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Li Ka Shing Foundation and Temasek Trust Jointly Commit S$12 Million to Acquire Systems and Advance Clinical Trial for Innovative Histotripsy Cancer Therapy in Singapore
- Li Ka Shing Foundation (LKSF) and Temasek Trust (TT) are purchasing and donating two Histotripsy Systems to the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) in Singapore to perform clinical trials to study novel ultrasound therapy for liver, kidney and pancreatic cancers.
- The funding from LKSF and TT will be disbursed through a Donor-Advised Fund managed by TT Foundation Advisors (TTFA), which catalyses additional capital from other donors to support cancer research.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 04 April 2025 – The Li Ka Shing Foundation (LKSF) and Temasek Trust (TT) have committed S$12 million to bring innovative non-invasive ultrasound-based histotripsy tumour clinical trials to Singapore.
The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) will each receive one Histotripsy System – the first of such to be available in Southeast Asia. The funding from LKSF and TT will also support a clinical trial in Singapore for patients with liver, kidney, and pancreatic cancers, advancing regional cancer research and innovation.
Mr. Dickson Lim, Head, TTFA, said, “We at TTFA are delighted to have the Li Ka Shing Foundation and Temasek Trust come together to catalyse this important initiative, to study this innovative non-invasive ultrasound-based cancer therapy in Southeast Asia. We are privileged to work alongside NCCS and NCIS to support clinical research and trials to use this novel modality that targets important cancers. Over time, we aim to attract additional philanthropic capital from other donors to sustainably support the next phase of cancer research.”
Rising Regional Cancer Burden and the Need for Innovative Treatment
Liver, kidney, and pancreatic cancers are on the rise across Asia, with Southeast Asia experiencing the fastest-growing incidence and mortality rates. Factors such as aging populations, changing lifestyles, and environmental exposure contribute to the regional cancer burden. In Singapore, liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death for men, with liver and pancreatic cancers among the top 10 causes of cancer mortality. These cancers often do not show symptoms until the later stages, making early detection and effective treatment difficult.
Histotripsy: An Innovative Technology
Developed by US medical company, HistoSonics, the HistoSonics Histotripsy System generates microbubbles that rapidly expand and collapse, producing shock waves that break down tumours at the cellular level. This approach does not require surgery, and can non-invasively destroy tumours, including those that cannot be surgically removed.
Unlike surgery, radiotherapy, or traditional ablation, histotripsy requires no incisions or radiation, offering a painless, scarless, and bloodless treatment.
Clinical Trial on Histotripsy Therapy and Research in Asia
The application for the clinical trial using the HistoSonics Histotripsy System is being prepared. Professor Brian Goh Kim Poh, Head of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, NCCS and Singapore General Hospital, and principal investigator of the trial, will work alongside a team of oncologists, interventional radiologists and researchers from both NCCS and NCIS.
Professor Goh said, “We are excited to have the opportunity to embark on clinical trials for liver, kidney and pancreatic cancers which are prevalent in Southeast Asia. We plan to initiate trials for liver cancers first. While surgery and local ablative therapies are the main treatment modalities for liver cancers today, not all patients are suited to undergo these invasive treatments due to various factors such as patient fitness, tumour location or underlying liver disease. For these patients, innovations such as histotripsy offer an alternative option with potential advantages as it is non-invasive. We are extremely grateful to the Li Ka Shing Foundation and Temasek Trust for their generosity and strong support towards advancing cancer research by enabling us to study this novel technology.”
Associate Professor Glenn Kunnath Bonney, Senior Consultant, Division of Surgical Oncology, NCIS, said: “We are currently preparing for the clinical trial of histotripsy as a potential treatment approach for patients with liver and other complex cancers. I have just returned from an international meeting where I was shown the promising results from early clinical trials. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding evidence-based options through rigorous research, with the goal of improving patient outcomes over time. We are grateful to the Li Ka Shing Foundation and Temasek Trust for their support, and look forward to working with our partners to build the necessary foundation for careful clinical studies.”
The clinical trial is slated to commence later this year, with a targeted enrolment of 40 patients who meet the trial criteria and are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team.
Ensuring Sustainable Impact through Strategic Philanthropy
To drive long-term impact in the region, the funding from LKSF and TT will be disbursed through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) managed by TTFA, the philanthropy advisory services arm of TT. Through the DAF, TTFA aims to attract additional capital from other donors over time to sustainably support the next phase of cancer research.
Hashtag: #LiKaShingFoundation #TemasekTrust
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About Li Ka Shing Foundation
Li Ka Shing Foundation believes in philanthropy with societal impact. Since 1980, we have been helping to reform education and further medical research. To date, Mr Li Ka-shing has invested over HK$30 billion in projects covering education, medical services, charity and anti-poverty programmes, with about 80% of the projects in Mainland China and Hong Kong.
About Temasek Trust
Temasek Trust was established by Temasek Holdings and is a steward of philanthropic assets. It aims to catalyse positive impact by protecting the planet, uplifting communities, connecting people, and advancing capabilities. By forging new pathways for philanthropy and impact investing with like-minded partners, Temasek Trust seeks to promote catalytic philanthropy as a force for good. For more information, visit www.temasektrust.org.sg. Follow us on http://www.nccs.com.sg/
About National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS)
The National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) is an academic, national specialist centre for cancer under the National University Health System (NUHS), and is the only public cancer centre in Singapore that treats both paediatric and adult cancers in one facility.
As one of two national cancer centres in Singapore, NCIS (pronounced as “n-sis”) offers a broad spectrum of cancer care and management from screening, diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and survivorship, as well as palliative and long-term care. NCIS’ strength lies in the multidisciplinary approach taken by our clinician scientists and clinician-investigators to develop a comprehensive and personalised plan for each cancer patient.
NCIS provides the full suite of specialised oncology and haematology services at the NUH Medical Centre at Kent Ridge, Singapore, including those by the NCIS Chemotherapy Centre, NCIS Radiotherapy Centre and NCIS Cellular Therapy Centre.
NCIS also offers cancer services at other hospitals in Singapore:
* NCIS Cancer & Blood Clinic @ Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
* NCIS Radiotherapy Centre @ Tan Tock Seng Hospital
* NCIS Radiotherapy Clinic @ Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
To bring cancer care even closer to our patients, our NCIS on the Go programme delivers a range of cancer services at clinics within the community for their convenience. For more information, please visit www.ncis.com.sg.
About HistoSonics
HistoSonics is a privately held medical device company developing non-invasive platforms and proprietary sonic beam therapy utilizing the science of histotripsy, a novel mechanism of action that uses focused ultrasound to mechanically destroy and liquify unwanted tissue and tumours. The company is currently focused on commercialising their HistoSonics Histotripsy System in the US and select global markets for liver treatment while expanding histotripsy applications into other organs like kidney, pancreas, prostate, brain, and others. HistoSonics has offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.
For more information on the HistoSonics Histotripsy System, please visit: www.histosonics.com/. For patient related information, please visit: www.myhistotripsy.com/.
CUHK’s Academic Excellence and Global Research Impact
CUHK’s academic rigour is further recognised in the 2026–27 Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, where it ranks 28th globally and 5th in Asia, remaining Hong Kong’s top university for the fourth consecutive year. The University features 15 subjects in the global top 50, including five in the top 10, such as Education and Educational Research (#1), Gastroenterology and Hepatology (#2), Computer Science (#7), and Arts and Humanities and Artificial Intelligence (both ranked #9).
CUHK: Where Bold Ideas Become Impactful Research
CUHK provides an exceptional environment for impactful research, supported by approximately 300 research institutes and centres, alongside four state key laboratories approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Reflecting on the academic environment, Zhamilya Zhirenova, a PhD student in Biomedical Science from Kazakhstan, has deepened her expertise through her involvement with the Centre for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine (CNRM), an InnoHK research centre CUHK established with Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet.
Unlike traditional research pathways, where students are often confined to a single university laboratory, Zhamilya gained extensive experience at Hong Kong Science Park, a dynamic setting that closely resembles industry. “It feels more like an industrial company,” she reflected, “and that experience has been invaluable.” For researchers with ambitions beyond academia, such early exposure to the pace and expectations of the biotech industry provides a distinct advantage.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientific Innovators
Many of CUHK’s scholars are globally renowned experts who have made significant breakthroughs in their respective fields. These experts provide valuable mentorship, cultivating an intellectually stimulating environment for innovative research.
At the Centre for Novostics, an InnoHK research centre dedicated to advancing molecular diagnostics, Yasine Malki, a Chemical Pathology PhD student from Hong Kong, highlighted mentorship as a defining aspect of his experience at CUHK. Benefiting from the mentorship of Professor Dennis Lo, CUHK’s Vice-Chancellor and President, and a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, Yasine collaborates with specialists in molecular technologies, bioinformatics, and clinician-scientists, exemplifying CUHK’s dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to medical science.
Through the latest global rankings, CUHK continues to demonstrate the impact of its research and scholarship. The University offers robust financial support to attract top-tier global talent, such as the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) for the 2027–28 intake, which provides over HK$1.81 million (approximately US$232,420) in funding. Applications open on 1 September 2026.
Hashtag: #CUHK
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About CUHK
Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university with a global reputation and world-leading rankings. Located in the heart of Asia, CUHK has a vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. The University has eight faculties: Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social Science. Together with the Graduate School, the University offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All faculties are actively engaged in research in a wide range of disciplines, with an array of research institutes and research centres specialising in interdisciplinary research of the highest quality.
Media OutReach
HKDL’s Immersive Interactive Experiences Win Guests’ Hearts Lucky Nugget Spin at Grizzly Gulch Surpasses 30,000 Participations
Immersive experiences fuel collectible merchandise craze and extend magical memories
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 July 2026 – In tune with the growing popularity of experiential travel and guests’ desire for participation and immersive experiences throughout their journeys, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) has been integrating retail with storytelling at the park through an endless flow of innovative interactive experiences and distinctive merchandise offerings. Emotional connections with guests are strengthened as merchandise is transformed into meaningful souvenirs interwoven with their Disney memories.
Launched in April this year at Grizzly Gulch, the Chip ‘n’ Dale Lucky Nugget Spin has recorded more than 30,000 participations as of the end of June, becoming one of the park’s most popular activities. Combining storytelling, live interactions, and surprises, the experience has been warmly received by guests and has further enhanced the atmosphere throughout the land.
David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, shared: ‘Today’s guests are looking for more than products; they want keepsakes that capture the stories and memories of their visit. Through interactive experiences, we hope to make merchandise a natural extension of the Disney park journey. Whether it is a plush toy, a pin or an accessory, the true value lies not only in the item itself, but in the magical moments and personal memories it represents.’
David Koo, director of merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, is pictured in the center
This story- and interaction-driven strategy has been incorporated into various guest experiences across the resort. For example, in an engaging experience at the Popcorn Pop-Up Shop on Main Street, U.S.A., guests can reach into a giant popcorn bucket-themed installation to catch a “popcorn” and reveal the hidden Pixar pals plushie together with Disney cast members on the spot. Meanwhile, the Snow White Grotto, located beside the Castle of Magical Dreams, has introduced a new “Lock of Dreams” experience, offering guests a sense of ceremony and a souvenir to cherish.
Disney’s Classic Pin Trading Tradition Extends the Magic Beyond the Visit
Disney’s iconic Pin Trading tradition has long been an important part of how guests explore the park and connect with others. Reopened in June, Main Street Collectibles now features dedicated pin display areas designed to celebrate and elevate this beloved tradition. Guests can discover unexpected treasures while searching for favorite designs as they trade pins with Disney cast members and fellow collectors. More than just an addition to a collection, each pin carries unique memories and extends the guest journey.
More Than 3.5 Million 20th Anniversary Merchandise Items Snapped up
New Pixar and Marvel Experiences on the Way
Merchandise sales grew continuously during Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary celebrations, which attracted a large number of local, mainland, and international visitors and concluded with fanfare in June. Since late June last year, the resort has sold more than 3.5 million 20th Anniversary-themed merchandise. Among them, about 600,000 units of the SouvenEARS collection have been snapped up. Meanwhile, the blind-box series inspired by attractions and themed lands achieved sales of more than 500,000 units during fiscal year 2025, demonstrating the continued popularity of merchandise with strong storytelling elements and collectible appeal.
Looking ahead, HKDL will continue to enrich the guest experience across the resort. New Pixar-themed and Marvel-themed experiences will be introduced, further expanding both entertainment and retail offerings. Through ongoing innovation, HKDL remains committed to meeting guests’ demand for more immersive experiences, enhancing its appeal to local, mainland, and international visitors, and strengthening its position as a leading travel destination in the region.
Hashtag: #HongKongDisneylandResort
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The HR Asia Awards are among Asia’s most prestigious annual human resources awards, recognizing organizations that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture and sustainable people development. Winners are evaluated using the TEAM (Total Engagement Assessment Model), which measures employee engagement, organizational trust, and workplace experience, drawing on benchmarking data from more than 2.5 million employees across 20,000 organizations throughout the region.
According to the independent assessment conducted for the HR Asia Awards 2026, Green SM significantly outperformed market benchmarks in the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” category, achieving outstanding scores across several key dimensions, including technology enablement in the workplace (4.8/5), workplace sustainability (4.71/5), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (4.72/5).
A defining element of Green SM’s workplace culture is its unwavering commitment to the principle that “Every Voice Counts.” This commitment is embedded through comprehensive employee engagement initiatives, including regular internal surveys, 360-degree performance evaluations, and multiple feedback channels that transform employee insights into tangible improvements in policies, workplace practices, and operational excellence.
At Green SM, talent development is viewed not merely as an HR function but as a strategic driver of service excellence. The Company continues to invest comprehensively in recruitment, professional training, operational standardization, workplace culture, and structured career development pathways for its Green Drivers. In parallel, Green SM delivers continuous capability-building programs for managers and employees, combining practical learning with digital learning platforms to strengthen leadership and management capabilities and organizational agility in an evolving business environment.
Alongside its investment in people, Green SM has been progressively building a unified organizational culture across its international markets. Rooted in values established in Vietnam while embracing the diversity of local cultures and communities, the Company fosters an environment that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and empowerment. This enables teams across different countries to uphold consistent service standards while remaining responsive to the unique needs of local customers and communities.
Green SM also received the Technology Empowerment Awards in recognition of its continued digital transformation in human resource management. Through the digitalization of HR processes, the development of competency frameworks, the expansion of digital learning ecosystems, and the integration of data-driven people management, the Company has streamlined repetitive administrative tasks, enhanced decision-making efficiency, and enabled employees to devote greater focus to innovation, customer experience, and superior service delivery.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Global Chief Executive Officer of Green SM, said: “Our people have always been the cornerstone of Green SM’s sustainable growth. We believe that when individuals are empowered by technology and united by shared values, our teams across every market can deliver exceptional experiences for our customers. These two awards affirm the direction we have taken and further strengthen our commitment to building a truly multinational organization with its roots in Vietnam.”
In 2026, Green SM aims to expand its global workforce and partner network to approximately 400,000 people worldwide. As the Company continues to accelerate its international expansion, it will further invest in talent development and technology-driven people management to build a highly capable global workforce, maintain consistent service excellence across markets, and advance its vision of becoming the world’s leading green mobility platform.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
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