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Asia Pacific strengthens role in global trade amid rising tariff pressures: DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, 2025 Special Update

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  • Among the fastest growing trade lane sources, six of them were Asian economies
  • Sharpest shifts in trade distances observed in Singapore, Thailand and China
  • In the first half of 2025, global trade grew faster than in any half-year since 2010, excluding the pandemic rebound

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 October 2025 – Asia Pacific is playing an increasingly central role in driving global trade resilience, even as international flows face mounting challenges due to policy shocks. DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business have released a special update to the DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, offering the first systematic assessment of how international trade and business investment are reacting to shifting U.S. trade policy under President Trump’s second term.

“Asia Pacific’s performance stands out due to its adaptability and strategic positioning, and the latest data shows how collaboration in the region is deepening even amid global uncertainty,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express. “From ASEAN’s rising role in absorbing trade flows to countries in the Asia Pacific region engaging more intensively with their neighbors, businesses in our region are proving agile and forward-looking. DHL is well-positioned to support our customers in navigating any shifts in trade patterns, and we will continue to build capabilities where our customers want to be.”

Global trade defies tariff turbulence while Asia leads in trade lane growth

The DHL Global Connectedness Tracker reveals that, in the first half of 2025, international trade grew at a faster rate than in any half-year since 2010, excluding the pandemic rebound. U.S. imports surged early in 2025 as buyers rushed to frontload purchases ahead of tariff hikes. Even after the frontloading wave in the U.S. subsided, global trade volumes remained above prior-year levels.

Zooming into the world’s 100 largest trade lanes, six of the 10 fastest-growing were exports originating from an Asian economy, underscoring the region’s pivotal role in driving global trade momentum. Additionally, among the 50 largest trading nations, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam were among the top 10 markets that saw the fastest trade value growth, indicating the Asia Pacific region’s growing influence and resilience in supply chain networks.

Shorter trade distances indicate robust momentum for intra-Asia trade

Intra-Asia trade showed signs of continued integration and expanding connections, with East Asia & Pacific’s intra-regional trade share rising from 55% to 56%. Among the 50 largest trading nations, the trade distances declined the most in countries starting with Thailand (-79 km), China (-76 km), Singapore (-71 km), and Hong Kong SAR (-61km). This reflects Asian economies’ pivoting of trade flows toward regional partners to maintain growth. It also signals the region’s efforts to enhance its infrastructure and connectivity, making it more attractive to participate in cross-border trade.

Asean gains prominence as key destination for Chinese exports

Despite a 15% drop in exports to the U.S. in the first eight months of 2025, China fully offset this decline with a 15% increase in exports to ASEAN region. In fact, ASEAN emerged as a key growth destination for Chinese exports, highlighting the region’s rising importance in China’s trade portfolio. Notably, Vietnam, Thailand, and India saw the largest increases in their share of China’s exports, while the U.S., Russia, Korea, Brazil, and Mexico experienced declines.

“Trade and international business investment trends so far in 2025 do not support the view that globalization has gone into reverse,” said Prof. Steven A. Altman, Director of the DHL Initiative on Globalization at NYU Stern’s Center for the Future of Management. “While it would be a mistake to disregard current policy threats to globalization, companies are not generally pulling back from international markets, trade is crossing the longest average distance on record, and geopolitical conflicts have reshaped only a small fraction of the world’s international activity. The latest data show companies managing the risks and opportunities of a connected world rather than retreating to within countries or regions.”

About the DHL Global Connectedness Tracker

The DHL Global Connectedness Tracker is a concise report and interactive website that provides regular updates on globalization and global trade. It complements the renowned DHL Global Connectedness Report, published regularly since 2011. Drawn from over 25 public, private, and academic sources, the Tracker analyzes more than 20 million data points on international flows of trade, capital, information, and people.

It includes interactive online charts that make it easy for users to explore trends by region, geopolitical alignment, and for individual countries. It also supports easy data and chart downloads for offline use.

The DHL Global Connectedness Tracker is commissioned by DHL and authored by Prof. Steven A. Altman and Caroline R. Bastian of New York University Stern School of Business. The DHL Global Connectedness Tracker and further resources are available at dhl.com/globalconnectedness.Hashtag: #DHLGlobalConnectednessTracker #Globalization #GlobalTrade #AsiaTrade


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DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

New York University Stern School of Business

New York University Stern School of Business, located in the heart of Greenwich Village and deeply connected to the City after which it is named, is one of the United States’ premier management education schools and research centers. NYU Stern offers a broad portfolio of transformational programs at graduate, undergraduate, and executive levels, all of them enriched by the dynamism and profound resources of one of the world’s business capitals. NYU Stern is a welcoming community that inspires its members to embrace and lead change in a rapidly transforming world. Visit .

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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





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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

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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

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