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CALM International Wins an Award at Singapore International Chamber of Commerce Awards 2025 for its Groundbreaking Work in Providing Accessible Mental Wellbeing Services in Singapore

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2025 – Leading mental wellbeing agency Cognitive Approach to Life Management (CALM) International has been awarded Best Technological Collaboration at the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce Awards 2025 for its groundbreaking work in providing accessible mental health services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Singapore.

Award Presentation with DPM Heng Swee Keat

Presented by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, the award recognizes CALM International’s collaboration with FingerDance, a leading technology platform enhancing communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, as well as people with speech disabilities.

“We must continue working with innovation nodes around the world to deepen innovation, find new growth sectors, and tackle common challenges,” shares Mr. Heng Swee Keat, elaborating that businesses both foreign and local, and across all sizes and scales can make useful contributions in this area.

This integration of FingerDance’s assistive technology will eventually allow CALM International to provide seamless real-time translation for psychological consultations, both online and in-person. The collaboration sets a new standard for accessible mental health care and highlights CALM International’s ongoing commitment to advancing mental wellbeing through innovation.

Driving Mental Health Innovation for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing

The Singapore International Chamber of Commerce Innovation Award recognizes CALM International’s groundbreaking efforts in making mental health services accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This recognition is especially significant given that individuals with hearing disabilities are nearly twice as likely to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety compared to the general population, as reported by NHS England Mental Health Services for Deaf People. A study published in Verywell Mind further highlights that communication barriers and social isolation are major contributors to these challenges. Despite this increased risk, access to tailored psychological care remains limited.

“For too long, the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and people with speech disabilities have been left behind in the mental healthcare space. We can no longer afford to ignore the reality that these communication barriers are driving mental health disparities,” shares Dr. Stephen-Claude Hyatt, Co-Founder of CALM International. “This partnership with FingerDance is a pivotal step in ensuring that they are able to access the care they deserve.”

Through their partnership with FingerDance, CALM International bridges this gap through AI-powered sign language models, enabling real-time translation for psychological consultations. This initiative integrates online and in-person care, setting a new standard for inclusive mental health support and reinforcing CALM International’s role as a leader in global psychological services.

Global Standard in Premium Psychological Services

Founded by Dr. Stephen-Claude Hyatt from Jamaica, and Desmond Tan from Singapore, CALM International is a leading provider of evidence-based psychological services. Through the commitment of Dr. Hyatt, Mr. Tan, as well as CEO and fellow business partner Esmond K.L. Quek, CALM International has been able to maintain a high standard of service quality. Adhering to the rigorous standards of the American Psychological Association (APA), CALM International ensures that every case – from mild learning differences to severe trauma, and everything in between – is handled with the highest level of expertise and care.

For children with learning differences, CALM International works closely with international schools throughout Asia and elsewhere to provide psychological educational analysis, otherwise known as psychoeducational assessment. Conducted by highly trained professionals, this multi-day evaluation includes anywhere between 8 to 10 specialized tests to ensure accurate diagnoses and tailored support. “Early mental well-being support can make a profound difference in a child’s development, allowing them to have the head start they deserve,” shares Esmond K.L. Quek, CEO and partner of CALM International.

CALM International also offers specialized therapy, including Play Therapy for children as young as four, reinforcing the importance of early intervention. They also provide therapeutic interventions for adolescents and adults, in the form of individualized therapy, as well as family therapy, group therapy, pre-marital and marital therapy.

A Globally Recognised Partner

CALM International’s commitment to quality extends beyond individuals and families, being one of the few mental healthcare providers in Singapore recognized by major international insurance companies under their corporate programmes. This allows professionals with insurance coverage to access high-quality mental wellbeing services without out-of-pocket expenses.

Additionally, CALM International’s recognition by global educational authorities ensures that students with learning differences receive appropriate accommodations for a fair academic experience.

Corporate Expertise in Employee Well-being and Executive Hiring

CALM International supports corporations through its comprehensive Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), helping employees manage workplace stress, adapt to challenges, and stay motivated. During periods of corporate restructuring, CALM International provides guidance to help employees navigate career transitions, offering psychological support to ease uncertainty and realign professional goals.

At the executive level, CALM International partners with global corporations to enhance leadership hiring through psychological profiling, ensuring informed decisions and fostering a stronger, more cohesive management team and healthier workplace culture.

Hashtag: #CALMInternational

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About CALM International

Cognition Approach to Life Management (CALM) International is dedicated to making high-quality mental health care accessible to all. Committed to APA-standard clinical excellence, CALM International offers expert psychological services for individuals, families, and corporations.

From psychoeducational assessments and early intervention therapy to corporate wellness programs and executive evaluations, CALM International provides tailored support for every client. Upholding inclusivity, CALM International serves individuals from all backgrounds, without discrimination based on gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or socio-economic status.

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St. George’s University Prepares Future South Korean Physicians for the Growing Global Cancer Care Challenge

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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 February 2026 – Rising global cancer incidence is straining healthcare systems, which already face workforce shortages. In East Asia, the number of trained physicians in cancer care, spanning diagnosis, treatment coordination, and long-term management—has not met the increasing demand. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, South Korea reported over 230,000 new cancer cases and more than 97,000 fatalities in 2022. A recent original academic research by Myongji College and The Catholic University of Korea warned that simply increasing medical school enrollments alone does not fix shortages in key specialties and underserved regions where medical demand is rising fastest.

Source: St. George’s University

Recognizing the importance of addressing workforce shortage in South Korea, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, highlights how its medical education approach supports the development of clinical competencies relevant to cancer care across healthcare settings.

These challenges reflect broader global trends, where cancer care increasingly depends on multidisciplinary teams rather than specialty expansion alone. SGU’s curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in clinical diagnosis, patient communication and multidisciplinary care, which are essential skills for effective oncology and cancer-related care. Through anatomy labs, simulation-based learning, and integrated digital tools, students develop foundational clinical skills in structured, supervised environments designed to reflect real-world medical practice.

The curriculum also integrates traditional cadaveric dissection with modern 3D anatomical modeling. This blend helps students visualize the human body in a holistic way while reinforcing knowledge through their hands-on interaction. SGU’s simulation lab also enables medical students to have their first direct interaction with ill patients in a safe, simulated learning environment.

On top of core medical training, SGU offers early exposure to prevention, diagnosis and patient-centered care to prepare graduates to tackle complex health issues. SGU has developed long-standing relationships with more than 75 established hospitals and clinical centers in the US and UK. These clinical placements provide exposure to diverse patient populations and care environments, including settings where cancer diagnosis and management are part of routine clinical practice.

South Korean SGU alumni are contributing to healthcare systems through roles that intersect with cancer diagnosis, treatment coordination, and long-term patient care. For example, Dr. Julia Hweyryoung Cho, MD 2022 is practicing internal medicine, which plays a crucial role in cancer care. Internal medicine physicians are often involved in the initial diagnosis of cancer, managing complex medical conditions that may arise during treatment and providing long-term comprehensive care and survivorship planning for patients with a history of cancer.

In observance of World Cancer Day 2026, SGU encourages all medical professionals and organizations to collaboratively address global cancer care challenges. This includes recognizing and meeting the cancer healthcare needs of individuals and communities in South Korea.

For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.Hashtag: #St.George’sUniversity

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Finalists and Semifinalists for $1 Million Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge Announced

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BONN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 3 February 2026 – The Seed Grant Finalists and Growth Grant and Seeding the Future Grand Prize Semifinalists of the 5th annual Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge (GFSC) have been announced, marking a key milestone in the USD 1 million global Challenge supporting impactful and innovative solutions to transform food systems.

Created and funded by Seeding The Future Foundation and, for the first time, hosted by Welthungerhilfe (WHH), the Challenge attracted a record 1,600+ applications from innovator teams in 112 countries, underscoring growing global momentum for food systems transformation.

Following a multi-stage, rigorous international review process, 36 teams have advanced across three award levels. These include 16 Seed Grant Finalists (competing for 8 awards of USD 25,000), 12 Growth Grant Semifinalists (competing for 3 awards of USD 100,000), and 8 Seeding The Future Grand Prize Semifinalists (competing for 2 awards of USD 250,000).

“Hosting the GFSC reflects Welthungerhilfe’s commitment to accelerating bold, scalable innovations where they are needed most. This year’s diversity of solutions underscores the complexity of food system challenges and the creativity of innovators worldwide.” said Jan Kever, Head of Innovation at Welthungerhilfe

The submitted innovations span diverse themes and approaches, including climate-smart production, nutrient-dense foods, food loss reduction, and inclusive market models, reflecting the complexity and interconnected nature of today’s food systems challenges.

“The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge exists to catalyze impactful, bold, and scalable innovations that advance food systems transformation. We are excited to work alongside Welthungerhilfe as a trusted partner and host of the Challenge and are encouraged by the quality and diversity of innovations emerging from this first year of collaboration.” said Bernhard van Lengerich, Founder and CEO of Seeding The Future Foundation

While the number of awards is limited, all semifinalists and finalist applicants plus all applicants with any prior recognition of other innovation competitions can join the STF Global Food System Innovation Database and Network—currently in beta testing with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations—vastly expanding their visibility and reach across a global audience.

List of 2025 GFSC Seed Grant Finalists, Growth Grant and Seeding The Future Grand Prize Semifinalists

Find details here: welthungerhilfe.org/gfsc-finalists

Seeding The Future Grand Prize Semi-Finalists

Growth Grant Semi-Finalists

Seed Grant Finalists

Hashtag: #TheFutureGlobalFoodSystemChallenge

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About Seeding The Future Foundation

STF is a private nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equitable access to safe, nutritious, affordable, and trusted food. It supports innovations that transform food systems and benefit both people and planet. More at .

About Welthungerhilfe
WHH is one of Germany’s largest private aid organizations, striving for a world without hunger since 1962. More at:

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PolyU develops novel antibody targeting fat cell protein, offering new approach to treating metabolism-related liver cancer

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 February 2026 – Liver cancer is one of the three deadliest cancers worldwide, and metabolic dysfunction-related cases have become increasingly common in recent years. A research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has identified a protein secreted by fat cells that promotes cancer growth and has successfully developed a novel antibody that neutralises this protein, marking a significant breakthrough in impeding the progression of liver cancer. The research findings have been published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Prof. Terence Lee, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and his research team have developed a novel antibody targeting the adipocyte-derived protein FABP4, offering a new approach to treating metabolism-related liver cancer.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, currently affects around a quarter of the global population and is an important risk factor for liver cancer. In affected individuals, fat cells induce insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, leading to excessive fat accumulation in the liver. This ultimately impairs liver function and may progress to liver cancer. Treatment options for MASLD-induced liver cancer remain limited and the effectiveness of current immunotherapies is suboptimal.

A breakthrough study led by Prof. Terence LEE, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and his research team has revealed that an adipocyte-derived protein, known as fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a key driver that accelerates tumour growth. Through mass spectrometry, the team confirmed that patients with MASLD-induced liver cancer had markedly elevated FABP4 levels in their serum. Further investigations showed that FABP4 activates a series of pro-proliferative signalling pathways within cells, causing cancer cells to multiply and grow more rapidly.

Prof. Lee’s team has successfully developed a monoclonal antibody that neutralises FABP4. This antibody not only inhibits the growth and proliferation of FABP4-driven cancer stem cells, but also enhances the ability of immune cells to combat cancer.

Prof. Lee said, “This neutralising antibody against FABP4 demonstrates significant potential in inhibiting tumour growth and activating immune cells, providing a complementary approach to current immunotherapy strategies. Our findings highlight that targeting adipocyte-derived FABP4 holds promise for treating MASLD-induced liver cancer.”

Prof. Lee added that gaining deeper insights into how adipocyte-derived FABP4 affects liver cancer cells helps to explicate the disease mechanisms of liver cancer, particularly in obese individuals. Intervening in the relevant signalling pathways could provide effective methods to combat this aggressive malignancy.

Prof. Lee believes that, as this adipocyte-targeted immunotherapy continues to mature, it will bring more treatment options to MASLD patients. He remarked, “If its efficacy can be proven in clinical trials, it could offer new hope to many affected individuals.”

The research is supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. PolyU has filed a non-provisional patent for the developed antibody and is continuing to optimise its binding affinity to facilitate future clinical applications.
Hashtag: #PolyU #FattyLiver #Cancer #LiverCancer #理大 #香港理工大学 #肝癌 #癌症 #脂肪肝

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