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New survey shows nearly 70% of older adults in Singapore underestimate their risk of shingles; only 1 in 4 plans to consult their doctor on prevention

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  • A survey by Ipsos, sponsored by GSK, found that while 63% of adults aged 50 years or over in Singapore were aware of shingles, only 29% recognised that 1 in 3 may develop the disease in their lifetime.
  • Less than half of respondents (44%) understood that shingles can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack; fewer (36%) knew that the risk for shingles further increases amongst those with underlying chronic health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, or diabetes.
  • Only 1 in 4 intended to discuss shingles prevention with their doctor within the next three months.
  • Survey findings reinforce need for deeper understanding of shingles and to encourage older adults to consult their doctors on shingles prevention.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 October 2025 – A new survey1 highlighted that 63% of older adults aged 50 years or over in Singapore recognised shingles, also known as herpes zoster, as a serious disease. However, two out of three underestimated their personal risk of contracting the disease. Despite the high awareness in this group, only 25% intended to discuss shingles prevention with their doctor within the next three months.

The survey further showed that only 44% of respondents understood that those who have had shingles are at a significantly higher risk of heart attack (+59%) and stroke (+35%) compared to those who have not had shingles.2

The survey also found that 36% of respondents know that the risk for shingles further increases amongst those with underlying chronic health conditions.3

A local study has earlier reported that more than 85% of Singaporean adults aged 60 years or over have declared having been diagnosed with at least one chronic health condition.4 The five most reported chronic health conditions amongst older adults in Singapore in 2020 were: high blood pressure or hypertension; high blood cholesterol or lipids; joint pain, arthritis, or nerve pain; high blood sugar or diabetes; and renal/kidney or urinary tract ailments.4

The “Shingles Awareness Tracking Survey” conducted by Ipsos, on behalf of GSK, surveyed 200 adults aged 50 years or over in July of this year to measure the level of public understanding and perceptions of shingles in Singapore.1

In the survey, only 48% of respondents understood that the virus which causes chickenpox during childhood, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), can remain in the body and reactivate later in life to cause shingles. 5,6

VZV is present in most adults aged 50 years or over7 and may reactivate with advancing age.8 As people age, the strength of the immune system response to infection wanes, increasing the risk of developing shingles.9

Dr Asok Kurup, from the Infectious Diseases Care Department at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, explained, “In Singapore, more than 90% of adults aged 50 years or over carry this virus.10 This means one in three will eventually develop shingles.”9

The survey also showed that at least 70% of respondents could identify the common symptoms of shingles such as a painful rash at the affected site.5 Moreover, at least 60% understood that the disease could lead to long-term, potentially permanent, complications such as nerve pain, also known as Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN), that can last for years.11

PHN is the most common complication of shingles. It affects approximately 10% to 18% of people with the disease, and the risk of PHN increases with age.12

To help encourage more older adults to consult their doctors about shingles, GSK launched an initiative in October that hired and trained seniors aged 50 years or over to become community ambassadors for shingles awareness. These ambassadors have been participating in various wellness events and activities at ageing centres, where they share personal stories and encourage their peers to go and speak with their doctor about the disease and the ways to prevent it.

A shingles awareness community ambassador (left) demonstrates a simulation of long-term pain or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a potential complication of shingles.11 Photo: GSK.

Ms Claire, who is in her forties, shared in a conversation with GSK, “When my father had shingles for the second time around, he was in his 60’s.13 And he came out one day, saying ‘Look, take a look at this,’ and there were rashes on his forehead and a little bit on his torso.13 He said that there was stinging pain,11 and I could feel that he was undergoing this pain because he did not wipe his face and wash. He would wake up a few times at night because of the pain on his forehead and body.”

Claire is a caregiver to her father, Christopher, who was diagnosed with shingles twice. Photo: GSK.
Claire is a caregiver to her father, Christopher, who was diagnosed with shingles twice. Photo: GSK.

“While we see that overall awareness continues to improve, we need to further strengthen the understanding of our communities on the increased risk of shingles amongst adults aged 50 years or over — and it can be prevented. Go speak with your doctor,” said Dr Asok.

References

1 Ipsos. Shingles Awareness Tracking Survey Wave 4: Consumers Singapore. August 2025. Version 1. Study reference: 25-023546-01. Client Use Only. Strictly Confidential.

2 Kim, M. C., Yun, S. C., Lee, H. B., Lee, P. H., Lee, S. W., Choi, S. H., Kim, Y. S., Woo, J. H., Kim, S. H., & Kwon, S. U. (2017). Herpes Zoster Increases the Risk of Stroke and Myocardial Infarction. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 70(2), 295–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.05.015

3 Steinmann M, Lampe D, Grosser J, Schmidt J, Hohoff ML, Fischer A, Greiner W. Risk factors for herpes zoster infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis unveiling common trends and heterogeneity patterns. Infection. 2024 Jun;52(3):1009-1026. doi: 10.1007/s15010-023-02156-y. Epub 2024 Jan 18. PMID: 38236326; PMCID: PMC11142967.

4 Chan, A., Malhotra, R., Visaria, A., Sung, P., Siok Seng, B. J., Ching, & Tan, Y. W. (2020). Transitions in health, employment, social engagement and intergenerational Transfers in Singapore Study (THE SIGNS Study) – II: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal analyses of Key aspects of Successful Ageing. Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School. https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/publications-docs/the-signs-study—ii-report-(revised).pdf?sfvrsn=b391ced0_0

5 Harpaz R et al. MMWR Recomm Rep 2008;57:1-30; quiz CE2-4.

6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Herpes Zoster (Shingles). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/clinical-overview.html. Accessed May 2022.

7 Johnson, R.W., et al. Herpes zoster epidemiology, management, and disease and economic burden in Europe: a multidisciplinary perspective. Therapeutic advances in vaccines. 2015;3(4):109-20.

8 Mueller, N.H., et al. Varicella zoster virus infection: clinical features, molecular pathogenesis of disease, and latency. Neurologic clinics. 2008;26(3):675-97.

9 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Prevention of Herpes Zoster. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5705a1.htm. Accessed May 2022.

10 Fatha N, et al. Int J Infect Dis. 2014;22:73-77.

11 World Health Organization (WHO). Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster)Accessed on 13 October 2025.

12 CDC;2024;1-3;Shingles Facts and Stats.

13 CDC; 2024;1-4; Shingles Symptoms and Complications.

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About GSK

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at .

About the Shingles Awareness Tracking Survey

The Shingles Awareness Tracking Survey was an online survey of 200 adults aged 50 years or over, conducted between 14 July to 31 July 2025 by Ipsos, on behalf of GSK. The purpose of this survey was to assess consumer awareness and perceptions of Shingles in Singapore.

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Apical Strengthens Women’s Health to Support Stunting Prevention in Cilincing, North Jakarta

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 December 2025 – Apical continues to reinforce its commitment to preventing and reducing stunting by prioritising women’s health in Cilincing subdistrict, North Jakarta. Through its business unit, PT Asianagro Agungjaya (PT AAJ), Apical collaborated with the Cilincing Community Health Centre (Puskesmas Cilincing) to implement community-based programmes focused on women’s health and early stunting prevention.

The initiative was launched on 15 December 2025 at the RW 03, RW 09 and RW 10 community offices within the Cilincing public housing complex. Targeting women of reproductive age, the programme was designed as a preventive effort to raise awareness and improve access to essential health services, particularly reproductive health, as a foundation for healthy families and future generations.

Apical’s CSR Manager, Sugiantoro, said the collaboration reflects the company’s long-term, preventive approach to public health. “We believe that healthy women are the pillars of strong families and a key force in shaping healthy communities. Through PT AAJ’s involvement, we aim to create tangible impact by prioritising early prevention, rather than focusing solely on treatment,” he said.

A key focus of the initiative was the early detection of cervical cancer, a serious but largely preventable disease when identified through routine screening and timely intervention. Services provided included IVA screening (visual inspection with acetic acid) and HPV (human papillomavirus) testing.

Dr Kezia Ivana from the Cilincing Community Health Centre explained that IVA and HPV screenings are effective methods for detecting cervical cancer at an early stage.

“Early detection allows us to identify the virus that causes cervical cancer sooner, significantly reducing the risk of disease progression. When detected early, the chances of recovery are very high. However, if left undetected, cervical cancer can lead to severe pain, abnormal bleeding, kidney and urinary tract disorders, swelling of the legs, and fertility problems that may prevent women from having children,” she said.

Apical’s participation in this initiative aligns with the company’s 5Cs philosophy that whatever it does must be good for the Community, Country, Climate and Customer, and only then will it be good for the Company, which underpins its commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. Through partnerships with local stakeholders, Apical, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, continues to support government efforts to address stunting while contributing to improved social and women’s health outcomes, particularly in communities surrounding its operational areas.
Hashtag: #RGE #Apical #CSR #Stunting #Indonesia #Women #Health #Communities

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About Apical

Apical is a leading vegetable oil processor with an expanding global footprint. Our vertically integrated mid-stream refining and value-added downstream processing makes us an integral supplier that supports the needs of various industries namely food, feed, oleochemicals and renewable fuel, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which enables a great reduction of CO2 emissions.

With integrated assets in strategic locations spanning Indonesia, China and Spain, Apical operates numerous refineries, oleochemical plants, renewable fuel plants and kernel crushing plants. Through joint ventures and strategic partnerships, Apical also has processing and distribution operations in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Middle East, Africa, USA and Vietnam.

Apical’s growth is built on the foundations of sustainability and transparency, and motivated by our strong belief that we can contribute to a circular economy for a more meaningful impact, even as we continue to grow our business and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.

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Vingroup Signs Strategic Cooperation with The Government of Uzbekistan, Opening Large-Scale Investment Opportunities in Central Asia

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HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 December 2025 – Vingroup announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan to promote cooperation and implement multi-sector projects in Uzbekistan. The agreement marks the beginning of a long-term cooperation plan between the two sides across multiple key sectors, while opening large-scale investment opportunities for the Vietnamese corporation in Central Asia, contributing to the strengthening of economic and investment ties between Vietnam and Uzbekistan.

Mr. Kasimov Ilzat Ablaxatovich, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan (left), and Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup (right), at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Under the MOU, the two parties agreed to jointly study and develop strategic cooperation opportunities in areas such as urban development, sustainable transportation, tourism and leisure infrastructure, as well as other investment projects aligned with Uzbekistan’s development orientation, affirming the scale and capabilities of Vietnamese enterprises on the global economic map.

Specifically, in the area of urban development, Uzbekistan is ready to allocate approximately 1,000 hectares of land in a prime location of the capital Tashkent for Vingroup to study, propose, and invest in the development of a large-scale, integrated urban complex. The project would include residential areas, living infrastructure, commercial and cultural facilities, and public infrastructure facilities. The development is envisioned to form a “Vietnam Town”, creating a modern and sustainable urban landmark while enhancing cultural exchange and economic cooperation between the two countries.

In the field of sustainable transportation, Vingroup has proposed studying the deployment of electric taxi and urban mobility services using VinFast electric vehicles in Uzbekistan, together with a charging infrastructure system and support services. The project is expected to contribute to the green transition, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of urban transportation services in major Uzbek cities.

In tourism and leisure infrastructure, the two sides will explore the potential development of integrated tourism and recreational center, including entertainment facilities, hotels, golf courses and related tourism infrastructure, aiming to unlock tourism potential and enhance Uzbekistan’s attractiveness to international visitors.

In addition, this strategic cooperation also establishes a framework for the two parties to identify, assess, and select other potential investment projects that align with the development strategies and long-term priorities of each side.

On the Uzbek government’s side, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade committed to supporting Vingroup by providing information on the investment environment, legal framework, and incentive policies, as well as coordinating with relevant authorities and local governments in project preparation, including land allocation, licensing, and access to investment support mechanisms in accordance with legislation.

On Vingroup’s side, the Group will propose conceptual proposals, technical expertise and investment plans, participate in feasibility studies and project structuring, and mobilize member companies within the Vingroup ecosystem to implement suitable projects in Uzbekistan.

Mr. Kasimov Ilzat Ablaxatovich, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, stated: “We welcome Vingroup’s interest and commitment to cooperation in Uzbekistan. With its experience in urban development, sustainable transportation, and infrastructure projects, Vingroup is considered a strategic partner to jointly explore and implement investment initiatives aligned with Uzbekistan’s socio-economic development priorities in the coming period.”

Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, shared: “Uzbekistan is a market with strong potential, supported by a clear development direction and an improving investment environment. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, Vingroup aims to gradually explore suitable cooperation opportunities and work alongside the Government of Uzbekistan in developing urban areas, sustainable transportation, and sectors that bring positive contributions to local communities.”

Uzbekistan holds a strategic position in Central Asia, with a growing economy and strong potential in urban development, infrastructure, tourism, and services. The Government of Uzbekistan is actively promoting reforms and attracting foreign investment to drive sustainable economic growth and international integration.

Vingroup is Vietnam’s leading private multi-sector corporation, operating across six core pillars: Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture, and Social Enterprises, with the vision “To create a better life for people”. With its proven reputation, scale and capabilities, Vingroup is steadily expanding globally, contributing to elevate the global standing of Vietnamese enterprises.

Hashtag: #Vingroup

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Vietnam Is Shining, and Can Gio Is the Hidden Jewel Awaiting Its Moment

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CAN GIO, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 December 2025 – In 2024, when Hines released its seminal report Why Asia Now, the message was simple yet profound: The world’s most compelling growth story was shifting eastward. At that time, global markets were turbulent but still predictable.

Vinhomes Green Paradise: A Hidden Gem Poised to Shine in Vietnam’s Real Estate Market.

A year later, the landscape has morphed into something far more complex, rippling with tariff shocks, persistent inflation, rising bond yields, and growth downgrades across traditional economic powerhouses. The world feels as if it is moving through a narrow channel, buffeted by waves from every direction. And yet, amid all the noise, Asia has not only held its ground but stepped forward with a clarity and confidence that few regions can match.

Why Asia Now: A New Era of Resilience, Growth, and Opportunity

The forces shaping Asia’s rise have been gathering momentum for decades. What we are witnessing now is their convergence. Asia is not simply adapting to global volatility, it is redefining the foundations of resilience and growth. Its economies are becoming wealthier, stronger, and more self-reliant, and its real estate markets are revealing layers of opportunity that long-term investors have waited years to see.

The near-term picture, though challenged, underscores this resilience. Tariffs have uneven effects, and countries with strong domestic engines such as Australia are absorbing shocks with surprising ease.

But it is the longer horizon that illuminates Asia’s true arc. The region’s working-age population and middle class have expanded at a breathtaking pace, setting the stage for decades of consumption-led dynamism. Education levels are rising, service sectors are flourishing, and manufacturing capabilities are climbing the value chain.

Meanwhile, intra-Asia trade has quietly become the backbone of global commerce, with Asia-to-Asia routes now forming the largest share of world trade. As the region turns inward, not in isolation, but in self-reinforcing collaboration, Asia ex-China is projected to contribute more to global growth than the United States and Europe combined.

Real estate, often seen as a mirror for economic sentiment, is telling a similar story. Transaction volumes across Asia have been less volatile than those in Western markets, and pricing has remained more stable, offering a predictable return profile. Supply constraints, elevated construction costs, and a decade-low pricing position relative to long-term trends are creating what can only be described as an extraordinary entry window.

Why Capital is Flowing into Vietnam

If Asia’s trajectory could be captured in a single idea, it would be the beginning of a Value Uprising, a structural rise in long-term asset worth, powered by demographics, policy, and economic integration, rather than speculation.

From this continental narrative emerges Vietnam, a nation whose ascent is increasingly impossible to ignore. Over the past decade, Vietnam has transformed from a rising star into a gravitational force for global investors. Supply chain diversification has accelerated its role as a manufacturing and logistics nexus. Even with global tariffs shifting, Vietnam’s logistics sector continues to expand in sophistication, efficiency, and international relevance. Its demographic profile, marked by a median age years younger than China, offers a demographic dividend that many Asian economies have already spent. And as Southeast Asia’s digital backbone grows, Vietnam is stepping into the spotlight as one of the region’s next major data-center markets, a signifier of future industrial depth.

Ho Chi Minh City, in particular, has entered a new chapter. Its standing among Asia-Pacific cities for investment and development has climbed steadily, reflecting not only macroeconomic resilience but the confidence of global capital. It has become a symbolic frontier, an emerging metropolis where the contours of modern Asia are being redrawn.

At the heart of Vietnam’s momentum lies another extraordinary phenomenon: The consistent and rising flow of remittances. Vietnam ranks among the world’s top recipients, and Ho Chi Minh City alone welcomed over USD 9.46 billion in 2023, USD 9.6 billion in 2024, and more than USD 5.3 billion in the second quarter of 2025.

A remarkable portion of these funds, around one-fifth, finds its way into real estate. But this is not passive investment. It is a gesture of return, of building a future homeland, of preparing for business, family, and retirement. It is long-term capital with long-term intent.

Vinhomes Green Paradise: A Hidden Gem Poised to Shine in Vietnam’s Real Estate Market

Regulatory reform is reinforcing this trust. The revised Land Law and Real Estate Business Law offer stronger protections and broader rights for Vietnamese citizens, including those living abroad. In a period where global currencies fluctuate and deposit rates decline, investors are increasingly confronting a hard truth: Holding cash is, in many cases, a slow erosion of value. As economist Can Van Luc notes, the VND has lost 3.4 percent of its value in two years, even as the USD depreciated. Real estate, therefore, is not merely an alternative, it has become one of the few asset classes capable of preserving and multiplying value in real terms.

Against this backdrop, regions entering new cycles of infrastructure development are drawing accelerated capital inflows. And among them, one name rises above all others: Can Gio.

For decades, Can Gio stood quietly at the edge of Ho Chi Minh City, an ecological jewel, admired but distant. Today, it has become the most powerful symbol of Vietnam’s coastal urban future. Massive infrastructure investment is reshaping its accessibility, and yet its real estate prices remain a fraction of central districts. Compared to Phu My Hung, Can Gio’s price base is nearly half; compared to Districts 1 and 3, just one-fifth. The gap is not a discount, it is untapped potential waiting to be realized.

The emergence of Vinhomes Green Paradise has pushed this transformation into global consciousness. As the first official participant in the New7Wonders “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign, the project is channeling the same catalytic energy once witnessed in iconic developments. Internationally, such recognitions do not merely elevate prestige, they accelerate valuation cycles, attract global capital, and redefine a city’s future skyline.

With its one-of-a-kind geographic formation and proximity to Can Gio’s million-year-old biosphere reserve, Vinhomes Green Paradise stands as a once-in-a-century asset. It embodies scarcity in its purest form, an asset class that cannot be replicated, reshaped, or reborn elsewhere.

And that is where the narrative converges. Asia’s rise, Vietnam’s momentum, Ho Chi Minh City’s evolution, and Can Gio’s emergence are not isolated stories. Together, they form a new investment epoch characterized by structural uplift, demographic acceleration, and a rapidly expanding middle class. It is the era of the Value Uprising, a phase in which the forces of economics, policy, population, and global capital align to propel real estate into a new price horizon.

In moments like this, markets rarely wait. History shows that investors who move early define the benchmark for everyone who follows. The question is no longer whether Asia will rise, or whether Vietnam will lead, or whether Can Gio will transform. The question, now, is whether investors will seize a moment that may not return for another generation.

Sources:

https://www.hines.com/asia-real-estate-opportunity-in-the-midst-of-uncertainty

https://knowledge.uli.org/-/media/files/emerging-trends/2026/emerging-trends-in-real-estate-2026-asia-pacific-report.pdf?rev=2036660434a44fa982b1ba913ffc2a2a&hash=87D5584C38EA219C1F1A50DC8E04FC7B

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

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