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Hong Kong Genome Institute and Global Leaders Co-organise Landmark Healthcare Event “International Genomic Medicine Symposium”

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Convening Experts to Promote Hong Kong and Advance Medical Innovation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2025 – Genomic medicine is one of the most promising fields in today’s healthcare landscape, enabling precise diagnoses, personalised treatment plans, and breakthroughs in drug development that bring new hope to patients around the world. The Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI) will join forces with world-renowned authorities to host the International Genomic Medicine Symposium (Symposium) on 17 November 2025 (Monday). This landmark event will highlight Hong Kong’s unique strengths in fostering exchange and cooperation with experts worldwide in medical research and innovation, and accelerate the application of genomic medicine to pave the way for a healthier future for all.

The Symposium marks HKGI’s first collaboration with Rare Diseases International (RDI) and The Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases (LCRD), which is jointly led by RDI and The Lancet, the world’s most influential medical journal. The event will welcome local and international genomics leaders from over 20 countries and regions, including clinicians, scientists, and researchers from Mainland China, Europe, North and South America, and Australia.

Distinguished speakers at the Symposium will focus on key global topics such as clinical genetics, rare diseases, genomic medicine, AI, data sharing, as well as ethical and legal matters involved, facilitating in-depth discussions on the latest groundbreaking research and clinical insights. Specifically, thematic sessions will be dedicated to experience sharing by experts from Mainland China and Hong Kong. By showcasing case studies from the Hong Kong Genome Project, these exchanges will help demonstrate practical applications of personalised medicine in managing common disorders such as cardiomyopathy and kidney disease. Developments in rare diseases in Mainland China and drug development opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will also be covered, opening doors of opportunity for regional collaboration and innovation.

Dr Lo Su-vui, Chief Executive Officer of HKGI said, “With the strong support from the Health Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government, HKGI has been working closely with the Department of Health, Hospital Authority, medical schools of local universities and various stakeholders to accelerate the development of genomic medicine in Hong Kong. In just a few years, the Institute has achieved significant milestones in medical research, clinical applications, and international collaborations. We have successfully recruited over 47,000 participants for the Hong Kong Genome Project, continuously expanding our genome database featuring the Southern Chinese population. We have also accumulated clinical application cases and established synergistic collaborative research platforms. These achievements highlight Hong Kong’s strong capabilities and advantages in genomic medicine, laying a solid foundation for further collaboration with internationally recognised authorities.”

Dr Lo continued, “We are greatly honoured to partner with RDI and LCRD to organise this prestigious global event. Genomic medicine is the future of medicine with wide-ranging applications, spanning from common to rare diseases, from clinical diagnosis and personalised treatment to disease prevention and health management. This Symposium will undoubtedly serve as a critical platform for healthcare experts, academics, and researchers from around the world to exchange knowledge, fostering collaboration, and driving medical innovation, ultimately bringing immense benefits to patients in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond.”

The one-day Symposium is expected to attract nearly 300 industry professionals. Following the Symposium, the LCRD will hold its annual meeting in Hong Kong on 18-19 November to further discuss insights and deepen cross-regional collaboration. This will be the first time for the LCRD to host its annual meeting in Asia, highlighting Hong Kong’s distinctive position in leading international medical innovation.

For information about the Symposium programme and speakers, please refer to the appendix. For enquiries about the Symposium, please contact HKGI (sy*******@**********rg.hk) or RDI-LCRD (lc**@*************nt.org).

Rundown
International Genomic Medicine Symposium

17 November 2025, Hong Kong

Charles K. Kao Auditorium, Hong Kong Science Park

Time Programme Speaker
09:00 Keynote Prof Lo Chung-mau, BBS, JP
Secretary for Health
Hong Kong SAR Government,
Hong Kong, China
09:15 Opening Ceremony
Panel 1 Session Chairperson: Dr Ronald Lam, JP
Director of Health
Hong Kong SAR Government,
Hong Kong, China
09:30 Developing Rare Disease Models in China: Service, Teaching and Research Prof Zhang Shuyang
President
Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China
10:00 Unraveling Molecular Pathogeneses to Enhance Patient Care and Family Well-being Prof Kym Boycott
Co-Chair
Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases
Professor of Pediatrics
University of Ottawa, Canada
10:30 Panel Discussion
Panel 2 Session Chairperson: Dr Libby Lee, JP
Under Secretary for Health
Hong Kong SAR Government,
Hong Kong, China
11:15 Insights into Rare Diseases:
Focus on Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Prof Roberto Giugliani
Co-Chair
Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases
Professor of Genetics
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
11:45 Hong Kong Genome Project Case Sharing (1) – Unlocking the Genomics of Cardiomyopathy: A New Era in Heart Health Dr Derek Lee
Hong Kong College of Physicians –
Hong Kong Genome Institute Scholar
Hong Kong, China
12:00 Hong Kong Genome Project Case Sharing (2) – Precision Medicine in Nephrology Dr Becky Ma
Hong Kong Academy of Medicine –
Hong Kong Genome Institute Scholar
Hong Kong, China
12:15 Panel Discussion
12:30 Lunch
Panel 3 Session Chairperson: Prof Philip Chiu
Dean of Medicine
The Chinese University of Hong Kong,
Hong Kong, China
14:00 Revolutionising Plasma DNA Analysis in Transforming Non-invasive Testing and Cancer Detection Prof Dennis Lo, SBS, JP
Vice-Chancellor and President
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Board Member
Hong Kong Genome Institute
Hong Kong, China
14:30 Publishing at The Lancet Dr Chloe Wilson
Senior Medical Editor
The Lancet
15:00 Panel Discussion
Panel 4 Session Chairperson: Prof Lau Chak-sing, BBS, JP
Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health)
Dean of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong
Board Member
Hong Kong Genome Institute
Hong Kong, China
15:35 AI in Action:
The Journey from Clinical Record to Personalised Treatment
Prof Gareth Baynam
Medical Director
Rare Care Centre
Perth Children’s Hospital, Australia
16:05 Harnessing the Power of Electronic Healthcare Records in Scientific Research and Innovation in Genomic Medicine Prof Yong Chen
Professor of Biostatistics
University of Pennsylvania, USA
16:35 Panel Discussion
Panel 5 Session Chairperson: To be confirmed
16:50 The Health Rights of Children and Genomic Newborn Screening Prof Bartha Knoppers
Director
Centre of Genomics and Policy
McGill University, Canada
17:20 Hong Kong Genome Project:
Advancing the Genomics Frontier
Dr Brian Chung
Chief Medical and Scientific Officer
Hong Kong Genome Institute,
Hong Kong, China
17:40 Genomics as a Catalyst for
Drug Development in the Greater Bay Area
Prof Aya El Helali
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Clinical Oncology,
School of Clinical Medicine,
The Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong,
Hong Kong, China
18:00 Panel Discussion
18:15 End of Symposium

(Last updated on 25 June 2025)


Enquiry
Hong Kong Genome Institute
Website: www.hkgp.org
Email: sy*******@**********rg.hk

Rare Disease International
Website: www.rarediseasesinternational.org
Email: lc**@*************nt.org

Hashtag: #HongKongGenomeInstitute

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

About Hong Kong Genome Institute

The Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI), established and wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government, commenced full operations in 2021. With the vision “to avail genomic medicine to all for better health and well-being” and supported by the Health Bureau, HKGI works in close collaboration with the Department of Health, Hospital Authority, medical schools of local universities and other stakeholders to accelerate the development of genomic medicine in Hong Kong along four strategic foci: integrate genomics into medicine, advance research, nurture talents and enhance public genomic literacy.

As the first step towards achieving its vision, HKGI launched the Hong Kong Genome Project (HKGP) in 2021 focusing on diseases and research cohorts that would benefit from whole genome sequencing. They include undiagnosed diseases, hereditary cancers and cases related to genomics and precision health. Being the city’s first large-scale genome sequencing project, HKGP serves as a catalyst to benefit patients and their families with more precise diagnosis and personalised treatment. It also aims to establish genome database of the local population, testing infrastructure and talent pool to address the healthcare needs of Hong Kong in the long run.

For more information, please visit .

About Rare Diseases International
Rare Diseases International (RDI) is the global alliance of people living with a rare disease of all nationalities across all rare diseases. RDI’s mission is to be a strong common voice on behalf of rare disease patients around the world, to advocate for rare diseases as an international public health priority and to represent its members and enhance their capacities. RDI has more than 120 member organizations from 50 countries, which in turn represent rare disease patient groups in more than 150 countries worldwide.

For more information, please visit .

About Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases
The RDI-Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases (RDI-LCRD) is a new initiative dedicated to improving the lives of Persons Living with a Rare Disease (PLWRD) globally by generating evidence-informed recommendations that can be implemented in all countries. The RDI-LCRD, chaired by Dr Roberto Giugliani (Brazil) and Dr Kym Boycott (Canada) brings together 27 Commissioners from 6 continents with a broad range of expertise, perspectives and experience. The overarching goal of the RDI-LCRD is to use robust data to ignite global action that will amplify the voices of PLWRD and ensure that they are seen, heard, and cared for, no matter where they live.

For more information, please visit .

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VinFast inaugurates 20 e-motorcycle dealerships in Indonesia, expanding its green mobility ecosystem nationwide

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JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 July 2026VinFast announced the opening of 20 official e-motorcycle dealerships across Indonesia in July 2026, marking a major milestone in its strategy to expand its distribution network in Southeast Asia’s largest motorcycle market. To celebrate the launch, VinFast hosted a large-scale product experience event featuring the VinFast Evo, VinFast Feliz II, and VinFast Viper, offering consumers the opportunity to experience the Company’s smart e-motorcycles and comprehensive green mobility ecosystem firsthand.

VinFast officially launched 20 electric motorcycle dealerships across Indonesia in July 2026.

The grand opening of VinFast dealers will take place from July 19 to 25, 2026, bringing VinFast’s genuine products and services closer to customers across Indonesia. The 20 new dealerships are located across key regions such as Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Medan, Palembang, Makassar and many other major provinces and cities nationwide.

VinFast representatives and distinguished guests at the VinFast Electric Motorcycle Experience Day, marking the start of the grand opening series for VinFast's 20 electric motorcycle dealerships in Indonesia.
VinFast representatives and distinguished guests at the VinFast Electric Motorcycle Experience Day, marking the start of the grand opening series for VinFast’s 20 electric motorcycle dealerships in Indonesia.

The expansion follows strong customer response to VinFast’s Early Booking Program, which has attracted thousands of deposits across Indonesia.

Dealerships will provide a full range of services, including vehicle sales, product consultation, after-sales support, and customer care in accordance with VinFast’s global standards. In addition to showcasing and selling VinFast E-motorcycles, the dealerships will offer customers opportunities to test ride the vehicles, experience the battery swapping solution and home charging options, and learn more about VinFast’s attractive ownership policies. Customers can visit VinFast’s official website at: https://vinfastauto.id/ to locate their nearest dealership and register for a test ride.

The VinFast Evo electric motorcycle on display at the event.
The VinFast Evo electric motorcycle on display at the event.

The opening campaign kicked off with the VinFast E-Motorcycle Experience Day, taking place on July 18, 2026, at Tribeca, Jakarta. The event welcomed customers, media representatives, KOLs, business partners, and electric mobility enthusiasts to explore VinFast’s e-motorcycle lineup and green mobility ecosystem.

During the event, attendees explored the full range of color options available for the VinFast Evo, VinFast Feliz II, and VinFast Viper, while learning more about each model, VinFast’s battery swapping network, home charging solutions, and the energy infrastructure being developed in partnership with V-Green.

In addition to the product showcase, the event featured dedicated test ride sessions, battery swapping demonstrations, safe riding challenges, interactive games, and opportunities to engage directly with VinFast’s product specialists.

Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-scooter Overseas Market, said: “VinFast’s strategy goes beyond introducing high-quality electric vehicles. Our vision is to build a complete ecosystem that makes owning and using electric vehicles more convenient than ever. The launch of 20 dealerships across Indonesia, together with our battery swapping, charging, and after-sales service network, represents another important step toward realizing that vision. We hope more Indonesian consumers will choose E-motorcycles as a smart, economical, and sustainable mobility solution.”

The three e-motorcycle models introduced by VinFast in Indonesia are designed to meet the needs of different customer segments while sharing the company’s advanced technology platform and innovative battery swapping ecosystem.

The VinFast Viper features a sporty design tailored to young, tech-savvy riders. Meanwhile, the VinFast Feliz II and VinFast Evo build upon the proven strengths of their predecessors in Vietnam while incorporating refinements to better suit the needs and preferences of Indonesian consumers.

All three models are equipped with a 5,200W BLDC in-wheel motor. The VinFast Viper and VinFast Feliz II offer a top speed of 90 km/h, while the VinFast Evo reaches 80 km/h. Each motorcycle is designed with dual battery compartments under the seat, allowing the simultaneous use of two 1.5 kWh LFP batteries.

With two fully-charged batteries installed, the VinFast Evo delivers a riding range of up to 150 km, while the VinFast Viper and VinFast Feliz II can travel up to 145 km under standard testing conditions, making them well-suited for both daily commuting and longer urban journeys.

Customers can choose to purchase their motorcycles with batteries included or opt for a battery subscription plan. In addition to battery swapping, the motorcycles can also be conveniently charged at home.

As a special launch benefit, all VinFast E-motorcycle owners will enjoy free battery swapping at V-Green’s public battery swapping stations for one year, with a maximum of 20 battery swaps per motorcycle per month. The motorcycles are also backed by a warranty of up to 4+2 years or 60,000+12,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, helping reduce ownership costs while enhancing convenience and peace of mind.

The simultaneous opening of 20 e-motorcycle dealerships further demonstrates VinFast’s long-term commitment to the Indonesian market. By expanding its retail network, diversifying its product portfolio, and investing in energy infrastructure, VinFast is steadily building a comprehensive green mobility ecosystem that will help accelerate the country’s transition toward sustainable transportation in one of the world’s largest motorcycle markets.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

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VinFast partners with Bespoke Logistics to strengthen electric motorcycle logistics capabilities in the Philippines

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 July 2026 – Global electric vehicle company VinFast has officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Bespoke Logistics, a Philippine provider of end-to-end automotive logistics solutions, to establish an integrated mobility processing center and authorized service workshop for the inspection and preparation of VinFast electric motorcycles prior to delivery. The partnership will help ensure vehicle quality, shorten delivery lead times, and lay a solid foundation for VinFast’s expanding electric motorcycle ecosystem in the Philippines.

Mr. Irineo Niño Fabros, CEO of VinFast Electric Motorcycles Philippines (left), and Mr. Allan A. Mina, President and CEO of Bespoke Logistics, at the signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, Bespoke Logistics will operate an integrated mobility processing center and VinFast-authorized service workshop, responsible for warehousing, vehicle inspection, technical preparation of electric motorcycles prior to delivery, vehicle yard management, and transportation. Located in Carmona City, Cavite Province, the 20,000-square-meter facility has a storage capacity of up to 30,000 vehicles, helping streamline vehicle preparation, improve operational efficiency, and ensure product quality before delivery to customers.

As part of the partnership, VinFast will work closely with Bespoke Logistics to implement technician training and certification programs, transfer standardized operating procedures and quality control processes, and establish a parts supply system to support aftersales operations.

Bespoke Logistics specializes in automotive logistics, offering an end-to-end service portfolio that includes pre-delivery inspection (PDI), warehousing, vehicle yard management, transportation, and vehicle delivery. The company also has extensive experience in warehouse-based technical operations and modern vehicle and inventory management systems, serving as a trusted logistics partner for multiple automotive brands in the Philippines.

Partnering with experienced local companies such as Bespoke Logistics will not only strengthen VinFast’s logistics and service capabilities in the Philippines but also provide a strong operational foundation for the delivery of its first electric motorcycles to customers.

The agreement forms part of VinFast’s long-term strategy to develop a comprehensive, international-standard electric motorcycle ecosystem in the Philippines. Alongside the launch of its diverse lineup of battery-swapping electric motorcycles, VinFast is steadily expanding its distribution network, aftersales services, and battery swapping infrastructure to deliver a seamless, convenient, and reliable ownership experience for customers.

Mr. Bui Viet Hung, VinFast Deputy CEO of Global Aftersales Service, said: “At VinFast, world-class products must be supported by robust infrastructure and exceptional aftersales services. Our partnership with Bespoke Logistics is a key milestone in strengthening our distribution and aftersales capabilities in line with global standards, ensuring that customers in the Philippines enjoy high quality products and services from day one of ownership.”

Mr. Allan A. Mina, President and CEO of Bespoke Logistics said: “We are proud to partner with VinFast as it develops its electric motorcycle ecosystem in the Philippines. We are committed to operating the facility in accordance with VinFast’s international standards while continuously enhancing our team’s capabilities and operational processes to support the brand’s long-term growth in the market.”

Over the past few years, VinFast has steadily built a green mobility ecosystem across the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and other international markets through strategic partnerships with local companies and ecosystem partners such as Green GSM and V-Green. In addition to electric motorcycles, VinFast is expanding its product portfolio to include electric cars, electric bicycles, and electric buses, providing consumers with more sustainable mobility options while accelerating the global transition to greener transportation.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

About About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) company with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally while expanding its production footprint with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at:

About Bespoke Logistics

Bespoke Logistics is a Philippine-based automotive logistics, warehousing, and mobility solutions company specializing in vehicle processing, stockyard management, electric vehicle support services, transportation, and distribution.

Through its Mobility Processing Center platform, Bespoke Logistics provides integrated solutions for automotive manufacturers, distributors, and emerging mobility brands operating in the Philippines.

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BRICS Competition Authorities Establish Task Force to Study Global Grain Trade

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GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Competition authorities from BRICS countries have established a task force to conduct a joint sector inquiry into the global grain trade, marking a new step in cooperation on competition policy across international agricultural markets.

The decision was announced during the discussion “Competition Development in Global Grain Trade: Joint Efforts of BRICS Countries”, organized by the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre on the sidelines of the 23rd Session of the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy in Geneva.

The event included a closed meeting of BRICS competition authorities and a public panel featuring researchers, academics and representatives of international organizations.

Discussions focused on competition in global grain markets, the growing influence of financialization and digitalization across agricultural value chains, and policy tools to improve market transparency. Participants also reviewed the findings of a joint report prepared by the BRICS Competition Centre and UNCTAD (link: https://www.bricscompetition.org/ru/grainreport) , first presented at the 9th BRICS International Competition Conference in Cape Town in 2025.

A coordinated market study

The central outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a BRICS task force that will coordinate a joint sector inquiry into global grain trade within the framework of the BRICS Working Group on Food Markets.

The task force will be co-chaired by Diogo Thomson, President of Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), and Mahmoud Momtaz, Chairperson of the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA).

Thomson welcomed the initiative and proposed making competition in global grain trade a key topic at the next BRICS International Competition Conference, scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2027.

“Brazil is the only jurisdiction that has launched an investigation into digital grain trading platforms such as Covantis. I therefore strongly welcome this sector inquiry, which will help us better understand the impact of digitalization across grain supply chains and the risks it may create for competition. I also support using the BRICS Competition Centre as the coordination platform for this work,” he said.

Momtaz said one of the main conclusions of the BRICS-UNCTAD report was the significant role speculative activity plays in global grain markets.

“One of the key findings of the report presented by the BRICS Competition Centre is the extent to which speculative factors influence global grain trade. The most effective response is greater market transparency. We should not accept a situation where farmers receive only a small share of the value they create while consumers in Egypt pay excessively high prices for bread. Where does this margin accumulate, and who ultimately benefits from it? These are the questions our sector inquiry should answer,” he said.

He also proposed that the task force develop a common AI-powered price monitoring tool covering BRICS grain markets.

“Such a tool would provide the information needed for market analysis and become an important complement to the joint sector inquiry,” Momtaz added.

From analysis to policy recommendations

Hardin Ratshisusu, Deputy Commissioner of the Competition Commission of South Africa, said the study should contribute to the implementation of the BRICS Grain Exchange initiative endorsed by BRICS leaders in the Kazan Declaration (2024) and the Rio de Janeiro Declaration (2025).

“The proposal to establish a BRICS Grain Exchange should become one of the key recommendations of the sector inquiry as an innovative mechanism for restoring competition in global grain trade. Our objective is not merely to identify market problems but to develop practical recommendations that can ultimately be submitted to the leaders of our countries,” he said.

Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre, said competition authorities should play a central role in designing the institutional framework of the future exchange.

“The BRICS Grain Exchange should not become another formal institution. It must serve as a practical mechanism for improving competition and market transparency. Competition authorities are uniquely positioned to identify the institutional features that will allow the exchange to achieve these objectives,” he said.

Growing international role

Frédéric Jenny, Chairmanof the OECD Competition Committee, said the initiative demonstrated the growing international role of BRICS competition authorities.

“This project illustrates how BRICS competition authorities are becoming drivers of the global competition agenda. In the past, they largely followed the lead of developed jurisdictions. That is no longer the case. There are very few examples worldwide of such close cooperation between competition authorities. This applies not only to joint market studies, but also to enforcement cooperation and competition advocacy. Rather than acting individually, you have found both the mechanisms and the political will to work together,” Jenny said.

The task force will now begin developing the methodology and work plan for the joint inquiry. Its findings are expected to provide policy recommendations aimed at strengthening competition, improving transparency in global grain trade, and supporting future BRICS initiatives in agricultural markets.

Hashtag: #BRICSCompetition

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

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