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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.
Media OutReach
Woh Hup Celebrates Nine Decades of Flavour, Family and Innovation with Four Bold New Sauces
Singapore Turns 61. Woh Hup Turns 90.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2026 – Every August, Singapore celebrates more than another year of nationhood. It celebrates the people, businesses and traditions that have quietly grown alongside the nation, becoming part of its shared identity and everyday life.
This National Day, as Singapore marks its 61st birthday, one of its oldest homegrown food brands reaches a remarkable milestone of its own.
For 90 years, Woh Hup has flavoured family dinners, festive reunions, neighbourhood barbecues and everyday meals that have become cherished memories across generations of Singaporeans. From humble beginnings in 1936 in Chinatown, Woh Hup has become a trusted name in kitchens both locally and internationally. By the 1980s, Woh Hup had established itself as the leading producer of oyster sauce in Singapore, a testament to its dedication and expertise.
Woh Hup sauces are now enjoyed, not just in Asian kitchens, but tables worldwide.
This August, as Singaporeans look forward to celebrating National Day with family, friends and neighbours, Woh Hup marks its 90th anniversary by unveiling four exciting additions to its chilli sauce family—bringing fresh inspiration to the tables where memories continue to be made.
More than a product launch, the new range reflects a heritage brand confidently looking ahead— combining nine decades of craftsmanship with the bold, adventurous flavours embraced by today‘s global consumers.
“For 90 years, families have welcomed Woh Hup into their kitchens and celebrations. That trust is our greatest honour – and our reason to keep evolving. These four new sauces honour where we came from, while embracing the bold flavours of modern Asian dining,” said Leong Chee Kang, Chief Executive Officer of Woh Hup.
The launch introduces four new sauces, each designed to bring versatility, convenience and vibrant flavour to today’s kitchens.
Mala Sriracha Chilli Sauce combines the unmistakable tang of sriracha with a tingling, numbing mala warmth, delivering a bold, layered heat that pairs naturally with fried chicken, dumplings, ramen and hotpot favourites.
For seafood lovers, the new Green Chilli Sauce for Seafood blends lively green chillies with refreshing notes to complement grilled fish, oysters, calamari and Singapore’s iconic seafood feasts.
Smoky Sriracha Chilli Sauce layers rich smokiness over classic sriracha — an ideal companion for burgers, barbecue skewers, grilled meats and hearty comfort food.
Rounding out the launch is Mala Seasoning Sauce, which delivers the signature tingling, numbing heat of Sichuan-inspired mala balanced with rich savoury notes. In an easy-to-use liquid form that mixes evenly for consistent colour and flavour, just a few drops transform stir-fries, soups and noodles into a multi-layered sensory experience — bringing bold mala excitement to everyday cooking.
Packaged in convenient new squeeze bottles, the three chilli sauces make everyday cooking and entertaining easier than ever — no spoons, no mess, just great flavour at a squeeze. The seasoning sauce comes in a classic glass bottle, ready to drizzle straight onto your meal or into the wok — bold Asian flavours to elevate every dish.
The new Woh Hup range — Mala Sriracha Chilli Sauce, Green Chilli Sauce for Seafood, Smoky Sriracha Chilli Sauce and Mala Seasoning Sauce — will be available at leading supermarkets and retail outlets across Singapore from August 2026.
As Singapore celebrates another year of nationhood, Woh Hup celebrates something equally meaningful—the millions of meals, conversations and family moments its products have quietly accompanied over the past nine decades.
Ninety years on, the recipe hasn‘t changed: bring people together, one meal at a time.
Hashtag: #WohHup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Woh Hup
Founded in 1936, Woh Hup is one of Singapore‘s longest-established homegrown food brands and a trusted name in Asian sauces. For 90 years, the company has remained dedicated to crafting high-quality flavours that inspire home cooks and professional chefs around the globe.
Today, Woh Hup‘s growing portfolio of sauces, cooking pastes and convenience products is enjoyed by consumers in Singapore and international markets, reflecting the brand‘s enduring commitment to heritage, innovation and culinary excellence.
www.wohhupfood.com
Media OutReach
AuctuCel launches AuctuPrime to reduce biological variability in cell therapy manufacturing
Chemically defined medium removes animal serum and human platelet supplements as Malaysia and Singapore strengthen advanced therapy capabilities
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 –Singapore is estimated to record approximately 19,290 new cancer cases in 2024, underscoring the growing demand for advanced treatment options and the manufacturing systems needed to produce them consistently. As cell therapies move from research towards clinical use, the reliability of every raw material used in production becomes increasingly important.
AuctuCel Pte Ltd, a Singapore biotechnology company specialising in AI-powered bioprocess technologies, today announced the launch of AuctuPrime, a next-generation chemically defined cell culture medium developed in collaboration with Sperikon. The formulation is designed to remove dependence on both animal serum and donor-derived human platelet supplements during cell therapy manufacturing.
The launch comes as both markets continue to deepen their advanced therapy ecosystems. The Singapore Economic Development Board reported that the country saw a fourfold increase in locally incorporated biotechnology companies since 2015. In Malaysia, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency issued updated cell and gene therapy product guidance in September 2025, including revised Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. As more research moves towards clinical translation, the reliability and traceability of manufacturing inputs are receiving greater attention.
A less visible bottleneck in cell therapy
Cell therapies are advancing across cancer, autoimmune disease and regenerative medicine, but manufacturing remains one of the major barriers to wider clinical and commercial adoption. Many conventional culture processes still use animal serum or platelet-derived supplements from human donors. These biological materials can vary between batches and may introduce additional sourcing, testing and documentation requirements.
AuctuPrime replaces these supplements with a fully chemically defined formulation. By giving researchers and manufacturers clearer control over what enters the process, it is intended to provide a more reproducible foundation for scale-up from laboratory research to clinical and commercial manufacturing.
The formulation is designed to support:
* Elimination of animal serum and human platelet supplements
* Reduced batch-to-batch variability in the culture process
* Lower dependence on donor-derived biological raw materials
* Greater supply chain resilience through chemically defined inputs
* More consistent scale-up and technology transfer across manufacturing stages
* A xeno-free approach for regenerative medicine and cell therapy workflowsWhy the manufacturing medium matters to patients
“Culture medium is not the therapy itself, but it can influence how reliably cells are produced. By removing animal serum and human platelet supplements, AuctuPrime gives researchers and manufacturers greater control over the process, helping to reduce variability and prepare for larger-scale production.” said Dr Zach Pang, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of AuctuCel.
Supporting Singapore’s advanced therapy ecosystem
Singapore is strengthening its position as a regional hub for advanced therapies, supported by its universities, hospitals, research institutions and biotechnology companies. These organisations are building capabilities that connect early-stage research with regulated manufacturing and future clinical applications. Chemically defined media can support this progress by reducing reliance on variable biological inputs and enabling processes to be reproduced more consistently across local research and manufacturing facilities.
“Singapore’s continued progress in regenerative medicine will depend not only on scientific breakthroughs, but also on the ability to manufacture therapies safely, consistently and at scale. AuctuPrime represents an important step towards building a more reproducible manufacturing platform and can support local research and industry teams as they prepare for future clinical and commercial demand,” said Dr Chee Wai Fhu, Chief Executive Officer of AuctuCel.
For the wider region, stronger manufacturing foundations also matter for healthcare resilience. Cell therapies are complex products with demanding quality requirements, and the ability to manufacture them consistently will shape how quickly promising research can progress towards clinical use.
“The future of regenerative medicine depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but on our ability to manufacture these therapies safely, consistently and at scale,” said Dr Chee Wai Fhu, Chief Executive Officer of AuctuCel. “AuctuPrime is an important step towards a more reproducible manufacturing platform. By removing dependence on animal serum and human platelet supplements, we hope to help researchers and manufacturers build processes that are better prepared for future clinical and commercial demand.”
Regional collaboration behind the launch
AuctuPrime was developed through a collaboration between AuctuCel and Sperikon, combining AuctuCel’s bioprocess and culture media expertise with Sperikon’s experience in regenerative medicine and cell therapy development.
Behind every cell therapy breakthrough is a production process that must work repeatedly, not only once. Improving that process is one of the practical steps needed to bring the next generation of therapies closer to the patients who may benefit from them.
Notes to editors
A chemically defined medium is a formulation in which the components and their concentrations are known and controlled. In this context, xeno-free means the formulation does not rely on animal-derived materials. AuctuPrime is a manufacturing input used during cell culture and is not itself a cell therapy product.
Hashtag: #AuctuCel
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AuctuCel
AuctuCel is a Singapore-based biotechnology company spun out of A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute. The company develops AI-powered bioprocess technologies and ready-to-use culture media solutions that help biotechnology and cell therapy companies improve manufacturing consistency, productivity and scalability. By combining advanced modelling, scientific expertise and bioprocess innovation, AuctuCel supports the translation of research into commercially viable biomanufacturing. The company has active operations and partnerships across Singapore, Malaysia and the wider Asian region.
About Sperikon
Sperikon is a biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine, cell culture technologies and translational research. The company works with academic institutions and industry partners to develop scalable solutions that support the clinical and commercial adoption of advanced cell therapies. Through its collaboration with AuctuCel, Sperikon contributes to the development of next-generation chemically defined manufacturing platforms.
Media OutReach
Heartland 66 Accelerates Retail Transformation with the Launch of First-to-Market Korean Trend Zone and edgestreet Concept Space
Strategic 10,400 sq. m. transformation brings 150+ fashion and lifestyle brands to Central China
WUHAN, CHINA & HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 – Heartland 66 in Wuhan, under Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) (“Hang Lung” or the “Company”), is expanding its new-generation, differentiated retail mix and customer experience offerings through the launch of Central China’s first curated 24KR Korean Trend Zone and edgestreet Concept Space. Building on the Heartland 66’s premium positioning, the two areas bring together Korean Wave culture, contemporary fashion, new-to-market brand launches, vibrant social spaces, and immersive experiences – forming part of Heartland 66’s transformation from a traditional retail destination into a trendy lifestyle hub, while contributing to the development of Wuhan’s retail sector.
Launched between June and July, the 24KR Korean Trend Zone and “Greenhouse by edgestreet,” together spanning approximately 10,400 sq. m., feature a lineup of more than 150 brands. The 24KR Zone captures the contemporary Korean Wave that resonates with new-generation consumers and enriches the shopping experience. “Greenhouse”, meanwhile, is a concept space developed by edgestreet, centered on a greenhouse-inspired botanical theme and offering a diverse mix of design, aesthetics, home living and pet lifestyles. It blends modernfashion, lifestyle aesthetics and social interaction, deepening engagement with emerging customer segments. Among the first batch of brands unveiled, 24KR introduces 11 brands making their China debut and 15 making their Central China debut, while “Greenhouse” brings 20 brands opening their first stores in Wuhan.
Such initiatives support Wuhan’s goal of accelerating its development into a forward-thinking city and an international consumption center. As a major transportation, education and commercial hub in Central China, Wuhan continues to attract university graduates seeking employment and entrepreneurship, as well as young talent from neighboring provinces who help to fuel local consumption. Heartland 66 aims to inject more emerging consumption experiences and commercial vitality into the local market.
Ms. Veronica Chan, Director – Mainland Business Operation, Hang Lung Properties, said, “Heartland 66 is actively introducing curated fashion and lifestyle offerings in response to the evolving consumer preferences. By providing a rich and diverse range of choices, we are creating placemaking destinations that foster a strong sense of community. As a commercial landmark in Wuhan, we will continue to strengthen our differentiated positioning, contribute to the city’s development as an international consumption center, and help stimulate consumer vitality.”
Mr. Harvey Ye, General Manager of Heartland 66, said, “The successive launch of 24KR Korean Trend Zone and ‘Greenhouse by edgestreet’ marks a firm step forward in engaging younger consumers and driving the revitalization and upgrading of our commercial spaces. On its opening day, the 24KR Zone lifted footfall by more than 50% year-on-year. ‘Greenhouse’, which followed shortly after, also drew a strong market response. Both underscore the powerful potential of the emerging consumer market and the surging economic vitality of Central China.”
| Item | 24KR Korean Trend Zone | “Greenhouse by edgestreet” |
| Location in Heartland 66, Wuhan | B1, East Zone | L3, East Zone |
| Area | Approximately 2,400 sq. m. | Approximately 8,000 sq. m. |
| Positioning | Contemporary Korean fashion and trendy lifestyle | Curated designer brands and quality lifestyle offerings |
| Brand categories | Trendy fashion, footwear and accessories, cosmetics and fragrances, designer toys, food and coffee | Designer brands, lifestyle and home living offerings, pet lifestyle brands |
| Number of brands | More than 100 trendy and creative Korean brands | More than 50 emerging international brands |
| First-in-market highlights | First batch: 11 China-debut and 15 Central China-debut brands, including FANCY CLUB, ZAENIO, IST KUNST, BLACKPURPLE and LAZY | First batch: 20 first-in-Wuhan brands, including THE WAREHOUSE by SHOWROOM SHANGHAI, HiOneOne, DOROQ, ARTICLE NO., and D&L Pets Department Store |
| Design concept | Inspired by Seongsu-dong in Seoul, incorporating Korean streetscape elements, tactile material textures, and layered urban details | Centered on “Lifestyle Inspiration × Greenhouse Ecology × Artistic Aesthetics,” using light, shadow and greenery to create a natural and open spatial experience |
Hashtag: #HangLungProperties
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hang Lung Properties
Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the Company manages a portfolio of over 3.6 million square meters of retail, office, residential, and hotel properties across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
The Company’s diverse portfolio in Hong Kong includes office towers and malls in prime districts, as well as luxury residential developments in prestigious areas. In the Chinese Mainland, under the signature “66” brand, the Company’s mixed-use and retail developments are regarded as premium landmarks, strategically located in the hearts of key cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan, and Hangzhou.
The Company is recognized for pioneering sustainability in the real estate industry, with an MSCI ESG rating of AA and inclusion on CDP “A List” for Climate Change. The Company powers 90% of its operating properties in the Chinese Mainland with renewable energy, with a net-zero commitment by 2050.
At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.
For more information, please visit https://www.hanglung.com.
