Connect with us

Media OutReach

GIA Redefines Lab-grown Diamond Grading Standards Discontinuation of 4Cs Grading System Enhances Differentiation Between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

Published

on

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 June 2025 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s foremost authority in gemology announced a redefinition in diamond grading on June 2, 2025. Beginning at the end of 2025, GIA will cease using the internationally recognized 4Cs grading system (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat) for lab-grown diamonds. Instead, GIA will implement a new descriptive grading system that lab-grown diamonds submitted to GIA will receive simplified descriptors—categorized broadly as either “premium” or “standard” or no grade at all if the quality is subpar. This transformative change marks a historic shift in the global diamond industry, not only redefining the value perception of lab-grown diamonds but also enhancing the differentiation between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Upper left to right: Asscher-cut and cushion-cut natural diamonds; clarity grading for natural diamonds/ Lower left to right : natural diamond rough, HPHT diamond (LGD) rough, CVD diamond (LGD) rough

This initiative is not merely a terminology adjustment; it represents a systematic effort to separate the grading systems for lab-grown and natural diamonds. As a non-profit organization, GIA emphasizes the fundamental differences between the two, including their formation processes, physical characteristics, and market values. According to Tom Moses, GIA Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer, “More than 95% of lab-grown diamonds entering the market fall into a very narrow range of color and clarity. Because of that, it is no longer relevant for GIA to describe man-made diamonds using the nomenclature created for the continuum of color and clarity of natural diamonds.”

Reaffirming the Unique Value of Natural Diamonds

This revision of grading standards is another milestone following GIA’s abandonment of the term “Synthetic” and its move to describe lab-grown diamonds in relation to natural diamond standards. GIA created the 4Cs—cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight—as a rigorous system to help consumers understand the unique and qualities of natural diamonds. With the new lab-grown diamond grading system, the core value of natural diamonds—rarity and emotional attributes are further emphasized.

No two natural diamonds are exactly alike. Every natural diamond is unique, characterized by its distinct growth patterns, inclusions, and colour formed over billions of years. These nature’s treasures, formed deep within the Earth, are considered valuable collectibles due to their beauty, rarity and non-renewability. They symbolize values associated with love, commitment, and eternity, while also contributing to the social and economy welfare of the diamond mining communities through responsible mining practices.

In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are man-made and mass-produced using high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes. Their industrial nature limits their ability to embody the multiple values associated with natural diamonds, including emotional attributes, rarity, investment potential, and heritage. GIA’s reform not only reaffirms the irreplaceable status of natural diamonds but also clarifies that lab-grown diamonds should not be assessed using the same criteria as natural diamonds.

Ensuring Consumer Awareness and Transparency

Over time, some lab-grown diamond sellers have been using ambiguous marketing terms such as “sustainability” and “equivalency” that may mislead consumers about the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds. GIA’s new approach ensures consumers can make informed choices without confusion, protecting their rights to knowledge, choice, and fair trade. By discontinuing the use of the 4Cs standard for lab-grown diamonds, GIA reaffirms its commitment to scientific integrity and public transparency.

GIA’s grading redefinition is poised to have a profound impact on the global jewellery industry. As this change takes effect by the end of 2025, it is anticipated that gemological institutes worldwide will follow suit. The boundaries between natural and lab-grown diamonds are clearly defined through GIA’s new grading standards.

Hashtag: #GIA #NaturalDiamonds #LabGrownDiamonds #DiamondCertification #DiamondGrading



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Advertisement

Media OutReach

Celebrate, Rest, and Recharge This Raya With XIXILI’s Sleepwear Collection

Published

on

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – Comfort is set to be a defining theme for Raya 2026, and it extends well beyond the festive outfit. XIXILI is bringing that same ease into the downtime between celebrations, with sleepwear designed for the hours when women can finally catch their breath, rest, and simply be.

The Reality of the Raya Rush

The lead-up to Raya is a whirlwind of grocery runs, deep cleaning, and late nights in the kitchen. By the time the first open house begins, most women have already put in an incredible amount of effort for their families. The quiet moments in between are not just a break. They are earned.

XIXILI’s pajamas are made for those moments. Easy to move in, soft enough to wear through the night, and the kind of pieces that make coming home feel like something to look forward to. Designed to fit a wide range of body types, every woman can find something that feels as good as it looks.

“Raya is everything. The food, the family, the laughter. And at the end of it all, she deserves to rest just as well as she celebrated,” says Tara Tan, Marketing Director at XIXILI.

Comfort That Carries Through the Season

Raya may bring the occasion, but the shift happening in Malaysian wardrobes goes further than that. Women are increasingly treating sleepwear as a considered part of their self-care, not just something to change into before bed.

“We often talk about the joy of gathering, but we rarely talk about the exhaustion that comes with it,” Tara Tan adds. “Our goal for Raya 2026 is to ensure that when the last guest leaves, every woman has a high-quality piece of loungewear to retreat into. It is about honouring the work she does by giving her the rest she deserves.”

Quality loungewear for the wind-down, the slow morning, and every quiet moment in between has become one of the most considered purchases a woman makes this season.

Made to Be Worn, Not Just Owned

Good sleepwear should not sit tucked away at the back of a drawer. It should be the first thing she reaches for at the end of a long day, worn in and looked forward to. XIXILI’s range is built for exactly that, styles that settle naturally into her routine and carry her well beyond the festive season.

The full sleepwear collection is available online and at XIXILI boutiques nationwide. To shop the range, visit www.xixili-intimates.com.Hashtag: #XIXILI





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About 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.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Vingroup Introduces Special Program to Support Customers Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Published

on

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2026 – Amid volatility in global fuel prices, Vingroup has announced the launch of a special “Trade Gas for Electric” program in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The program offers an additional 3% discount on VinFast cars and 5% discount on VinFast electric scooters for customers switching from old gasoline vehicles. At the same time, fares for Xanh SM services will be reduced by 10% from March 11 to March 31, 2026, depending on each market.

Specifically, in addition to the existing incentives currently available, customers who switch from old gasoline vehicles to new VinFast electric vehicles during the program period will receive an additional 3% discount for cars and 5% discount for scooters. The program will be applied across all four markets: Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Fares for Xanh SM services will be reduced by 10% from March 11 to March 31, 2026

In line with VinFast’s pioneering spirit, GSM Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company has also announced an immediate 10% reduction in fares for electric mobility services on the Xanh SM platform in Vietnam and Green SM in Indonesia from March 11 to March 31, 2026. This initiative offers customers a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective transportation option.

The program may be extended depending on international developments and future fuel price movements.

Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales, VinFast, stated: “The special ‘Trade Gas for Electric’ program launched in March across four key markets is VinFast’s timely response to geopolitical volatility that is affecting socio-economic conditions in many countries around the world. As one of the pioneering manufacturers leading the global electric vehicle revolution, VinFast together with companies in Vingroup’s green ecosystem aims to help reduce the impact of fuel prices on people’s daily lives while also lowering environmental pollution through smarter, more sustainable, and more cost-efficient mobility solutions.”

The special “Trade Gas for Electric” program will be implemented in parallel with and combined with other available incentive programs in each market. Through layered incentives, Vingroup and companies within its ecosystem aim to create favorable conditions for customers to transition quickly to electric vehicles, reduce dependence on gasoline, stabilize daily life, and contribute to building a cleaner and more civilized living environment.

Hashtag: #Vingroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Singapore University of Social Sciences Expands Regional Footprint in China with Launch of Success Academy in Chongqing

Published

on

New Academy and Shenyang satellite office strengthen SUSS’ visibility and partnerships across Western and Northeast China.

CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2026 – The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) today launched the SUSS Success Academy in Chongqing in collaboration with Raffles Young Academy (RYA) Pte Ltd and announced the establishment of a satellite office in Shenyang. Building on its Success Academies in Beijing and Shenzhen, the Academy strengthens SUSS’ presence in China and supports its growing engagement across Western and Northeast China.

Guests and partners at the launch event of the Success Academy in Chongqing. (From L-R: Dr Yap Meen Sheng, Assistant Provost, SUSS; Mr Lennon Tan, President, Singapore Manufacturing Federation; Mr Li Xunfu, Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce; Prof Tan Tai Yong, President, SUSS; Mr Samuel Ng, Executive Chairman, Raffles Young Academy; Associate Professor Justina Tan, Vice President, Strategic & Partnership Engagement)

The launch was commemorated with an opening ceremony at the CCI Gallery, attended by close to 70 guests from China and Singapore, including representatives from institutions of higher learning, and industry and community partners. The ceremony was presided by Vice-Consul (Political) Ms. Mavis Tan, Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore, Chengdu and Mr. Li Xunfu, Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce.

Success Academy to connect partners from Singapore and China

Anchored in SUSS’ commitment to lifelong learning and creating social impact, the Academy will serve as a key nexus for academic and industry partners from both countries. Through cross-cultural collaboration and practice-oriented learning, it also aims to develop future-ready talent equipped to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.

RYA is an education and talent development organisation aimed at nurturing future-ready talent through industry-oriented learning and international exposure. RYA will bring its networks and local expertise to support and enhance the Academy’s initiatives.

Through the Academy, SUSS will provide opportunities for students from SUSS and other Singapore pre-tertiary and tertiary institutions to co-learn and co-innovate with peers in China. These include interdisciplinary global learning courses, impact startup and venture builder programmes, industry-based immersions and student exchanges. SUSS students will also gain regional exposure through internships and other workplace learning opportunities. In addition, the Academy will support SUSS in working with universities and organisations in China to jointly design and deliver industry-relevant courses and programmes for students and executives.

Extending engagement into Northeast China with Shenyang satellite office

To further deepen its engagement in Northeast China, SUSS will launch a satellite office in Shenyang on 11 March 2026 under the Success Academy in Chongqing. This office will support SUSS’ initiatives in Liaoning Province and surrounding areas, including Dalian. In addition, three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) will be signed with the following organisations:

  • Shenyang University of Chemical Technology (SYUCT): Collaborative development of a Master’s degree programme in Social Work, fostering cross-border knowledge exchange, curriculum innovation, and talent development to address evolving social service needs.
  • North-East Institute of Population and Social Development: Joint research endeavours, professional development programmes, and meaningful academia-industry partnerships to generate evidence-based solutions, build capabilities, and promote active ageing ecosystems that benefit individuals and communities.

Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, said, “China is an important partner for SUSS as we expand opportunities for our students and strengthen collaboration across Asia. The launch of the Success Academy in Chongqing allows us to work more closely with universities, industry and community partners in Western and Northeast China, and to deliver applied, practice-oriented education that responds to real-world needs. Our partnership with Raffles Young Academy reflects our shared commitment to developing future-ready talent and supporting professional growth across the region.”

Mr. Samuel Ng, Executive Chairman, RYA, said, “Our collaboration with the Singapore University of Social Sciences reflects a shared belief in applied, practice-oriented education and in preparing students and enterprises to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Chongqing’s strategic position as a gateway to Western China and a hub for industry and connectivity makes it an ideal location for immersive, industry-linked education. This partnership represents a long-term commitment to building enduring bridges between students and industry, between academia and practice, and between Singapore and China.”

The launch of the Success Academy in Chongqing is part of SUSS’ broader expansion across Asia. Since 2023, SUSS has established Success Academies in Beijing, Shenzhen, Ho Chi Minh City Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Mumbai.

For more information, visit www.suss.edu.sg/success-academy.
Hashtag: #SUSS




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Continue Reading

Trending