Media OutReach
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
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Air Corporate data reveals 9 in 10 founders incorporated in Hong Kong do so remotely, driven by a 20% surge in Middle Eastern entrepreneurs seeking cost-effective operational alternatives to Dubai.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – Air Corporate registered a 40.5% increase in Hong Kong incorporations in 2025, with the first quarter of 2026 already up 48% year-over-year. This data indicates that Hong Kong is reasserting itself as the leading Asian jurisdiction for company formation, fueled by a new wave of remote founders from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
The prevailing narrative over the past five years suggested that Singapore was eclipsing Hong Kong; however, recent incorporation volumes challenge this. According to city-wide official figures cited by Vivian, Founder of Air Corporate, approximately 195,000 companies were registered in Hong Kong in 2025, compared to around 77,000 in Singapore.
“There was a lot of fuss about Singapore taking over Hong Kong as preferred jurisdiction over the last few years, but for 2025 alone, around 195,000 companies were formed in HK, vs around 77,000 for Singapore,” said Vivian. While city-wide registrations rose roughly 35% in 2025, incorporations at Air Corporate specifically grew by 40.5%. Vivian added, “With a 35% increase in the number of companies registered in 2025, Hong Kong is definitely back in the game as the top jurisdiction to start a company.”
The reality of Hong Kong company formation is increasingly global, lean, and founder-led. Nine in ten founders incorporated in Hong Kong with Air Corporate do not live there.
Key demographic and operational insights from Air Corporate’s client base include:
- Approximately 90% of founders operate remotely from abroad, while 10% or less are based in Hong Kong.
- Entrepreneurs aged 35 to 44 represent the largest age cohort at 38%, demonstrating that Hong Kong attracts founders in their prime career years rather than just younger digital nomads.
- Serial entrepreneurs make up 60% of Air Corporate’s client mix, utilizing Hong Kong as an operational base for multiple companies, while first-time founders account for the remaining 40%.
- A total of 89% of new companies are launched by solo founders (58%) or small teams of two to five individuals (31%).
- Mainland China, Hong Kong, Turkey, India, the UAE, Australia, France, and Morocco rank among the top source markets for these founders.
Furthermore, 73% of new Hong Kong incorporations are directly tied to physical goods trade with China. This consists of e-commerce and dropshipping businesses (38%) and the trading of goods (35%). The recovery of in-person trade flows, including events, such as the Canton Fair and various industrial fairs, is pulling foreign founders back into the Greater China orbit and establishing Hong Kong as the natural entry point and financial layer over the world’s largest manufacturing base.
Air Corporate’s data recorded a 20% year-over-year growth in founders originating from the Middle East. This shift highlights a reverse migration where founders previously incorporated in Dubai are now choosing Hong Kong. Based on Vivian’s observations, founders often arrive in Dubai expecting fast incorporation and low costs, but discover that incorporation and maintenance are significantly more expensive than in Hong Kong, and banking remains difficult. Consequently, many founders move to Hong Kong after 12 to 24 months in the UAE, a trend accelerated by the Hong Kong government’s strategic outreach to the region.
For lean, remote-first businesses, speed-to-market is a critical factor. A founder located anywhere in the world can incorporate in Hong Kong and open a working bank account in approximately 7 days using digital banking partners. Currently, 90% of Air Corporate’s clients utilize these digital banking partners.
“Hong Kong and Singapore are the only places in Asia where you can set up your company, get a corporate account, and be in business in less than a week,” concluded Vivian.
Air Corporate is a service provider facilitating company formation and incorporation in Hong Kong for serial entrepreneurs, first-time founders, and remote-first business owners operating globally.
Media Inquiries
To learn more about Hong Kong company formation, visit Air Corporate’s website or contact their team directly.
Hashtag: #AirCorporate
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Natural Diamonds Sparkle on The Red Carpet at The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art”
Today’s biggest stars express individuality and confidence with natural diamonds
NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – The 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” took place May 4th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, bringing together leading figures from across the globe for an unforgettable evening. These tastemakers showcased the most classic, refined and distinctive diamond jewelry looks of the season. Below, A Diamond is Forever highlights the standout trends from the event.
Desert diamonds
Desert diamonds emerged as a striking throughline on the Met Gala carpet, with a range of hues in distinctive settings taking focus.
Rihanna led the trend in a pair of exceptionally rare old Moghul Golconda fancy brown-yellow diamond earrings by Glenn Spiro, featuring two pear-shaped natural diamonds totaling 51.9 carats. Doja Cat offset her all nude look with a pair of large Leviev Diamonds floral-shaped earrings while Paloma Elsesser made a statement in a 29.5-carat diamond necklace by Bernard James, centered around a 15-carat fancy light yellow pear-shaped natural diamond. Cara Delevingne wore a De Beers London Forces of Nature High Jewelry ring, featuring marquise yellow diamonds set as eyes, while Emma Chamberlain opted for yellow and white diamond earrings by Chopard, underscoring the continued allure of warm diamond hues.
Magnificent Diamond Earrings
A wide variety of captivating silhouettes defined the natural diamond earrings on the Met Gala carpet. Zoë Kravitz delivered a modern twist with oversized diamond flower earrings by Jessica McCormack. Chase Sui Wonders opted for Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. Sea Fan earrings, bringing an element of sculptural artistry to the look. Gracie Abrams selected gently dangling Chanel earrings, adding understated fluidity, while Connor Storrie selected simple hoop earrings from Tiffany & Co., reinforcing the clean and enduring appeal of natural diamonds.
Standout Diamond Moments
Natural diamonds appeared in personal, unconventional and eye-catching ways, offering moments of surprise and awe. Power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z embodied this trend with Beyoncé wearing Chopard’s Queen of Kalahari necklace, named after the rare 342-carat diamond that provided 23 stones for Chopard’s Garden of Kalahari collection. Jay-Z contributed to the narrative with a vintage diamond brooch by Briony Raymond worn at the collar as an unexpected placement that underscored the piece’s versatility. Isha Ambani made the styling of diamonds an art form in itself, wearing her own diamond jewelry featuring approximately 150 carats of old mine-cut diamonds, including a three-strand necklace and chandelier earrings, while also incorporating diamonds sewn directly into the bodice of her sari to represent significant moments in her life.
Together, these looks highlighted a shift toward natural diamonds as vessels of personal expression, styled with intention, individuality, and a sense of the unexpected.
Hashtag: #MetGala #RedCarpet #ADiamondisForever #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds
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Media OutReach
Turn Your Savings into a Front-Row Experience: HL Bank Singapore Offers Exclusive Passes to AsiaTop Music Festival 2026
The premier music festival will play host to 16 K-pop, regional and Malaysian stars including, in performance order: Day 1 – NexT1DE, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Win Metawin, NMIXX, WINNER, DAESUNG, KUN. Day 2 – Uriah See, Firdhaus, Butterbear, 82MAJOR, STAYC, CRAVITY, TWS, CxM
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2026 – Your next major K-pop experience is just a savings goal away as HL Bank Singapore (“HLB Singapore”) bridges the gap between financial wellness and the front row. In an exclusive collaboration designed for the ultimate music enthusiast, the bank is offering fans the chance to secure a pair of sought-after AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 tickets, valued at up to RM1,098 (approx. S$355), simply by growing their wealth.
This unique initiative stems from the regional synergy between Hong Leong Bank (“HLB”) and Tencent Music Entertainment Group (JOOX and QQ Music). By aligning with Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026, HLB is transforming the traditional banking experience into a gateway for premium entertainment. Scheduled for 30 and 31 May 2026 at the iconic Sepang International Circuit, the festival promises a high-octane weekend featuring an elite lineup of Asian superstars, including the largest K-pop showcase in the ASEAN region.
Securing a spot at the heart of the action has been streamlined through the iSavings Reward Campaign, running from 9 May 2026 to 18 May 2026. To participate, fans first decide on their preferred festival experience, selecting either a pair of Standard Passes with a S$5,000 deposit or the high-energy, nearer-to-the-stars Rockzone Passes with a S$8,282 deposit for their chosen day.
Once a tier is selected, customers can register by depositing the qualifying funds into an iSavings account via FAST or Links transfer. To validate their entry, customers must include the specific Comment Code, such as PALLIR1 for Day 1 Rockzone, within the funds transfer description. The qualifying balance must be maintained within the account for a six-month (182 days) earmarked period.
With only 88 pairs of tickets available for this exclusive campaign, the stakes are high. Allocation is limited to 22 pairs per day for each ticket category and will be awarded strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to ensure their savings work as hard as they do while securing a premier seat at the musical event of the year.
For full terms & conditions, and further details, please visit: www.hlbank.com.sg/AsiaTop2026
Hashtag: #HLBankSingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HL Bank Singapore
HL Bank Singapore is the Singapore branch of Hong Leong Bank Berhad, a leading digital-centric Malaysia-based financial services institution with a rooted heritage in the country spanning over 120 years. Operating under a Full Bank Licence in Singapore, HL Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services to our business, retail and high networth customers through our 4 core business segments – Business & Corporate Banking, Personal Financial Services, Private Wealth Management and Global Markets.
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