Media OutReach
Revolutionary Treatment Introduced in Hong Kong to Combat 2.4-Year Diagnosis Delay and Emotional Struggles in Vitiligo Patients
Vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the population in Hong Kong, translating to an estimated 70,000 patients. Research finds that patients receive a diagnosis after an average of 2.4 year. This prolonged diagnostic process often leads to disappointment and abandonment of treatment, resulting in significant emotional challenges; vitiligo patients are five times more likely to suffer from depression compared to the general population.
Dr Johnny Chan Chun-yin, a Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology, and Dr Rico Li Ching-kwok, a Specialist in Psychiatry, emphasize the availability of various treatment options for vitiligo. This year, a groundbreaking new medication has been introduced in Hong Kong to help patients effectively manage their condition. They encourage patients to seek medical advice early to mitigate the physical and mental burdens associated with vitiligo.
Multi-Faceted Challenges Faced by Vitiligo Patients
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system erroneously attacks melanocytes, resulting in white patches on the skin. Multiple international studies reveal that vitiligo patients frequently encounter the following challenges:
1. Delayed Treatment Resulting from Diagnostic Challenges
International studies have found that, on average, it takes 2.4 years to receive a diagnosis, which consequently delays treatment.
2. Perception of Untreatability
Research indicates that 57% of vitiligo patients have been informed that their condition is untreatable. As a result, 44.6% of patients choose to abandon their search for effective treatment.
3. Disappointment with Current Treatments
Studies have shown that half of vitiligo patients are dissatisfied with their current treatment options, with 49% reporting that their treatments have been ineffective. Furthermore, 94% of patients express a pressing need for new and improved treatment methods.
4. High Rates of Depression
- Research indicates that over half (58.7%) of vitiligo patients experience mental health issues of different degrees, including anxiety (28.8%) and depression (24.5%).
- The likelihood of depression among vitiligo patients is five times higher than that of the general population.
The Emotional Toll of Misunderstood Conditions: Anxiety and Depression in Patients
Vitiligo not only affects appearance but also leads to significant emotional distress, which is one of the most common comorbidities among patients. Psychiatrist Dr Rico Li notes, “In recent years, I have encountered many patients experiencing emotional distress due to vitiligo. As the onset typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 30, the impact on young patients, especially females, can be profound. They are at an age where they are particularly concerned about their appearance, and often the condition appears suddenly. Diagnostic challenges and the lack of effective treatments in the past can lead to anxiety and depression.”
Dr Rico Li further explains that many patients have historically been informed that vitiligo is untreatable. Family and friends may perceive the condition as harmless, believing there is no cause for concern. “In reality, those around them may not understand the psychological pressure patients endure, which contributes to a higher likelihood of anxiety and depression among vitiligo patients and may even lead to suicidal thoughts.” He emphasizes that stress can trigger or worsen vitiligo symptoms, and if these issues are not addressed, patients may fall into a vicious cycle of worsening skin and emotional problems.
New Treatment Option Receives International Recognition
Dr Johnny Chan stated, “Vitiligo is often confused with tinea versicolor or pityriasis alba. However, doctors can accurately diagnose vitiligo through a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, careful evaluation of the skin, skin biopsy, blood tests, and Wood’s lamp examination.” He noted that many patients mistakenly believe that vitiligo is uncontrollable or have tried various treatment methods without significant results, which leads them to abandon treatment prematurely.
While vitiligo cannot be completely cured, there are numerous treatment options available to help improve the condition. Historically, treatments have included ultraviolet light therapy, topical corticosteroids, and oral steroids. Recently, targeted therapies such as non-steroidal topical JAK inhibitors have emerged. Dr Johnny Chan explains, “Topical JAK inhibitor Ruxolitinib cream works by blocking the immune system’s erroneous attack on melanocytes, allowing them to reactivate and gradually restore normal skin color in affected areas.”
Ruxolitinib cream is the first FDA-approved prescription topical treatment for adult and pediatric patients aged 12 and older with non-segmental vitiligo. It was officially introduced in Hong Kong this year. International studies have confirmed that topical JAK inhibitors show promising treatment performance, with approximately 30% of patients experiencing over a 75% improvement in the facial depigmentation index (F-VASI) after 24 weeks of treatment, and more than half achieving at least a 50% improvement. If treatment continues for 52 weeks, about half of the patients may see improvements of over 75%.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Vitiligo can significantly impact both the physical and mental health of patients. In light of this, Dr Johnny Chan and Dr Rico Li offer the following recommendations:
1. Timely Diagnosis
Vitiligo can easily be confused with other dermatological conditions. Patients should consult a doctor as soon as they notice unusual white patches to minimize the risk of treatment delays.
2. Public Education and Awareness
Public understanding of vitiligo is limited, making it difficult for people to appreciate the emotional impact on patients. Strengthening public education is crucial to help the community, as well as the friends and family of patients, better understand and empathize with their experiences. Support from loved ones can alleviate the worsening of skin conditions caused by emotional distress. Friends and family should encourage patients exhibiting symptoms of anxiety or depression to seek help from a psychiatrist.
3. New Treatment Brings Hope to Patients
Many patients have mistakenly believed that vitiligo is untreatable. However, recent medical advances have led to breakthroughs in treatment options, such as the use of topical JAK inhibitor Ruxolitinib cream, which is a new, internationally clinically proven treatment option with favorable therapeutic outcomes.Hashtag: #Vitiligo #AutoimmuneDisease #TopicalJAKInhibitorCream #Ruxolitinib #DrJohnnyChanChuyin #DrRicoLiChingkwok #Anxiety #Depression
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Etiqa’s Project Firefly Reinforces Mangrove Ecosystem in Sungai Panjang in Collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society
Through Etiqa’s Project Firefly, Etiqa is taking proactive steps to preserve and sustain the ecosystem by planting 130 Sonneratia Caseolaris or locally known as Berembang saplings and 200 Sonneratia Caseolaris seeds, undertaking habitat restoration works, and mobilising 50 Etiqa volunteers for a community-driven initiative along Sungai Panjang, covering a total stretch of 10 kilometres. In addition, an awareness session was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science which aimed to educate participants on the ecological importance of fireflies and the need for long-term conservation.
Fireflies play an important role as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health, which in turn supports environmental balance and benefits surrounding communities. However, across Malaysia, firefly populations are declining due to rapid habitat loss caused by river pollution, deforestation, and increasing light pollution along mangrove-lined rivers. These threats not only endanger native species but also affect the livelihoods of local fishermen and villagers who rely on healthy river ecosystems and firefly-based eco-tourism. Protecting congregating firefly zones through the preservation of adequate vegetation buffers along riverbanks is therefore critical to ensuring the long-term survival of these species and the sustainability of local livelihoods.
Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad (EGIB) said, “We initiated Etiqa’s Project Firefly as conserving native firefly species is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities that co-exist around them. By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only protecting an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity but also helping sustain the eco-tourism and river-based livelihoods of Sungai Panjang residents. This reflects Etiqa’s purpose in Making the World a Better Place that includes meaningful environmental action which strengthens both nature and society, creating long-term value for future generations.”
Mr. I.S Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysia Nature Society says, “Fireflies are natural indicators of a healthy mangrove ecosystem, and their presence reflects the overall condition of our rivers and surrounding environments. We commend Etiqa for taking proactive steps through Etiqa’s Project Firefly to address the growing threats of habitat degradation along fireflies corridor. Meaningful conservation requires collective action, and we hope this initiative will inspire more companies to collaborate with environmental organisations and local communities to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods for the long term.”Hashtag: #Etiqamy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Etiqa
Etiqa is a multi-channel distributor of Insurance and Takaful products via its 10,000 agency force, 44 branches and 17 offices, over 490 bancassurance network (via Maybank branches, third-party banks, as well as co-operatives and brokers) through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.
In striving to make the world a better place, Etiqa’s Sustainability journey focuses on internal initiatives that reduces its carbon footprint and increases its social impact, as well as external solutions that allow its clients to do the same.
Media OutReach
PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards
Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”
Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.
The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.
Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows:
| PolyU Startups | Featured Innovations | Company Representatives |
| AniMed Technology Limited | Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring | Dr LYU Weimin Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited |
| CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited | AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings | Ms Amber ZHANG Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited |
| DRESIO Limited | AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution | Mr Alexander YING CEO, DRESIO Limited |
| Eieling Technology Limited | FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device (CES 2026 Innovation Award) |
Prof. ZHENG Yongping Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited |
| Entoptica Limited | Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies | Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited |
| Feelings Group Limited | AI-powered computer vision solution | Dr WONG Wing-sze Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited Ms YIP Chi-hay |
| Gembody Limited | Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system | Ms MAO Qian CEO, Gembody Limited Dr YANG Fan CTO, Gembody Limited |
| ImageVector MedTech Limited | AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration
|
Dr JIANG Tianshu
Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited |
| Immune Materials Limited | Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials | Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited Prof. KAN Chi-wai |
| Innobound Limited | Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance | Ms GAO Lan CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited |
| MedVision Limited | AI-powered medical imaging solution | Prof. CAI Jing Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited Dr MA Zongrui |
| Mirror Caring Limited | Knee health management solution | Prof. Stephen WANG Jia Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited |
| Nuvatech Limited | Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI | Mr DENG Yanheng Founder, Nuvatech Limited |
| On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited | Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device | Dr Rayman GONG Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited |
| ReSaTech Limited | AI solutions for product reliability | Mr Ricky LAW CEO, ReSaTech Limited |
| UbiquiTech Innovations Limited | Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces | Prof. CAO Jiannong Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Dr LIANG Zhixuan |
| Vcare Vision Technology Limited | Non-invasive myopia prevention solution | Dr TANG Yuk-ming Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited |
| Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited | Smart Firefighting Robot
(CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award) |
Mr WANG Meng PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited |
| XOXO Beverages Limited | Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency | Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited |
Hashtag: #PolyU
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.
Peer Modeling
Starlight Centre has provided specialised care services for children with high-functioning autism from primary 1 to 6 and have supported many students who are now ready to demonstrate positive behaviours from the programmes. Through peer modelling, younger students can observe and learn from their more experienced peers, helping them understand the acceptable boundaries of good behaviour.
RISE™
The Starlight RISE™ Primary School Readiness Program effectively prepares young children for formal education by developing their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging, play-based activities.
By actively involving parents in the process through comprehensive evaluations and strong partnerships, Starlight Centre aims to make parents feel valued and confident that their child’s development is being supported holistically, beyond just basic skills.
Hashtag: #AutismEducation #SpecialNeedsEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentingSupport #StarlightCentre
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Starlight Centre
Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.
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