will present thousands of the latest computer industry products and technologies, covering a wide array of sectors crucial to modern manufacturing and production.
Comprehensive Coverage Across the Entire Industry Chain
The Asian Computer Industry Online Exhibition 2026 brings together dozens of premium suppliers from the global computer manufacturing and electronic components sectors, showcasing over a thousand innovative products and forward-looking technologies. The exhibits are strategically structured around the core value of the industry supply chain, comprehensively covering key system-level products such as desktop computers, laptops and accessories, tablets and accessories, industrial computers and embedded systems, gaming and e-sports equipment, as well as computer software, IT, and internet services.
The ACI 2026 also highlights critical communications infrastructure, including networking equipment, wireless communication devices, telecommunications and fiber access equipment, landline and VoIP systems, and antennas. In terms of key components and supply chain solutions, the showcased products include computer components, storage and memory devices, active components, power supply units, connectors and terminals, cables and cable assemblies, wiring accessories, transformers, batteries, and charging equipment.
In addition, the ACI 2026 features monitors, computer accessories and peripherals, input devices, point-of-sale (POS) systems, printers, plotters and scanners, printer consumables and parts, as well as broadcast and professional AV equipment, audio and video components, consumer electronics accessories and components, and electronic materials and supplies.
Together, these comprehensive categories fully demonstrate the complete ecosystem of the computer industry, spanning system integration, communications infrastructure, core components, and end-use applications. Combining technological depth with product breadth, the exhibition stands as a premier international trade event for efficient business matchmaking and global market expansion among professional buyers and industry stakeholders worldwide.
ACI 2026 Online Exhibition：
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/43/Asian-Computer-Industry-Online-Exhibition-2026.html
Innovative Online Exhibition Model
The Asian Computer Industry Online Exhibition 2026 features dedicated online showrooms, digital catalogs, and virtual exhibition halls fully integrated with the TradeAsia platform. Buyers worldwide can browse exhibitor information, submit quotation requests, and conduct procurement evaluations in real time, thereby facilitating efficient, cost-effective, and results-driven global business connections.
Hashtag: #TradeAsia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About TradeAsia
TradeAsia (
www.e-tradeasia.com) is a well-established global B2B trade platform with millions of members and over 600,000 suppliers worldwide. The platform facilitates efficient matchmaking between buyers and sellers and maintains strategic partnerships with hundreds of trade organizations and exhibition entities globally. Through cross-platform marketing and integrated exposure, TradeAsia provides suppliers with expanded international visibility and multi-channel promotion opportunities. For ACI 2026, the organizers will implement a comprehensive global marketing campaign to support exhibitors in expanding overseas markets, enhancing brand presence, and maximizing business opportunities.
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ABP Securite Announces Strategic Partnership With Rapid7 to Enhance Cybersecurity in Asia Pacific
The collaboration marks an important step in enabling enterprises to strengthen their security posture amid the region’s rapidly expanding digital landscape. With evolving hybrid infrastructures, accelerated cloud transformation, and increasing threat complexity, organisations across Asia Pacific are seeking more comprehensive ways to gain visibility, prioritise risk, and streamline response.
Under this partnership, ABP Securite will distribute and support Rapid7’s cybersecurity portfolio across Asia Pacific— including the Rapid7 Command Platform covering exposure management, SIEM and XDR, cloud security, application security, automation, and external threat intelligence.
Closing the Cyber Visibility Gap
“As the cybersecurity threat surface in Asia Pacific continues to grow, visibility and control have become mission critical,” said Joyce Ng, Chief Executive Officer of ABP Securite. “At ABP Securite, our role is to help customers turn complexity into clarity. Partnering with Rapid7 brings a best-in-class platform that empowers security teams to quantify and reduce risk more effectively. Together, we can help organisations operationalise cyber resilience and protect their most valuable assets.”
Jason Heng, Regional Sales Director, ASEAN at Rapid7, added, “ABP Securite has built a strong reputation for enabling regional partners and customers with advanced cybersecurity technologies. Through this collaboration, Rapid7 gains a powerful ally to extend our reach and help organisations in Asia Pacific gain real-time insight into their exposure, simplify operations, and respond faster to emerging threats.”
Hashtag: #ABPSecurite
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ABP Securite Pte Ltd
ABP Securite Pte Ltd is a leading cybersecurity and network-performance Value-Added Distributor (VAD), incorporated in 2015 and headquartered in Singapore, with regional offices across Asia Pacific. The company delivers a comprehensive portfolio of advanced security technologies and professional services — including architecture advisory, solution integration, after-sales support, and cloud-managed services. ABP Securite collaborates with a broad ecosystem of partners to help organisations strengthen cyber resilience, secure infrastructure, and protect critical assets across cloud, network, and data environments.
Website: www.abpsecurite.com
About Rapid7
Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD) is a global leader in AI-powered managed cybersecurity operations, trusted to advance organizations’ cyber resilience. Open and extensible, the Rapid7 Command Platform integrates security data, enriching it with AI, threat intelligence, and 25 years of expertise and innovation to reduce risk and disrupt attackers. As a recognized leader in preemptive managed detection and response (MDR), Rapid7 unifies exposure and detection to transform the cybersecurity operations of more than 11,500 customers worldwide. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on 
LinkedIn or 
X.
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