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Professor Daniela Rus: A new voice in the VinFuture Prize Council – Honoring AI and Robotics revolution
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Professor Rus reflects on her journey in a field long perceived as male-dominated and shares how AI plays an important role in shaping the future of robotics.
From the leap of AI to robots
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities for robotics to drive industrial revolution. AI models are surprisingly humanlike in their ability to process text, video, images, and other data when prompted. However, Professor Rus pointed out that so far, these algorithms have largely remained relegated to the digital world, rather than the real world. Meanwhile, robots excel in the physical world but lack inherent intelligence, relying largely on pre-programmed instructions.
This is a decade when AI will finally make the leap from the digital world to the real world. Professor Rus envisions bridging this gap by integrating AI into robotics to make real-world physical machines intelligent. “They can be robots and also other machines, including power grids, sensors, and satellites; essentially anything you want in the physical world,” she said.
This vision requires what Professor Rus calls “physical AI.” In other words, it means developing AI models that not only process information but also understand the physics of the real world, she explained. This requires overcoming the limitations of current statistical AI, which lacks a deep understanding of real-world physics.
Ultimately, Professor Rus emphasized the need to develop AI solutions that are physics-aware, causal, error-free, compact and integrated into physical systems. With many researchers and scientists actively pursuing these advancements, she predicts a complete transformation of industries over the next decade.
“In healthcare, AI-driven diagnostic tools can improve monitoring and disease detection. Meanwhile, autonomous systems promise safer roads, reducing fatalities, and making our transportation system much more efficient and effective. One of the most exciting applications is real-time language translation, which can enable seamless global communication.” she clarified.
In general, AI and robotics hand in hand could liberate humans from mundane routine tasks, enabling them to dedicate their efforts to higher-level activities such as strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. However, Professor Rus also emphasized the importance of acknowledging the current limitations of machine learning and cautioned against over-reliance on robotics as a universal solution.
Embrace the AI era
Recognizing the profound impact of AI on industries and societies globally, Professor Rus expressed her appreciation for the VinFuture Prize’s recognition of the pioneers driving this transformation, comprehensively acknowledge contributions from all three core pillars of AI revolution: machine-learning (Professors Yoshua Bengio – Geoffrey Hinton – Yann LeCun), datasets (Professor Fei-Fei Li) and hardware (Mr. Jensen Huang).
“The prize highlights how far we’ve come from the scientific foundations of AI to the point where it can create so much impact in improving our lives and contributing to a better world,” she exclaimed.
As the newest member of the esteemed VinFuture Prize Council, she expressed her anticipation for a productive collaboration, aligned with the Council’s objectives: “The VinFuture Prize is remarkable, and it is wonderful to see AI researchers and advancements receiving this level of recognition. My expectation is that this collaboration will focus on identifying and celebrating groundbreaking achievements and people who have made those contributions that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives.”
Regarding the long-term impact of intelligent robots in the near future, Professor Rus emphasized the necessity of equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills required to navigate this evolving landscape. She highlighted the importance of achieving digital literacy to adapt to the inevitable technological shift, through formal education, corporate training, or community-led initiatives. “It’s important to recognize that these tools are neither inherently good nor bad: their impact depends on how we choose to use them,” she stressed.
With the advocate from the VinFuture Prize to the constant development of AI, Professor Rus was confident that this would serve as a rallying point to inspire more young researchers and developers worldwide to push the boundaries of AI and robots across borders.
“We are at a pivotal moment where AI is beginning to make a profound impact on the world. The Prize will energize the younger generation to participate, learn, and contribute. The more that young scientists and engineers engage with AI and robotics, the faster we will see meaningful advancements that create a more equitable and sustainable future for all,” she remarked.
“The path is never a straight line”
Recognized among the distinguished women leading the global advancement of AI and robotics, Professor Rus traces her passion to an early fascination with science fiction. Her subsequent studies in computer science, mathematics, and astronomy provided a foundation for her academic journey, which was further shaped by the guidance of her future PhD advisor.
Inspired by her advisor, she became deeply intrigued by the potential application of computation to interact with the physical world. “This realization was a turning point for me, as I saw an opportunity to work on something groundbreaking,” she said.
Reflecting on the state-of-the-art at that time, most robots were characterized by humanoid forms, robotic arms, or box-like wheeled machines, predominantly constructed from metal. Despite their power, these industrial robots proved impractical for factory assistance due to their bulk, weight, and inherent safety risks.
Professor Rus adopted an alternative approach to address this challenge: “I realized how the natural world was full of diverse forms and materials and explored ways to expand the definition of a robot to include a wider range of these. In my lab, we pioneered early work in soft robotics and investigated using silicone, paper, and even food as the basis for making new robots.”
This research approach led her to pursue the development of machines possessing both physical form and cognitive capabilities, aiming to optimize the synergy between structural design and intelligent control, motivating machines to act with purpose and adaptability. “By merging smarter AI with innovative materials and designs, we can push the boundaries of what robots can achieve,” she explained.
Throughout her remarkable journey, Professor Rus distinguished herself with unwavering commitment to advancing the science and engineering of intelligence. She demonstrates a persistent dedication to addressing evolving challenges within the field, in pursuit of a future where machines seamlessly integrate into human lives, supporting people in both physical and cognitive tasks.
“Challenges are inevitable, and the path is never a straight line. The key is to stay focused on a big goal.” Professor Rus emphasized, “You have to adapt to wherever science and engineering can take you. Studying these machines has taught me that we have so much opportunity and more left to learn, not only about the machines but also about ourselves.”
| 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 nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). https://vinfutureprize.org/vinfuture-prize-nomination/ 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 women innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields. |
Hashtag: #VinFuture
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Leading Sportswear Brand DESCENTE Opens at Galaxy Macau; Fusing Technical Aesthetics with Leisure & Travel Lifestyle
Inspired by Snow, Designed for the Future — DESCENTE Moves with Innovation
With nearly 90 years of history, DESCENTE originated in alpine skiing and is renowned for its ergonomic construction and high-performance technical fabrics. At the heart of the brand is the philosophy of “Design that Moves,” which represents not only physical motion but also the evolution of lifestyle through innovative design. From elite athletes to everyday city wearers, DESCENTE has consistently pushed the boundaries of sportswear with Japanese precision tailoring and functional elegance.
DESCENTE Galaxy Macau Flagship Store adopts the brand’s latest Store 4.0 concept — themed “Tomorrow’s World”. The space merges elements of snow culture, advanced technology, and urban living into one futuristic vision. Guided by the design pillars of “Trajectory, Breakthrough, and Energy”, the flagship store symbolizes the skier’s spirit of exploration and the brand’s ongoing mission to transcend limits. From the metallic façade to the directional arrow motifs and dynamic zoning, the retail environment exemplifies DESCENTE’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and seamless integration of sports lifestyle — courageously embracing the endless possibilities of the future.
Reimagining Movement — Spotlight on Running & Training Innovation
Designed around four active lifestyle scenarios — running, training, commuting, and outdoor — the flagship store at Galaxy Macau creates an immersive customer journey that demonstrates real-life application of DESCENTE’s performance apparel. The featured collections this season include the latest Running and Training series, reflecting the brand’s continual evolution of performance technology and lifestyle-forward design.
Lightweight Performance — Running Collection
Engineered for lightness and breathability, the Running collection features men’s and women’s lightweight shorts and two core outerwear pieces. The Aerolite Skin Jacket focuses on windproof, breathable comfort with a futuristic translucent 3-layer shell and ergonomic F360 silhouette for mobility and performance. The Aerolite Shell Jacket delivers versatile weather protection with breathable, lightweight layering ideal for Macau’s changing climate. Both styles utilize two of DESCENTE’s signature technologies— the waterproof and breathable DERMAZAX® 3-Layer fabric, and SCHEMACTECH AERO, a structural cutting technology that enhances stability and freedom of movement.
Dynamic Control — Body Flex Training Collection
The Training collection centers around the Body Flex range, tailored for high-intensity movement and dynamic flexibility. With advanced elastic construction and precision fit, the men’s training wear provides both structure and freedom — ideal for urban workouts and daily mobility. DESCENTE’s long-standing collaboration with elite athletes ensures that every piece is engineered for functionality, comfort, and style. Whether under extreme training conditions or for casual wear, the apparel showcases the brand’s unwavering pursuit of motion performance and wearing comfort.
From Summit to Street — Defining a Multifunctional Lifestyle
DESCENTE Galaxy Macau Flagship Store also showcases the brand’s commitment to lifestyle versatility through three core series: ALLTERRAIN, DUALIS, and GOLF. This area features the ALLTERRAIN series, designed for high-end outdoor activities, and the DUALIS series, suitable for daily commuting and light outdoor pursuits. The ALLTERRAIN series uses a minimalist design and high-performance materials for various terrains and harsh conditions, combining technology and craftsmanship to meet outdoor enthusiasts’ needs with exceptional functionality and durability. The DUALIS series brings DESCENTE’s craftsmanship into urban living, offering a flexible and lightweight design perfect for daily commutes and light outdoor activities, allowing modern urbanites to transition effortlessly between city and outdoor settings.
The GOLF series showcases DESCENTE’s innovative spirit and expertise from skiing, tailored for golf enthusiasts. Designed for comfort and functionality, these products feature ergonomic designs and high-performance fabrics, merging DESCENTE’s craftsmanship with athletes’ needs for precise swings and stable postures on the course.
Limited-Time Personalization Experience — Mark a Moment in Sport & Style
To celebrate the opening of the flagship store at Galaxy Macau, DESCENTE offers each guest a personalized canvas tote bag, hand-painted on-site by a local artist. The activation combines artistic flair and sport spirit, creating a collectible gift that blends personalization, interaction, and DESCENTE’s attention to detail.
Hashtag: #DESCENTE
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About DESCENTE
Founded in 1935, DESCENTE is a French word meaning “downhill skiing.” The DESCENTE signature arrow logo – known as the “Spirit Mark” – represents the basic skiing techniques of “schuss,” “traverse,” and “sideslip.” Over its 89-year history, the brand has expanded into cycling, running, golf, cross-training, and high-performance gear. By merging functional beauty with exceptional craftsmanship, DESCENTE meets the diverse needs of athletes through innovative designs and collaborations with top professionals. Guided by the brand concept “Design that Moves,” DESCENTE believes that only with exceptional designs backed by continuous technological innovation, it is possible to underpin sportsmanship, make breakthroughs, nurture new forms of sport, and strengthen character. And it is the spirit of those people who share our love of sport that keeps us progressing with relentless innovation.
DESCENTE Galaxy Macau Flagship Store
Address: G009B, G/F Promenade East, Galaxy Promenade
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 – 22:00;
Friday, Saturday, Public Holidays 10:00 – 00:00
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HONGKONGDESCENTE/
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/descentehkg/
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Kaspersky Partners with SIS International Limited to Expand Distribution in Hong Kong
Through SiS International Limited, Kaspersky’s industry-leading security products —including endpoint protection, threat intelligence, and advanced threat detection and response —will be more widely available, ensuring enhanced protection against evolving cyber threats.
“As cyber risks continue to grow, partnering with a trusted distributor like SIS International Limited allows us to strengthen our reach and better serve customers in Hong Kong,” Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific. “This expansion ensures that businesses and individuals have seamless access to the cybersecurity tools they need to safeguard their digital environments.”
General Manager of Kaspersky in Greater China Alvin Cheng said, “We are honored that Kaspersky has signed an agency agreement with SIS International Limited. Currently, with the continuous escalation of cybersecurity challenges, Kaspersky’s technologies and products possess significant advantages. By leveraging the resources of SIS International Limited, we are able to provide customized security services to enterprises in various sectors in Hong Kong, China. Through the joint efforts of both parties, we are certain to build a high-quality ecosystem, create more business opportunities, achieve a win-win situation, and drive the development of the industry.”
“We are deeply honored to be appointed as Kaspersky’s official distributor in Hong Kong,” said Raymond Au, general manager at SiS International Limited. “This partnership aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide cutting-edge IT solutions and enhance cybersecurity for our valued clients. We are committed to working closely with Kaspersky to deliver advanced security solutions tailored to the unique needs of the Hong Kong market.”
By joining forces with SIS International Limited, Kaspersky is enhancing product availability, customer support, and cybersecurity resilience across Hong Kong. Clients can expect greater convenience and improved service quality, reinforcing the region’s defenses against modern cyber threats.
This collaboration comes at a pivotal time when cybersecurity is of paramount importance, as businesses and individuals face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. By joining forces, Kaspersky and SiS International Limited are committed to fostering a secure digital environment and empowering organizations to thrive in the digital era.
For more information, please contact: Joe Lam, channel director, Kaspersky Hong Kong
Email: [email protected] Website: www.kaspersky.com
Hashtag: #Kaspersky
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Kaspersky
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.
About SIS International Limited
SiS International Limited is one of the largest distributors of IT solutions across Asian countries. With over 30 years in the distribution business, SiS has managed to build long-term and trusting relationships with vendors and channel partners. As an experienced distributor, SiS International Limited provides a wide variety of products and offers professional technical services. By delivering business solutions to our customers, we assist in successfully proliferating their businesses.
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Anhui Unveils Teaser for 2025 World Manufacturing Convention, Extending a Global Invitation to Innovate Together
Scheduled for September 20–23 in Hefei, Anhui, China, the 2025 Convention will welcome dignitaries, industry leaders, Fortune Global 500 executives, representatives from international organizations, diplomats, and sister-city delegations from nearly 50 countries and regions. Together, they will explore new pathways for advancing high-quality development in the manufacturing sector.
Endorsed by the State Council as a national-level event, the Convention is co-hosted by the Anhui Provincial Government and the National Advisory Committee on Building a Manufacturing Power, among others. Since its launch in 2018, it has grown into a key platform for showcasing China’s cutting-edge equipment, enabling global manufacturers to establish a presence in China, and promoting Chinese high-end manufacturing to the world.
This year’s edition will also feature the Artificial Intelligence & Consumer Electronics Expo and the China (Hefei) International Digital Economy Expo, with a focus on “Digital-Real Integration, Intelligent Future.” The exhibition is expected to reach unprecedented scale and influence, complemented by a series of high-level forums and matchmaking events designed to accelerate the convergence of AI, digital technologies, and manufacturing—fueling the growth of new productivity drivers.
The teaser release underscores Anhui’s confidence, dynamism, and commitment to innovation and industrial transformation, showcasing the boundless potential at the intersection of manufacturing and the digital economy. As a vibrant hub of innovation, Anhui warmly invites the world to join in this landmark celebration of human ingenuity and machine intelligence.
The video link is as follows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brt6dMOMPG8
Hashtag: #WorldManufacturingConvention
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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