Media OutReach
Over 340 young scientists from 49 countries converge at the 2025 Global Young Scientists Summit
2 Taking place from 6 to 10 January 2025 at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Summit continues to have the highest participant selection rate from Singapore at 100 participants since 2024[3], accounting for about 27 per cent, along with 22 per cent from Europe and 17 per cent from Asia. The Summit was launched on 7 January 2025 at an opening ceremony by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF).
Deepening Engagements for Young Scientists
3 Organised by the NRF, GYSS 2025 will offer more opportunities for young scientists to showcase their work and interact with established scientists, engineers, and technopreneurs. These include 18 eminent scientists, including Nobel Laureates, Fields Medallists, Turing Award recipients, and winners of other top international science awards.
4 One of the main highlights of the Summit is the small group sessions, now referred to as Fireside Chats. These sessions allow young scientists to interact with top minds in an intimate setting, typically with around 25 participants. This year, the Summit will feature 26 sessions, an increase from 20 in 2024, including four double-speaker Fireside Chats.
5 Participants will get opportunities to engage in Young Scientists Quickfire Pitch sessions with 16 young scientist presenters and two dedicated Poster Sessions with 100 posters in total, where they can present their research to esteemed scientists and fellow researchers. Part of the Summit experience also includes visits to local universities and research institutions, providing participants with a firsthand look at the research and technologies developed in Singapore.
Other Highlights at the GYSS 2025
6 To champion the values of science and inspire a passion for STEM education, esteemed scientists will engage in talks and workshops at local institutions that are open to the public. These include NUS, NTU, A*STAR, Singapore Science Centre, Singapore Management University, SGInnovate, and SUTD. They will also engage local students at the International Science Youth Forum (ISYF) organised by Hwa Chong Institution.
7 Among the 19 scientists this year, the Summit welcomes four who will be speaking for the first time: Prof Joan Rose, Prof Louis Ignarro, Prof Steven Chu, and Prof Yael Kalai. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand will also attend the opening ceremony and engage with young Thai researchers.
8 The GYSS is the only international summit in Asia that allows young scientists to engage with esteemed experts across various fields, including healthcare, quantum and physics, forensic science, computer science, and engineering. For example, this year, Prof Joan Rose will delve into the evolution of viruses in our environment and their impact on health. The summit also looks ahead at the future of artificial intelligence, as Prof Joseph Sifakis will share more on the current state of AI and its potential to merge with other technologies, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.
9 NRF Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Lim said, “Young scientists are the future of technology, innovation, and enterprise. Initiatives like the Global Young Scientists Summit provide opportunity for young scientists worldwide to gather for a five-day immersion, to engage with groundbreaking ideas, be inspired by world leaders in their fields, learn from each other, and imagine new possibilities for the future of science and humanity.”
10 DPM Heng’s speech will be issued after delivery at the Opening Ceremony on 7 January 2025. Please refer to Annexes A to C for quotes from speakers and participants, the complete list of speakers for GYSS 2024, and the Summit’s full programme.
15. Steven Chu
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2015)
ANNEX C: FULL GYSS 2025 PROGRAMME
| Tue, 7 Jan | Wed, 8 Jan | Thu, 9 Jan | Fri, 10 Jan |
| Media registration at 0830 | |||
| Opening Ceremony (0900 – 1030) Speech by DPM Heng
|
Two Plenary Lectures (0900 – 1030) Prof Wendelin Werner, Prof Joan Rose |
Two Plenary Lectures (0900 – 1030) Prof Adi Shamir, Prof Steven Chu |
Two Plenary Lectures (0900 – 1030) Prof Leslie Valiant & Prof Hartmut Michel |
| Morning Break (1030 – 1100) | |||
| Panel Huddle (1100 – 1230) “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Solving Global Challenges” Prof Wendelin Werner, Dame Sue Black, Prof Takaaki Kajita |
Panel Huddle (1100 – 1230) “Future of Medical Research and Healthcare” Prof Louis Ignarro, Prof Aaron Ciechanover, Prof Richard Roberts |
Panel Huddle (1100 – 1230) “Human Wellbeing and Sustainability – Physicists’ Perspective” Prof Brian Schmidt, Prof Duncan Haldane, Prof Konstantin Novoselov, Prof Steven Chu |
Panel Huddle (1100 – 1230) “Ethics of Scientific Research in the Age of AI” Prof Joan Rose, Prof Yael Kalai, Prof Adi Shamir |
| Lunch Break (1230 – 1330) | |||
| Two Plenary Lectures
(1330 – 1500) Prof Richard Roberts (TBC), Prof Brian Schmidt |
Eight Young Scientist Quickfire Pitches
(1330 – 1500) |
Eight Young Scientist Quickfire Pitches
(1330 – 1500) |
One Plenary Lecture (1330 – 1415) Prof Yael Kalai |
| Afternoon Break (1500 – 1530) | Closing Plenary Lecture (1415 – 1515)
Dame Sue Black |
||
| Five Fireside Chat Sessions (1530 – 1615) 1. Prof Tim Hunt |
Two Plenary Lectures (1530 – 1700) Prof Stefan Hell Prof Tim Hunt |
Two Plenary Lectures (1530 – 1700) Prof Joseph Sifakis Prof Duncan Haldane |
|
| Afternoon Break (1515 – 1600) |
|||
| Fireside Chat (x7) (1630 – 1715) 1. Dame Sue Black & Prof Joan Rose |
Travel to Closing Event (1600 – 1730) |
||
| Dedicated Poster Session for Participants (1715 – 1800) |
Five Fireside Chat Sessions (1700 – 1745) 1. Prof Richard Roberts |
Seven Fireside Chat Sessions
(1700 – 1745) 1. Prof Duncan Haldane |
|
| Dedicated Poster Session for Participants (1745 – 1830) |
[Speakers & Participants] Closing Event@Sentosa (1730 – 2030) |
||
Hashtag: #NRF
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Global Young Scientists Summit
The Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) is an international gathering of bright young researchers from all over the world in Singapore, who will be mentored by eminent scientists over a five-day Summit. The Summit will discuss the latest advances in science and technology, and how research can develop solutions to address major global challenges. It is a multi-disciplinary event covering the disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, computer science and engineering.
Organised by the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF), GYSS is supported by the Ministry of Education, National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Science Centre Singapore. Other close collaborators for this edition of GYSS include SGInnovate, Hwa Chong Institution, Foundation Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, Heidelberg Laureate Form, and Technology Academy Finland.
For more info on the GYSS please visit: https://gyss.nrf.gov.sg
About the National Research Foundation
The National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF), set up on 1 January 2006, is a department within the Prime Minister’s Office. The NRF sets the national direction for research and development (R&D) by developing policies, plans and strategies for research, innovation and enterprise. It also funds strategic initiatives and builds up R&D capabilities by nurturing research talent.
Learn more about the NRF at www.nrf.gov.sg
Media OutReach
Tropicana Twister Builds Homes That Could Change Lives for Generations
Gandakan Kebaikan transforms nationwide kindness into real homes, delivering meaningful and lasting impact.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2026 – Tropicana Twister’s ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ campaign has reached a defining milestone with the completion and handover of homes to families in need, marking a tangible outcome of a nationwide movement built on everyday acts of kindness.
Developed in partnership with EPIC Homes, the initiative contributes towards the building of up to 100 homes for underserved communities, including Orang Asli families across Malaysia. What began during Ramadan as a simple call to do good has since translated into safe, liveable spaces that provide families with protection, stability and a chance to move forward.
“Gandakan Kebaikan reflects our belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose,” said Aditya Sheoran, PepsiCo Franchise Senior Director. “Through this initiative, we’re building homes and helping to create stronger foundations for families to thrive, today and for the future.”
Jennifer Lee, Head of Marketing, PepsiCo Malaysia Beverages, shared, “This is where intention becomes impact. Tropicana Twister’s Gandakan Kebaikan campaign started as individual acts of kindness, and now, the result is visible, that Malaysians are and will continue to show up for one another.”
“Families living in unsafe homes live in constant worry, especially during heavy rain. An EPIC Home gives them a place where they can feel secure. It goes beyond being just a shelter – a safe home gives peace of mind, stability, and the hope for a better future.” said Nadhira Halim, (Asst. Manager, Fundraising & Partnership, EPIC Homes).
More than just physical structures, these homes create a sense of security and dignity, while giving families a stable environment to rebuild their lives. Built with the support of volunteers and local communities, each home reflects a collective effort that goes far beyond a single campaign.
While ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ was rooted in the spirit of Ramadan, its impact continues to extend far beyond the festive season. By focusing on long-term community needs, Tropicana Twister reinforces its commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.
“As a brand, we believe in the power of collective goodness. This project is about turning that belief into action and bringing people together to create lasting impact,” added Jennifer. “Just like every beam and plank forms a home, each of you is a vital piece in building this journey.”
With the completion of these homes, ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ continues to build on its mission of supporting underserved communities across Malaysia, proving that collective goodwill can create an impact that lasts beyond a moment.
For more information, visit Tropicana Twister’s Facebook page @MYTropicana and watch here on YouTube to see the impact unfold.
Hashtag: #TropicanaTwister
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complimentary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Tropicana, Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change cafor the planet and people. For more information, visit
www.pepsico.com, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.
Media OutReach
Student bonds are built at SIM from orientation to graduation
From Orientation to a Continuous Student Journey
Orientation programmes have traditionally focused on introducing students to campus life. Today, they are increasingly seen as the starting point of a longer engagement model. Institutions such as the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), onboarding is complemented by a structured ecosystem of activities that extends throughout the academic lifecycle. These include Student‑led Student Club Recruitment drives,, leadership camps, and peer-led initiatives that encourage early interaction and sustained participation over time.
Building Bonds Through Shared Experiences
Rather than relying solely on informal social interaction, universities or institutions are creating structured environments where students collaborate regularly. SIM, for instance, offers more than 70 student clubs spanning arts, sports, and academic interests, alongside activities such as hackathons, overseas community projects, and student-led events. Such platforms allow students to work together on common goals, reflecting real-world team dynamics and reinforcing skills such as communication and collaboration.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The concept of student life is also expanding beyond academic settings. Dedicated platforms such as SIM’s Student Life initiatives are designed to provide a more holistic campus experience, reinforcing the idea that learning extends beyond formal instruction. At the same time, academic support systems such as the Student Learning Centre provide structured assistance through workshops, consultations, and learning resources, supporting both individual and group learning processes.
A Diverse and Global Learning Environment
With partnerships across universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and the United States, institutions like SIM bring together students from varied cultural and academic backgrounds. This diversity creates opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, which is increasingly relevant in a globalised workforce.
Connecting Student Experience to Career Outcomes
The emphasis on collaboration and engagement is also closely linked to employability. SIM’s broader model integrates academic programmes with industry partnerships, internships, and career services aimed at preparing students for a rapidly changing work environment. This reflects a wider trend in higher education, where experience is being designed not only around academic achievement, but also around the development of professional networks and workplace skills.
Redefining the University Experience
As learning models continue to evolve, universities or institutions are placing greater emphasis on how student interactions are structured over time. From orientation activities to co-curricular engagement and career preparation, the journey from enrolment to graduation is increasingly being shaped as a continuous pathway for collaboration, experience-building, and network development.
Reference:
- Project 1095 – https://project1095.simge.edu.sg/
- Singapore Institute of Management – https://www.sim.edu.sg
- SIM Global Education Overview – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/overview
Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg.
Media OutReach
Where Ancient Ritual Meets Runway: Sanyuesan Festival Gets Modern Makeover in Wuzhishan
Alex, a visitor ventured to China’s southernmost province primarily for its renowned black tea. What he did not anticipate was taking a front-row seat at a breathtaking fashion show staged on water.
“This unique stage has allowed me to capture some wonderful images,” said Alex, who happened to be in Wuzhishan during the Sanyuesan Festival. “I originally came here simply as a fan of Wuzhishan’s black tea, but now I find myself deeply fascinated by the culture of Wuzhishan as well.”
The “unique stage” he refers to is the immersive water-based performance space created for the 2026 Sanyuesan Festival, featuring the “Miss Li · Hainan Sanyuesan Water Village Show.” This innovative platform, with water as its runway and the rainforest as its backdrop, presents the Sanyuesan, a traditional celebration of the Li and Miao ethnic groups with thousands of years of history, through a contemporary lens, appealing to both local and international audiences.
The Sanyuesan Festival is memorable not only for its visual appeal but also for its interactive nature. In 2025, the event in Wuzhishan received 175,000 visitors and generated 110 million yuan (approximately 15.1 million US dollars) in consumption. This year, Wuzhishan introduced five premium tourist routes, converting ecological resources — including millennium-old tree fern groves, tropical rainforest tea gardens, and Yahu Terraces — into tourism products.
“Previously, folk culture felt distant,” said Shan Lijun, a tourist from northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. “But now, in Wuzhishan, I can sip tea, watch a village show, and dance with the locals— it all feels very ‘cool.'”
Additionally, the festival is witnessing the evolution of local intangible cultural heritage industries. A Li brocade fashion and cultural creative design competition showcased innovative garments and creative works, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. This heritage item, once listed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, has now, through the concerted efforts of many, been transferred to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and is reaching broader markets through collaborations with international designers.
Hashtag: #Sanyuesan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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