Media OutReach
China CITIC Bank International and Hong Kong Airlines to launch co-branded Mastercard® card
Strengthening credit card product portfolio Travel offers and rewards to drive credit card spending
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2025 – China CITIC Bank International Limited (“CNCBI”) and Hong Kong Airlines (“HKA”) today announce the launch of the China CITIC Bank International Hong Kong Airlines co-branded Mastercard® card, providing customers exceptional travel experiences and rewards, further enhancing the CNCBI credit card product portfolio while helping to driving credit card spending.
With a view to satisfying customers’ needs for travel and credit card spending as global tourism recovers, CNCBI and HKA have joined forces to launch the China CITIC Bank International Hong Kong Airlines co-branded Mastercard® card with myriad rewards, including welcome complimentary air ticket1, bonus spending rewards and exclusive travel privileges. Customers may take advantage of a flexible and more favourable points reward system and earn points quicker for discounted air tickets redemption. Other rewards include complimentary travel insurance2, airport lounge access3 and a range of other privileges that allow customers to reap rewards for their spending when travelling abroad.
Ms Wendy Yuen, Head of Personal and Business Banking Group, CNCBI, said, “Tourism started to pick up its pace since the second half of 2023 which fuelled the overseas travelling boom for Hong Kong people. Based on 2024 figures, overseas spending has accounted for more than 20% of the total value of credit card transactions at CNCBI. Against this backdrop, the Bank and HKA are rolling out this new co-branded credit card with the objectives to offer travel enthusiasts more appealing spending & travel rewards. At the same time, it enriches the credit card portfolio of CNCBI.”
Mr. Yan Bo, Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines, stated, “We are delighted to launch a co-branded credit card in partnership with CNCBI, marking a significant milestone in Hong Kong Airlines’ service innovation. This collaboration not only offers cardholders an array of travel privileges including points redemption for air tickets, priority boarding, and airport lounge access, but also establishes a new standard for the integration of aviation and financial services. As an airline deeply rooted in Hong Kong, we are committed to delivering a high-quality travel experience for our passengers and driving industry innovation. We are confident that this partnership will invigorate travel and consumption for the people of Hong Kong.”
Exciting rewards for travelling and spending
China CITIC Bank International Hong Kong Airlines Mastercard® card welcome offers and exclusive rewards include:
– Welcome offer: Earn up to 104,000 Fortune Wings Club (FWC) points (can redeem four sets of round-trip ticket to Okinawa / Shanghai or other destinations)4
- Earn 26,000 FWC points with spending of HK$25,000 within the first five months from card issuance1
- Redeem 26,000 FWC points with HK$800 for every additional spending of HK$15,000 from card issuance (Maximum 3 times) 1.
- 26,000 FWC points can redeem one set of round-trip ticket to Okinawa, Shanghai or other destinations4
– Spending rewards: As low as HK$2 = 1 FWC point5
– Annual promotion: Cardholders have two opportunities annually to redeem HKA tickets to selected destinations at a 50% off using FWC points
– Business class upgrade offer: 50% off FWC points
Aside from flight rewards, CNCBI HKA Mastercard® cardholders may also enjoy an array of exclusive travel privileges including free travel insurance2, HKA airport lounge service3, exclusive check-in counters, priority boarding and baggage handling, in-flight duty-free discounts, as well as additional FWC points when purchasing tickets from the HKA official website and mobile app.
Offers are subject to terms and conditions.
To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!
Remarks:
1. The promotion is valid until 2 July 2025. It is applicable to applicants who do not hold any CNCBI Credit Card principal card in the past 12 months from the approval month of current applications.
2. Offers are provided by Mastercard® and are subject to relevant terms and conditions. Please visit the Mastercard® website for details.
3. The promotion is valid until 31 December 2025. Two Hong Kong Airlines lounge vouchers are awarded upon any spending.
4. The points redemption standard is based on Hong Kong Airlines’ reward economy class (R) ticket redemption standard as of January 1, 2025, and is subject to Hong Kong Airlines’ latest announcements and may change from time to time. Customers are responsible for all applicable taxes, airport construction fees or government fees, fuel surcharges, security fees, insurance fees, and any fees charged by any authorized entity in connection with the use of points-redeemed tickets.
5. Hong Kong Airlines spending: HK$2 = 1 FWC point. Overseas and online spending: HK$4 = 1 FWC point. Local retail spending: HK$6 = 1 FWC point.
Hashtag: #CNCBI #HKA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
China CITIC Bank International Limited
China CITIC Bank International Limited (“CNCBI”), a major offshore platform of commercial banking business of the CITIC Group, is 75%-owned by CITIC International Financial Holdings Limited (“CIFH”), which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited (“CNCB”).
CNCBI’s footprint in Greater China includes 24 branches and two business banking centres in Hong Kong, as well as presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Macau, and overseas branches in New York, Los Angeles and Singapore.
Across a century, CBCBI has grown together with its employees, customers and partners since 1922 and will continue to move towards its vision of “Agile. Professional. Simple.” in adherence to the 4C (Culture, Customer, Collaboration, Cyberspace) core values while driving actively its missions to “create value for customers, seek happiness for employees, make profit for shareholders, perform responsibility for society”.
More information about China CITIC Bank International can be found on its website at
www.cncbinternational.com.
Hong Kong Airlines
Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. The airline flies to over 30 destinations across the Asia Pacific and North America, and currently maintains interline and codeshares with multiple airline partners and ferry service providers. Hong Kong Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet. It has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four-star rating from Skytrax since 2011. For more information, please visit
www.hongkongairlines.com or our social media channels on
LinkedIn、
Twitter、
Instagram and
Facebook.
Media OutReach
New Research Revealed Effective Surgical Management Techniques for Gynecomastia in Asian Men, Resulting in High Patient Satisfaction
Between 2018 and 2023, Dr Ivan Puah treated over 550 cases, addressing unique challenges in Singapore’s multi-ethnic population. His study included diverse case profiles. Results revealing no complications and high satisfaction prove the need to adapt surgical techniques for variations in skin type between Asian and Caucasian patients.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 June 2026 – The evaluation and management of surgical treatment for gynecomastia primarily focus on Western populations. However, Amaris B. Clinic’s decades of experience in Singapore highlight specific considerations for Asian patients.
Dr Ivan Puah, Medical Director at Amaris B. Clinic and the lead researcher on a recent study, has offered new insights into treating gynecomastia, a condition characterised by male breast enlargement, in Singapore.
The research paper titled ‘Surgical Management of Gynecomastia in Asian Men – Clinical Experience and Considerations for Different Patient Types’ provides detailed, important considerations, including the management of the consultation process, addressing varying patient expectations, and tackling the surgical aspects necessary to achieve desired aesthetic outcomes.
Between 2018 and 2023, Dr Puah treated over 550 cases at Amaris B. Clinic and presented six representative patient cases that illustrate the demographics and unique challenges faced by this multi-ethnic Asian population.
The typical patient profiles included obese, overweight, and lean adults, as well as adolescents. Common causes of gynecomastia observed in the patients included hormonal changes during puberty, drug-induced gynecomastia from anabolic steroids, and conditions related to weight loss.
Dr Puah’s proprietary surgical methods involve making a single incision along the areola to minimise scar visibility while effectively excising glandular tissue, performing liposuction to remove excess fat, and tightening the chest skin.
Six case studies of diverse gynecomastia patient profiles
| Gynecomastia Grade | Demographic | Profile |
| Grade II | 17-year-old Chinese |
|
| Grade II | 18-year-old Chinese |
|
| Grade II | 22-year-old Malay |
|
| Grade II | 46-year-old Chinese |
|
| Grade IV | 28-year-old Chinese |
|
| Grade IV | 21-year-old Indian |
|
At the 3-month follow-up after surgery, 5 of 6 patients reported no complications, highlighting the effectiveness of the tailored surgical approach. They expressed high satisfaction with the aesthetic results of the procedure, rating it a perfect 7 out of 7, and reported relief from emotional distress.
Only one patient experienced mild keloid formation at the edges of both areolae where incisions were made, which were not easily noticeable, and reported no complications or dissatisfaction.
Dr Ivan Puah emphasises, “It is important to adapt surgical techniques to address issues such as scarring and hyperpigmentation, which can be more pronounced in Asian patients due to their skin types. The differences in skin quality and glandular tissue characteristics between Asian and Caucasian patients with gynecomastia necessitate distinctions in treatment planning, particularly regarding careful incision placement.”
The full paper is available via World Journal of Plastic Surgery at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12843043/
https://www.amaris-b.com/
Liposuction
ABOUT DR IVAN PUAH
Dr Puah, an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor with extensive training in various cosmetic procedures, is committed to providing personalised care with an artful eye and proven medical techniques.
- Dedicated surgical training in gynecomastia surgery in San Francisco
- Chairman of the Lipo Peer Review Committee in Singapore
- Trained in Vaser liposuction (fundamental and hi-definition) in Colorado and Argentina
- Trained in syringe liposculpture, fat grafting, and thread lift from renowned French plastic surgeon, Dr Pierre Francois Fournier
- Appointed trainer by Allergan and Merz for fellow doctors on cosmetic injectables
- Designated trainer for PDO thread lift and Picolaser from Venusys Medical
- Graduate Diploma in Family Dermatology from NUS
- Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture from TCMB
- Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine from LKCMedicine, NTU
Media OutReach
The Virchow Prize 2026 Awarded for Pioneering Work on Ebola, Advancing Global Epidemic Preparedness and Fostering Global Solidarity
Jean-Jacques Muyembe and Peter Piot are being honored with the international award of €500,000 for exceptional life-long leadership spanning five decades since the first outbreak of Ebola
BERLIN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 2 June 2026 – The Virchow Prize 2026 has been jointly awarded to Jean‑Jacques Muyembe and Peter Piot for their pioneering and enduring leadership in the discovery, control, and understanding of epidemic threats, and for advancing equitable, multilateral cooperation and governance that have fundamentally strengthened global preparedness and solidarity in the face of infectious disease outbreaks.
The announcement was made today by the Virchow Foundation which is granting the annual award. The selection of the laureates by the independent Virchow Prize Committee was preceded by a nomination period that ended on February 28, followed by a three-month deliberation period.
This moment resonates with particular historical gravity: 2026 marks both fifty years since the emergence of Ebola and a renewed confrontation with the virus through the current outbreak and unpreparedness.
According to the committee, the careers of Jean‑Jacques Muyembe and Peter Piot are anchored in a defining moment of modern infectious disease history: the first identified Ebola outbreak in 1976. Their collaboration demonstrated the necessity of crossing contextual, disciplinary and geographic boundaries, highlighting both the potential and the inequities inherent in global health partnerships. Over the decades, both Muyembe and Piot have worked – partly closely together, partly independent from each other in complementary ways – to transform epidemic research in an exemplary manner, firmly rooted in equity, reciprocity, and shared leadership.
Taken together, the laureates’ contributions illustrate a continuum that is central to advancing health for all: from discovery to delivery, from local response to global coordination, from emergency action to long-term system strengthening. Their work has directly improved the ability to detect, understand, and control deadly outbreaks, while also influencing broader frameworks for addressing global health challenges in a manner that is equitable and inclusive.
By awarding the Virchow Prize 2026 equally to Muyembe and Piot, their scientific achievements and their commitment to strengthening health systems and fostering global solidarity are honored. The laureates’ work embodies Rudolf Virchow’s legacy that health is inseparable from social organisation, governance, and collective responsibility.
Full Article and detailed Virchow Prize Committee jury rationale at www.virchowprize.org/vp2026
Contact: Virchow Foundation | Dorotheenstr. 83 | DE-10117 Berlin, Germany | pr***@*****ow.foundation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
HKUST Unicorn Day Brings Together Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Leaders
Advancing Research Commercialization and Building a Vibrant I&T Ecosystem
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 June 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today successfully hosted its annual “Unicorn Day,” one of Hong Kong’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship events. The event brought together over 1,800 participants, including students, faculty, and alumni, as well as international and local government representatives, industry partners, investors, innovation and technology entrepreneurs, and researchers. Participants exchanged insights on strategies to strengthen collaboration across the innovation ecosystem, foster cross-disciplinary partnerships, and accelerate the translation of research outcomes into real-world impact.
The event was officiated by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, alongside consuls-generals and senior officials from countries including Australia, Chile, France, Hungary, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates. They were joined by Prof. Nancy IP, HKUST President; Prof. Lionel NI, HKUST (Guangzhou) President; and Prof. Tim CHENG, HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development; in touring over 100 HKUST-nurtured startups, showcasing innovations and applications spanning areas such as healthcare, electronics, and artificial intelligence systems, as well as new materials, green energy, and sustainability.
Prof. Sun Dong remarked, “Innovation and technology (I&T) has always been at the top of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s agenda. We fully recognise the crucial role of local universities — not only as key partners, but as the bedrock of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem. In just three and a half decades, HKUST has risen to become a global powerhouse in deep tech, entrepreneurship, and innovation as demonstrated by its ability to nurture unicorns and deep-tech ventures. Hong Kong is entering a golden era of I&T development. We are building new engines to drive Hong Kong’s high-quality development, focusing on research and development in key fields and leading industry applications. I am confident that Hong Kong will rise as a leading international I&T center and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s high-quality development, and that HKUST will continue to be a driving force in this amazing journey.”
President Ip said, “As we mark the 35th anniversary of HKUST this year, we also celebrate the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that has long been embedded in our DNA. Both the Technology Transfer Center and the Entrepreneurship Center were established in the University’s early years to support faculty and students in realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations and to promote the translation of research outcomes into practical solutions. Over the past 35 years, the University has forged ahead with determination, sowing the seeds of innovation and yielding remarkable achievements across multiple frontier fields. Today, HKUST continues to broaden its horizons, strategically positioning itself in key domains. One example is medical education. The establishment of the HKUST Medical School will integrate the life sciences with cutting-edge technologies to nurture a new generation of interdisciplinary medical professionals.
Concurrently, HKUST has been actively involved in national initiatives such as the Chang’E 8 lunar exploration mission and research projects for the Tiangong Space Station, and the launch of the first commercially viable aerospace project under the RAISe+ Scheme. These achievements exemplify HKUST’s enduring ‘can do’ spirit over the past decades and echo the theme of today’s event—’From Ideas to Miracles—35 Years of Impact and Beyond’. Looking ahead, HKUST will continue to nurture bold ideas and action, working hand in hand with partners across different sectors to cultivate a vibrant innovation ecosystem, ensuring that research achievements benefit society and create lasting global impact.”
To support startups in expanding into global markets and to promote cross-border collaboration, HKUST introduced an “International Pavilion,” featuring startups and innovation organizations from various countries and regions. Participants from Thailand, Singapore and Korea were among those represented, strengthening connections between Hong Kong, and countries and regions along the Belt and Road in technology application and industry development.
The event also saw the signing of multiple partnership agreements, including six strategic collaborations with:
- GPTX Investment Management Limited
- China Everbright Water Limited
- Jiangsu Daotop Environmental Technology
- Samsung R&D Institute China – Guangzhou
- CalmCar Physical AI Innovation Center
- InnoAngel
to advance talent development and industry–academia integration, and foster innovation-driven research and real-world technology translation.
HKUST’s I&T Strength Driving Economic Growth
In addition, HKUST also released the report Driving Socioeconomic Impact Through Research and Innovation: Insights from HKUST, commissioned by the University and prepared by the international research information analytics organization Elsevier. The report highlights HKUST’s outstanding performance in innovation and entrepreneurship. Over the past five years, research output has recorded an average growth of 10%, approximately 9% higher than that of other local institutions. More than 65% of the research is concentrated in engineering and computer science, while 6.2% involves academia-industry collaboration, significantly higher than the global average of 2.7%. These collaborations have translated into impactful intellectual property, with approximately 1,670 patent applications and 700 grants over the same period, and a high IP utilization rate of above 30%.
Prof. Tim Cheng noted that the findings demonstrate HKUST’s steadily strengthening capabilities in research translation and academia-industry collaboration. HKUST’s publications achieved a Field-Weighted Citation Impact of 4.40, indicating that their citation impact is 4.4 times the global average. This underscores HKUST’s significant contributions to advancing Hong Kong’s socioeconomic development and enhancing its competitiveness in innovation and technology.
In addition, a “Marketplace” was also featured, showcasing products already launched by startups, including AI analytics tools, healthcare technologies, and smart city solutions, demonstrating the progress of translating research into practical applications.
Hashtag: #unicorn #unicornday #HKUST #partnership #innovation #startup #tech #AI #space #robotics #materialscience
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
