Media OutReach
The 2024 Vinfuture Prize Honors Four Scientific Works Under The Theme Of “Resilient Rebound”
The 2024 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony was broadcast live nationally on Vietnam National Television VTV1. The ceremony was graced with the presence of Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, leaders of domestic ministries and departments, international ambassadors, and eminent scientists from around the world.
The four winning works were rigorously curated from a pool of nearly 1,500 impressive nominations spanning more than 80 countries and territories worldwide. These groundbreaking achievements have the potential to significantly impact humanity’s present and future, particularly in critical fields like computer science, public health and global health, material science, and generative medicine. Not only do these innovations offer solutions to universal challenges, but they also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of humanity.
With their potential for exponential growth, this year’s award-winning innovations epitomize the spirit of “resilient rebound.” By pushing the boundaries of science and technology, these breakthroughs unlock new directions and expand the possibilities of application.
The 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize is awarded to five scientists: Professor Yoshua Bengio, Professor Geoffrey E. Hinton, Mr. Jen-Hsun Huang, Professor Yann LeCun, and Professor Fei-Feil Li for transformational contributions to the advancement of deep learning.
Advances in deep learning have opened a transformative era for technological innovation, enabling machines to learn from vast amounts of data and achieve unprecedented accuracy in tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and decision-making. Professors Geoff E. Hinton, Yann LeCun and Yoshua Bengio have made groundbreaking contributions to neural networks and deep learning algorithms, while Mr. Jen-Hsun Huang pioneered accelerated computing platforms that facilitated the modern era of AI (Artificial Intelligence) computing. Professor Fei-Fei Li‘s creation of the ImageNet dataset further drove advances in visual recognition systems, making it possible to train models at scale.
Since 2012, deep learning has become a dominant tool in driving rapid advancements across sectors such as healthcare, autonomous systems, and financial services, and shaping the future of innovation.
In addition to the VinFuture Grand Prize, three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, have been awarded to innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields, women innovators, and innovators from developing countries.
The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields is awarded to Professor Zelig Eshhar, Professor Carl H. June, and Professor Michel Sadelain for development of CAR T cell therapy for cancer and other diseases.
Professor Zelig Eshhar‘s groundbreaking work transformed cancer treatment by developing CAR T cell therapy, a “living drug” that has saved many lives and sparked a thriving biopharmaceutical industry. This innovation offers hope for new medical applications and affordable treatments worldwide. Professors Carl H. June and Michel Sadelain built on this progress, further improving CAR T cell therapy to effectively treat cancer and autoimmune diseases that resist standard therapies. Their pioneering work led to the approval of the first CAR T cell therapy by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for childhood and young adult acute lymphocytic leukemias and is now considered for clinical care world-wide.
The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries has honored Bangladeshi Dr. Firdausi Qadri for innovative improvement of oral cholera vaccination in developing countries.
Dr. Firdausi Qadri has played a key role in improving vaccination against cholera, a severe diarrheal disease due to the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, that occurs after ingestion of contaminated food or water and remains a major public health concern particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Dr. Firdausi Qadri at the ICDDR,B (International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh) has performed large-scale clinical studies with a Vietnamese live vaccine strain which allowed her to conclude on the benefit, power and safety of a single oral dose of an affordable vaccine and consequently on the possibility to perform large-scale vaccination campaigns in her own country and in other poor countries, in order to prevent outbreaks.
Controlling cholera outbreaks at the source enhances global public health security, preventing the spread of the disease across borders.
The 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Women Innovators has honored Professor Kristi S. Anseth for advancement in design of polymeric biomaterials and methods for biomedical applications.
Professor Kristi Anseth is a pioneer, who has developed biomaterial cell culture systems, to decipher extracellular matrix (ECM) signals that regulate tissue development, maintenance and regeneration. She designed synthetic ECM that captures the unique cell and dynamic tissue microenvironment in three-dimensional space that can be modulated on demand, providing a means to study 4D-biology. She studies how cells exchange information with the ECM and applies this knowledge to engineer biomaterials for tissue regeneration and disease states, as well as screening drugs.
She is renowned for blending modern molecular and cellular biology with engineering and mathematics to produce the next generation of biomaterials that are tissue substitutes able to restore, maintain, or improve tissue function.
Commenting on the results of the 2024 VinFuture Prize, Professor Sir Richard Friend, FRS, VinFuture Prize Council Chair, stated, “The 2024 VinFuture Prize Laureates have all made advances that have changed the world, and have brought unexpected and powerful new tools. The Grand Prize recognizes the unprecedented advances in Artificial intelligence. It celebrates three elements that together have propelled this success: fundamental advances in deep learning, data sets and the silicon GPU hardware. This year’s three Special Prizes celebrate advances in three very different areas of healthcare. These illustrate the breadth of science and technology that can bring practical and powerful solutions. The vision that the Founders set – to celebrate the potential for discovery and innovation to bring real benefits to societies across the whole globe – is very clearly delivered in the set of this year’s prize winners.”
The VinFuture Prize has solidified its position as one of the world’s most prestigious science and technology awards, with four successful prize seasons. Notably, numerous VinFuture Prize laureates have gone on to receive further accolades at prestigious global awards, validating VinFuture’s visionary approach and pioneering spirit. The VinFuture Foundation remains committed to its mission of serving humanity and inspiring innovation in Vietnamese science and technology. By fostering groundbreaking research and development, the Foundation aims to contribute to sustainable development and global prosperity.
Hashtag: #VinFuture
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the VinFuture Prize
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 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 female innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields.
In pursuit of its mission, the Foundation undertakes various activities. These include engaging in strategic grantmaking initiatives, fostering intellectual connections, and collaborating in the advancement of science and technology. Learn more at: 
https://vinfutureprize.org.
Jointly organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), ASOP has delivered exceptional results since its inception in 2022, attracting international buyers and generating significant business opportunities. The 2025 edition promises to be even more expansive, with a six-month exhibition period strategically aligned with major international events, including Paperworld India, Designed Giftionery Taiwan, China (Shenzhen) International Gifts & Homeware Fair, Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, China Stationery Fair (CSF) 2025, and ISOT Tokyo 2025. This alignment creates a synergistic platform for global buyers, facilitating convenient comparisons and streamlined purchasing experiences.
ASOP 2025 has already secured the participation of numerous esteemed Taiwanese suppliers, including industry leaders such as FRLEND CHLU, ELASTIN INTERNATIONAL, HIGHGRADE TECH, FLYWELL INTERNATIONAL and ACE DRAGON. These exhibitors will present their latest innovations across a diverse range of categories, including: Art & Craft, Art & Drafting Supply, Bags, Binding & Cutting, Computer Accessory & Peripheral, Computer Input Device, Desk Supply, Educational Supply, Festival & Party Supply, Gift & Gift Set, Gift Packaging & Accessory, Office Equipment, Office Furniture, Office Kitchen, Office Stationery, Paper & Paper Product, Paper Machinery, Printer Supply, Promotional Product, Publishing Supply, Writing Supply. With thousands of innovative stationery and office products, along with practical accessories and solutions on display, ASOP 2025 promises a comprehensive, engaging, and highly focused experience tailored to the needs of buyers and professionals in the stationery and office supplies industry.
ASOP 2025 Online Exhibition：
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/36/Asian-Stationery-Office-Products-Online-Exhibition-2025.html
In response to the evolving landscape of international trade, ASOP 2025 offers an array of virtual solutions to ensure accessibility and global reach. These include dedicated exhibitor pages, electronic catalogs, and immersive virtual exhibition halls—all seamlessly integrated with TradeAsia. Buyers can explore products, initiate inquiries, and engage in procurement discussions in real time, eliminating geographical barriers and travel constraints.
Founded in 1997, TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) is a premier B2B international trade platform, serving as a vital link between global buyers and suppliers. With millions of registered members, over 600,000 suppliers, and a vast catalog of products, TradeAsia is a trusted resource for businesses seeking to expand their international presence. By fostering collaborations with hundreds of trading entities worldwide, TradeAsia amplifies visibility and marketing impact for its members, providing a competitive edge in the global market.
With its extended duration and comprehensive platform, ASOP 2025 is poised to be the most influential event for the stationery and office products industry in Asia. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leading suppliers and explore the latest innovations.
Hashtag: #TradeAsia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Accelerating Growth in AI and AI Compute
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2025 – Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited (“Yeebo” or the “Company”, stock code: 259, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to as the “Group”) announced that the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) resolved to declare a special dividend of HKD1.8 per share today.
Hashtag: #Yeebo
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited
Founded in 1988, Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited is a diversified electronic component company, with a wide range of business interests in flat panel display, OLED and capacitor. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the manufacturing activities largely reside in Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces. With a global sales footprint, Yeebo is able to serve its global customers on a local basis.
Media OutReach
Aon Forecasts 11.1 Percent Increase in Employee Medical Plan Costs for Businesses in Asia Pacific
Medical trend rates in the APAC region rank second-highest globally, according to report
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, has released its 2025 Global Medical Trend Rates Report. The report forecasts a projected 11.1 percent rise in the Asia Pacific region (APAC), which is higher than the global projected increase for 2024 of 9.7 percent, which represented the highest increase forecasted in 10 years.
Trend rate figures represent the percentage increase in medical plan costs per employee – both insured and self-insured. Knowing estimated costs in advance can help organisations budget and adjust their benefits philosophy in response, ensuring programs are sustainable.
This year’s report projects APAC will experience the second highest year-over-year trend rate increase after the Middle East and Africa, which has the highest trend rate of any region at 15.5 percent.
| Forecasted Medical Trend Rate from 2024 to 2025 | ||
| 2024 | 2025 | |
| Asia Pacific | 9.7% | 11.1% |
| Global | 10.1% | 10.0% |
| Europe | 10.4% | 8.9% |
| North America | 7.6% | 8.8% |
| Latin America and Caribbean | 11.7% | 10.7% |
| Middle East and Africa | 15.1% | 15.5% |
“The biggest rise in medical utilisation and inflation are now behind us in APAC, but recovery in insurer profitability is expected to keep medical trend rates in the double digits for 2025 and 2026,” said Alan Oates, head of global benefits for Asia Pacific at Aon.
“The high medical trend rate can also be attributed to a higher incidence of cancer and chronic conditions than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Managing the impact of medical inflation therefore should be a top priority for all southeast Asia markets and especially important in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Vietnam, which are seeing 50 to over 100 percent increases compared to last year,” Oates explained.
The survey further revealed that prescription and specialty medications, including weight loss medication, innovations in medical technology, and geopolitical factors, are significantly impacting medical trend rates in APAC and around the world. In addition, support for emotional health as the fastest-growing claim in Aon’s APAC client portfolio, wellbeing initiatives designed to mitigate stress, along with other plan enhancements, are also contributing to the double-digit medical trend.
“Although most insurers are still raising premiums, we are seeing a slight drop in some markets where risk appetites are returning among insurance providers that were quick to take corrective measures in previous renewal periods. As these insurance providers can now offer competitive pricing terms, we are encouraging clients to test the market as there is increasing value in doing so,” said Marina Sukhikh, professional services industry practice leader, global benefits for Asia Pacific at Aon.
How are Companies Addressing Rising Costs?
Wellbeing programs, plan design changes, alternative financing, data and analytics and flexible benefits are among the top strategies employers are expected to undertake in 2025 to affordably promote a healthy workforce.
Sukhikh said, “Aon has observed growing co-investment in wellbeing initiatives by employers and insurers. Greater investment is being matched with greater scrutiny into investment return, and wellbeing programs are increasingly being integrated and aligned with prevention strategies. For example, more initiatives are targeting physical inactivity, poor stress management, hypertension, high cholesterol and other risk factors driving chronic conditions that lead to adverse future claims.”
“We are encouraging clients to seek a more integrated value-based outcome from insurers where they are cooperating in the sharing of data, investment in wellbeing and offering creative solutions for design and financing. Sophisticated analytics tools, such as Aon’s Health Risk Analyzer, are helping companies leverage a growing volume of multi-source data, not just to identify and mitigate today’s risks but to accurately predict and prepare for the risks of tomorrow. Technology is helping us identify under-served populations and anticipate opportunities faster than ever,” added Sukhikh.
According to Aon’s 2024 Global Benefits Trends Study, employers in around 60 percent of countries are expected to use flexible benefit plans to address diverse workforce needs while controlling overall benefit costs. Meanwhile, one in three are actively considering alternative benefits financing arrangements, such as multinational pooling, global underwriting and captives.
“More than at any point in the last 10 years we have observed employers taking steps to reduce plan design due to affordability. Flexibility and choice have been a valuable tool in design change because employees generally place a greater value on shorter-term flexibility and choice than they do on longer-term core benefits. Alternative funding will not materially reduce cost, which is generally determined by claims and scale, but it can smooth cost volatility over a longer period than is possible with direct insurance and that is helpful in this volatile market,” Oates added.
Read Aon’s 2025 Global Medical Trend Rates Report.
About the report:
The report is based on insights from 112 Aon offices that broker, administer, or advise on employer-sponsored medical plans in each of the countries covered in the report. The findings reflect the medical trend expectations of Aon professionals based on their interactions with clients and carriers represented in the portfolio of the firm’s medical plan business in each location.
As employer-sponsored medical plans become a larger part of total rewards spend and pressure mounts to accurately forecast and manage costs, this report is a valuable resource for organisations to plan global budgets and benefits strategies for 2025 and beyond.
Read Aon’s 2025 Global Medical Trend Rates Report.
Hashtag: #Aon
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
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