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IMDA Refreshes Skills Framework for Media and Continues to Support Virtual Production Capabilities and Training

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Developed in consultation with industry, refreshed Skills Framework for Media introduces new technical skills and competencies for emerging technologies like virtual production and generative artificial intelligence.
New company-led apprenticeship programme with media companies to expand job and training opportunities in the industry
28 Virtual Production projects supported, and 650 media professionals trained to date under the Virtual Production Innovation fund

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 December 2024 – The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has worked closely with the media industry to introduce a refresh to the Skills Framework for Media, which will provide up-to-date sector information, job roles and existing and emerging skills for media practitioner, in new tech areas such as Virtual Production (VP) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). To provide locals with more job and training opportunities in new tech areas, another new initiative is the company-led apprenticeship programme with media companies.

2. IMDA has been advancing VP applications in Singapore’s media industry since 2023. To date, there have been 28 VP content projects, and 650 media professionals trained in VP through these content projects and workshops, supported by the S$30 million VP Innovation Fund announced last year. These updates were made by Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information (MDDI) & Ministry of National Development (MND), Mr Tan Kiat How at the opening of the Asia TV Forum and Market (ATF) today, an event of the Singapore Media Festival (SMF). Hosted by IMDA, the SMF celebrates its 11th edition with the theme “Make It Here“, inspiring the region’s media community to create, connect, and realise their visions.

Refreshed Guide for the Future of Media Careers
3. As Singapore’s media market expands, employment opportunities are also on the rise. There were 24,960 media professionals employed across the economy in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 7% since 2018[1]. The refreshed Skills Framework for Media provides a comprehensive roadmap for these media professionals, charting the future of media careers and talent development. This framework was developed by IMDA in partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), industry associations like the Singapore Association of Motion Picture Professionals, Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs), after extensive consultation with around 150 media representatives across industry, training providers, IHLs and freelancers. This ensures the framework meets the needs of a dynamic media landscape.

4. The refreshed Skills Framework identifies 195 job roles across 9 tracks, with 230 technical skills and competencies in existing and emerging skills in Media like VP, GenAI, content production, production technical services, and more. Media practitioners can use the Skills Framework to upskill and remain relevant in today’s media landscape, while employers and training providers can tap on it to structure learning and training opportunities. The framework was first launched in 2018 jointly by IMDA, SSG, Workforce Singapore (WSG) and in consultation with Singapore’s media industry.

5. IMDA will also offer more company-led on-the-job training opportunities through apprenticeships with media companies in line with the new skills added into the refreshed framework including VP. This is a new initiative and, as a start, IMDA will partner seven media companies to offer over 70 apprenticeship opportunities across content production, business management and technical roles that will further deepen practical skills development and ensuring talent is industry ready.

6. In his opening speech, SMS Tan Kiat How said, “The Asia TV Forum and Market and the Singapore Media Festival are platforms for networking and collaborations. As Asia’s entertainment content industry grows, Singapore will be your partner to tell our stories to the world, and for the world to find discover the talents and gems in Asia. Today, we are taking an important step to do so by investing in the future of media – our media professionals so that they are equipped with the right skills, technology, and platforms to excel in this dynamic industry.”

New Virtual Production Projects and Talent Supported
7. The use of VP in Singapore’s media industry continues to progress with the launch of three full-scale VP studios that can support international projects developed with VP technology. These are Aux Infinite Studios, Oceanus Media Global and X3D Studio and they are also providing VP training. Next year, media professionals can look forward to specialised training opportunities for job roles such as VP supervisors from local and overseas VP experts.

8. There have also been 28 VP content projects which leveraged VP technology to open creative possibilities and overcome physical limitations. For example, film director Ian Wee from Reelisations Pte Ltd tapped on VP in his latest content project “Time Apart”, to execute challenging time lapse sequences across different time periods. Ian was a participant of the National Film and Television School (NFTS) Certificate in Virtual Production course in April 2023. Another example, Glenn Chan from Sonder Films used 3D scanning technology to develop and integrate 3D CGI characters into virtual environments for his short-form VP project “The Old World”. Glenn was a participant of the Aux-XON SG x Korea VP Masterclass conducted earlier this year.

9. For more details on the Singapore Media Festival and the Asia TV Forum and Market please visit www.imda.gov.sg/smf. To read the latest Skills Framework for Media, visit https://www.imda.gov.sg/how-we-can-help/media-manpower-plan/skills-framework-for-media-sfw-for-media.

Hashtag: #SGMediaFest



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

About the Singapore Media Festival

The Singapore Media Festival, hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), proudly returns for its 11th edition as one of Asia’s premier international media industry platforms. From 28 November to 8 December 2024, Singapore will be the focal point for Asia’s media community, showcasing diverse media innovations, forging industry deals, and presenting Singapore’s world-class content. This year’s festival, themed “Make It Here,” aims to inspire the region’s media talent to create, connect, and realise their visions. The event will bring together media professionals, industry leaders, creators, and consumers through the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF), Singapore Comic Con (SGCC), and Nas Summit Asia (NAS).

For more information, please visit: .

About Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) 2024

3 December 2024: The ATF Leaders Dialogue

4 – 6 December 2024: Market & Conference

Into its 25th edition, – the region’s co-production & entertainment content market and conference – is the proven industry platform to acquire knowledge, network, buy, sell, finance, distribute and co-produce across all platforms. It is the premier stage in Asia to engage with the entertainment industry’s top players from around the world. It’s where the best minds meet, and the future of Asia’s content is shaped.

For more information, please visit www.asiatvforum.com

About Infocomm Media Development Authority

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis.

For more news and information, visit or follow IMDA on LinkedIn (IMDAsg) and Instagram (@imdasg).

Media OutReach

Integrating AI in Trading: 4 Steps from Global broker Octa

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 December 2024 – Artificial intelligence is transforming trading, delivering unprecedented power in data analysis, pattern recognition, and decision-making. However, around 40% of traders hesitate to fully trust AI-driven decisions as they fear losing control over critical trading outcomes. Kar Yong Ang, financial markets analyst at Octa Broker, explores how traders can harness the power of AI while maintaining control and avoiding excessive intervention.

Real Advantages of AI in Trading
AI enables traders to process massive datasets quickly and efficiently. For example, machine learning algorithms analyse historical price data, market sentiment, and global news to predict market trends. Studies confirm that AI-powered algorithms improve trade accuracy by 38% compared to traditional methods.

Alongside this, AI automates time-consuming processes, such as monitoring price fluctuations and stop-loss orders, as well as executing trades based on predefined parameters. A case study on TradeWeb showed that the implementation of AI systems increased trading speed by 23% while the number of errors decreased by 15%.

What is more, AI excels in identifying market patterns that might go unnoticed by human analysis. For instance, JPMorgan’s AI systems predicted potential market movements with an accuracy rate of 75%, as highlighted in a Cointelegraph report.

The Risks of Overusing AI in Trading
Over-reliance on AI could weaken traders’ ability to manually interpret the markets. A recent study showed that traders relying solely on AI experienced a 22% reduction in the ability to perform manual analytics after six months of using AI alone. This ramps up the risks, as traders should always remain on guard and be able to conduct independent objective analysis to avoid misleading assumptions.

Although the algorithms do reduce the number of mistakes, they aren’t error-prone. Data inconsistencies, algorithmic biases, and unpredictable market events can lead to poor trading decisions and losses. For instance, a 2023 market analysis revealed that 12% of trades executed solely by AI systems resulted in unexpected losses due to flawed input data.

Tips for Balancing AI and Manual Trading
Automating decisions may save time but can result in traders losing sight of broader market contexts. Experts stress the importance of using AI as a supportive tool rather than a decision-making replacement. Here are four steps on how traders can integrate AI into their trading routine while balancing the risks and reaping the perks.

  1. Combine AI insights with manual analysis. AI has to complement traditional trading techniques. For example, combining AI-driven insights with manual analysis can provide a nicely rounded method, improving accuracy and adaptability.
  2. Start with a demo account. To avoid risking the real budget, it’s advised to test AI’s capabilities and trading decisions using a demo account, which is available on Octa Broker. The demo account allows traders to experiment with AI and recognise its functionality and barriers risk-free.
  3. Understand AI’s limitations. AI models rely on historical statistics and won’t adapt quickly to surprising market changes. Traders must regularly examine the relevance and accuracy of AI-based tools to ensure solid performance.
  4. Use AI for post-trade analysis. Post-exchange reviews using AI allow traders to get deeper insights on their trading successes and failures. Tools like Octa Vision analyse beyond trades to help you discover your trading style and propose upgrades. This iterative process allows traders to refine their strategies and avoid repeating mistakes.
The Future of AI in Trading
Although AI still poses certain risks, people actually trust it more than humans, according to the Ipsos Consumer Tracker. Businesses adopt the tool more willingly, with 50% of financial institutions having already integrated AI into their trading workflow. According to McKinsey, a trend of growing AI adoption on the enterprise level is likely to stay and evolve: AI in business is expected to grow 18% annually through 2030, with advanced predictive models and risk management becoming the standard. This may drive increased adoption rates among retail traders, too.

In 2025, the business ecosystem is expected to rely heavily on AI. Companies that develop a solid understanding of AI applications today will be better prepared to navigate these changes, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the trend. The same works for regular traders. Those who want to make AI a tool for efficient trading should acknowledge its strengths and weaknesses.

Responsible AI deployment is key. Traders who balance AI-driven insights with manual analysis and maintain a focus on continuous learning can leverage the technology. Besides this, they can optimise their trading outcomes while safeguarding against potential risks.

Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

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Royal Caribbean Doubles Hong Kong Homeport Sailings in 2025

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Hong Kong Tourism Poised for Growth; Cruise Business Fuels Economic Recovery

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 December 2024 – Royal Caribbean International, the world’s leading and Hong Kong’s longest-standing homeporting cruise line, is set to double its Hong Kong homeport sailings next year with an extended season of 10 roundtrip sailings. The Quantum Ultra Class Spectrum of the Seas and sister ship Ovation of the Seas will embark on diverse itineraries, with Spectrum offering 5 Hong Kong departures in December 2024 and 10 homeport sailings in 2025 , including cruise holidays spanning 4, 5, 9, and 11 nights, exploring the scenic locales of Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Of special note, Spectrum will present an exclusive 11-night immersive journey through Japan, commencing on November 23, 2025, encompassing Fukuoka, Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Maizuru, and Sasebo – a bespoke itinerary tailored for the discerning gusts. The intricacies of this culturally enhancing itinerary provides guests with an experience unmatched by conventional travel means.

Kick off Ceremony (from left: Captain Flemming B. Nielsen, Captain of the Spectrum of the Seas, Mr. Dane Cheng, Executive Director, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mrs. Angelina Cheung, JP, Commissioner for Tourism, The Government of the Hong Kong SAR, Hon Michael Wong, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, Mr. Benjamin Bouldin, President, Royal Caribbean International, China, Mr. Kevin Fung, Managing Director, Royal Caribbean International, Hong Kong, Mr. Joni Gevriye, Hotel Director of the Spectrum of the Seas)

In addition to this remarkable voyage, there will also be special 2-night weekend cruises, offering a perfect escape for those looking to enjoy a brief but rejuvenating getaway on board the fascinating Spectrum of the Seas. Ovation of the Seas will also feature Hong Kong departures in 2025 with the Easter Monday sailing anticipated to be the most sought-after voyage, ideal for family reunions, gatherings and memorable celebrations.

The arrival of Spectrum of the Seas on December 6th ushers in over 4,800 international visitors to Hong Kong. Robust early bookings for the 2025 sailings serve as a testament to Royal Caribbean’s vision to expanding Hong Kong homeport sailings in the coming years.

The Honourable Michael Wong, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, presided over a ceremony together with Ms. Angelina Cheung, JP, Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Royal Caribbean executives Mr. Benjamin Bouldin, President of Royal Caribbean International, China and Mr. Kevin Fung, Managing Director of Royal Caribbean International, Hong Kong as well as Captain Flemming B. Nielsen and Hotel Director Joni Gevriye from Spectrum of the Seas. Their collective presence marked a momentous occasion that highlights collaboration and industry excellence in driving growth and prosperity in the cruise industry.

Hon Michael Wong, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, “We welcome the return of Royal Caribbean International and will provide full support. Various government departments, coordinated by the Tourism Commission, have been working closely with the cruise terminal operator and Royal Caribbean International to put in place measures to help passengers onboard Spectrum of the Seas to quickly and conveniently travel into town.”

Mr Wong said that Hong Kong welcomed 34 million visitors last year. And, in the first 10 months of 2024, there were close to 37 million. The number of visitors to Hong Kong will continue to increase and a year on year growth of over 30 per cent is expected. The outlook for 2025 is even more positive.

Mr. Benjamin Bouldin, President of Royal Caribbean International, China, expressed confidence in the strategic choice of Hong Kong as a pivotal homeport, stating, “Hong Kong stands as a captivating destination in its own right, attracting global visitors with its unique East meets West culture. The city offers a myriad of experiences, from being a renowned shopping and culinary paradise, to being home to world-class cultural heritage conservations and international mega events throughout the year. Moreover, Hong Kong’s advantageous geographical location, coupled with its visa-free access to citizens of some 170 countries and regions, positions the city as the prospective Asian cruise hub. We are committed to Hong Kong, and we look forward to bringing in our newest and best ships to this market in the years to come.”

Mr. Dane Cheng, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Executive Director, said, “We’re very pleased to welcome the return of two Royal Caribbean International ships to Hong Kong as homeports, and the doubling of Hong Kong homeport sailings. This not only reflects the cruise line’s confidence towards the future of Hong Kong’s tourism industry, but also helps attract more international travellers to Hong Kong with the diversified cruise itineraries. The HKTB will continue to maintain close liaison with the major cruise companies to promote Hong Kong’s advantages as an ideal cruise destination and join hands with the industry to promote the development of Hong Kong cruise industry.

Royal Caribbean’s decision to augment homeport sailings in Hong Kong underscores the city’s leading role and significance within the Asian cruise domain. As the Hong Kong cruise market navigates the challenges post-pandemic, Royal Caribbean’s steadfast commitment carries substantial symbolic weight, reaffirming Hong Kong’s global metropolis status and its integral role in the Asian cruise panorama. Upon the return of Spectrum of the Seas in December, not only will local demand for cruise offerings receive a boost, but over the coming two months, it is anticipated to bring in excess of 20,000 international visitors to Hong Kong through its homeport sailings.

The doubling of Hong Kong homeport sailings generates substantial direct and indirect economic benefits to the city, from immediate industries including provisioning and bunkering, to extended sectors including hotel, retail, dining, and transportation. Royal Caribbean’s proactive homeport strategy also serves to encourage other cruise lines to focus on Hong Kong, nurturing a thriving cruise ecosystem and propelling Hong Kong towards its goal of becoming Asia’s cruise hub.

Spectrum of the Seas & Ovation of the Seas: The Ultimate Vacation-At-Sea with Boundless Enjoyment for Everyone

The revolutionary Spectrum of the Seas, a 16-deck, 168,666-tonne cruise ship, was specifically designed for Asia and has a capacity for 5,622 guests and 2,137 staterooms. Spectrum of the Seas also offers an exclusive suite enclave that includes everything from a two-level, 2,809-square-foot Ultimate Family Suite that features an in-suite slide and accommodates up to 11 guests for the ultimate multigenerational family vacation, to private dining, shopping and more.

Ovation of the Seas, one of the world’s most groundbreaking ships, is a 16-deck, 168,666-tonne cruise ship. It was specifically designed for Asia and has a capacity for 4,182 guests and 2,091 staterooms, including 1,572 balcony cabins, 148 ocean-view staterooms and 375 virtual balcony rooms. Royal Suite Class, the most spacious luxury cruise suite on Ovation of the Seas, offers unparalleled vacation experiences, leaving every guest with extraordinary memories!

The two ships feature a plethora of bold and unexpected entertainment and activities, plus an extensive array of culinary experiences that surpasses any guests’ expectations. Whether vacationers are looking for a relaxing getaway with family or an adventurous journey with friends, Spectrum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas offers something for every member of the family. From adrenaline-pumping thrills to tranquil spa treatments, a blend of extraordinary dining outlets and nightlife options, there’s never a dull moment onboard helping to create the ultimate vacation that will leave every generation with fond memories for years to come.

Spectrum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas offers adventures for travellers of all ages including the North Star, an all-glass observation capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level and provides unrivalled 360-degree views. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the RipCord by iFLY simulator for an unbeatable skydiving experience, as well as the FlowRider surf simulator and the SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea where families can enjoy bumper cars, roller skating, basketball and more. A variety of top-notch performances, from musical acts to aerial acrobatics, are also available at the Royal Theatre and Two70.

Dining aboard Spectrum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas is a truly exquisite experience with numerous palate-pleasing food and beverage venues serving a selection of international culinary delights, from Hot Pot, Teppanyaki and Pizza, as well as guest favourites like Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian and more. Delicacies ranging from classic flavours to premium culinary creations, a variety of exquisite dishes will definitely satisfy your taste buds.

Appendix:

1. Sailing details of Spectrum of the Seas 2024-25

Spectrum of the Seas 2024-25 (Hong Kong Homeport)
Date of Departure Itineraries
6 Dec 2024 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki
11 Dec 2024 4 Nights Vietnam: Nha Trang
15 Dec 2024 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki
20 Dec 2024 9 Nights Japan: Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Fukuoka
29 Dec 2024 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa (overnight)
3 Jan 2025 4 Nights Vietnam: Chan May
7 Jan 2025 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki

2. Sailing details of Ovation of the Seas 2025-26

Ovation of the Seas 2025-26 (Hong Kong Homeport)
Date of Departure Itineraries
21 Apr 2025 5 Nights Japan & Taiwan: Okinawa & Taipei

3. Sailing details of Spectrum of the Seas 2025-26

Spectrum of the Seas 2025-26 (Hong Kong Homeport)
Date of Departure Itineraries
23 Nov 2025 11 Nights Japan: Fukuoka, Sakaiminato, Maizuru, Kanazawa, Sasebo
4 Dec 2025 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki
9 Dec 2025 5 Nights Vietnam: Chan May & Nha Trang
14 Dec 2025 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki
19 Dec 2025 2 Nights: Ultimate Weekend Getaway
21 Dec 2025 9 Nights Japan: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima
30 Dec 2025 5 Nights Japan: Okinawa & Ishigaki
4 Jan 2026 5 Nights Japan & Taiwan: Okinawa & Taipei
9 Jan 2026 2 Nights: Ultimate Weekend Getaway

Hashtag: #RoyalCaribbean

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

About Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line’s game-changing ships and private destinations revolutionize vacations with innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 21 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line’s top-rated private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Media can follow the latest news from Royal Caribbean Hong Kong through the official and pages, or visit for press information. For more details, feel free to contact your travel agent, visit the , or call the inquiry hotline at +852 3189 3201.

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The 2024 Vinfuture Prize Honors Four Scientific Works Under The Theme Of “Resilient Rebound”

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HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 December 2024 – The VinFuture Foundation has honored four scientific breakthroughs in 2024. The US$3 million Grand Prize is awarded to “transformational contributions to the advancement of deep learning.” Three VinFuture Special Prizes are awarded to “innovative improvement of oral cholera vaccination in developing countries,” “advancement in design of polymeric biomaterials and methods for biomedical applications,” and “development of CAR T cell therapy for cancer and other diseases.”

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presents the $3 million VinFuture Grand Prize to the winners.


The 2024 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony was broadcast live nationally on Vietnam National Television VTV1. The ceremony was graced with the presence of Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, leaders of domestic ministries and departments, international ambassadors, and eminent scientists from around the world.

The four winning works were rigorously curated from a pool of nearly 1,500 impressive nominations spanning more than 80 countries and territories worldwide. These groundbreaking achievements have the potential to significantly impact humanity’s present and future, particularly in critical fields like computer science, public health and global health, material science, and generative medicine. Not only do these innovations offer solutions to universal challenges, but they also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of humanity.

With their potential for exponential growth, this year’s award-winning innovations epitomize the spirit of “resilient rebound.” By pushing the boundaries of science and technology, these breakthroughs unlock new directions and expand the possibilities of application.

The 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize is awarded to five scientists: Professor Yoshua Bengio, Professor Geoffrey E. Hinton, Mr. Jen-Hsun Huang, Professor Yann LeCun, and Professor Fei-Feil Li for transformational contributions to the advancement of deep learning.

Advances in deep learning have opened a transformative era for technological innovation, enabling machines to learn from vast amounts of data and achieve unprecedented accuracy in tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and decision-making. Professors Geoff E. Hinton, Yann LeCun and Yoshua Bengio have made groundbreaking contributions to neural networks and deep learning algorithms, while Mr. Jen-Hsun Huang pioneered accelerated computing platforms that facilitated the modern era of AI (Artificial Intelligence) computing. Professor Fei-Fei Li‘s creation of the ImageNet dataset further drove advances in visual recognition systems, making it possible to train models at scale.

Since 2012, deep learning has become a dominant tool in driving rapid advancements across sectors such as healthcare, autonomous systems, and financial services, and shaping the future of innovation.

In addition to the VinFuture Grand Prize, three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, have been awarded to innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields, women innovators, and innovators from developing countries.

The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements has been awarded to Professors Zelig Eshhar (Israel), Carl H. June, and Michel Sadelain (United States).
The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements has been awarded to Professors Zelig Eshhar (Israel), Carl H. June, and Michel Sadelain (United States).

The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields is awarded to Professor Zelig Eshhar, Professor Carl H. June, and Professor Michel Sadelain for development of CAR T cell therapy for cancer and other diseases.

Professor Zelig Eshhar‘s groundbreaking work transformed cancer treatment by developing CAR T cell therapy, a “living drug” that has saved many lives and sparked a thriving biopharmaceutical industry. This innovation offers hope for new medical applications and affordable treatments worldwide. Professors Carl H. June and Michel Sadelain built on this progress, further improving CAR T cell therapy to effectively treat cancer and autoimmune diseases that resist standard therapies. Their pioneering work led to the approval of the first CAR T cell therapy by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for childhood and young adult acute lymphocytic leukemias and is now considered for clinical care world-wide.

The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries has been bestowed upon Dr. Firdausi Qadri (Bangladesh).
The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries has been bestowed upon Dr. Firdausi Qadri (Bangladesh).

The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries has honored Bangladeshi Dr. Firdausi Qadri for innovative improvement of oral cholera vaccination in developing countries.

Dr. Firdausi Qadri has played a key role in improving vaccination against cholera, a severe diarrheal disease due to the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, that occurs after ingestion of contaminated food or water and remains a major public health concern particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Dr. Firdausi Qadri at the ICDDR,B (International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh) has performed large-scale clinical studies with a Vietnamese live vaccine strain which allowed her to conclude on the benefit, power and safety of a single oral dose of an affordable vaccine and consequently on the possibility to perform large-scale vaccination campaigns in her own country and in other poor countries, in order to prevent outbreaks.

Controlling cholera outbreaks at the source enhances global public health security, preventing the spread of the disease across borders.

The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Women Innovators has been awarded to Professor Kristi S. Anseth (United States).
The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Women Innovators has been awarded to Professor Kristi S. Anseth (United States).

The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Women Innovators has honored Professor Kristi S. Anseth for advancement in design of polymeric biomaterials and methods for biomedical applications.

Professor Kristi Anseth is a pioneer, who has developed biomaterial cell culture systems, to decipher extracellular matrix (ECM) signals that regulate tissue development, maintenance and regeneration. She designed synthetic ECM that captures the unique cell and dynamic tissue microenvironment in three-dimensional space that can be modulated on demand, providing a means to study 4D-biology. She studies how cells exchange information with the ECM and applies this knowledge to engineer biomaterials for tissue regeneration and disease states, as well as screening drugs.

She is renowned for blending modern molecular and cellular biology with engineering and mathematics to produce the next generation of biomaterials that are tissue substitutes able to restore, maintain, or improve tissue function.

Commenting on the results of the 2024 VinFuture Prize, Professor Sir Richard Friend, FRS, VinFuture Prize Council Chair, stated, “The 2024 VinFuture Prize Laureates have all made advances that have changed the world, and have brought unexpected and powerful new tools. The Grand Prize recognizes the unprecedented advances in Artificial intelligence. It celebrates three elements that together have propelled this success: fundamental advances in deep learning, data sets and the silicon GPU hardware. This year’s three Special Prizes celebrate advances in three very different areas of healthcare. These illustrate the breadth of science and technology that can bring practical and powerful solutions. The vision that the Founders set – to celebrate the potential for discovery and innovation to bring real benefits to societies across the whole globe – is very clearly delivered in the set of this year’s prize winners.

The VinFuture Prize has solidified its position as one of the world’s most prestigious science and technology awards, with four successful prize seasons. Notably, numerous VinFuture Prize laureates have gone on to receive further accolades at prestigious global awards, validating VinFuture’s visionary approach and pioneering spirit. The VinFuture Foundation remains committed to its mission of serving humanity and inspiring innovation in Vietnamese science and technology. By fostering groundbreaking research and development, the Foundation aims to contribute to sustainable development and global prosperity.

Hashtag: #VinFuture

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

About the VinFuture Prize

The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide.

The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring female innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields.

In pursuit of its mission, the Foundation undertakes various activities. These include engaging in strategic grantmaking initiatives, fostering intellectual connections, and collaborating in the advancement of science and technology. Learn more at: .

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