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VinFuture 2025: 1,705 nominations worldwide – twelvefold increase in nominating partners over five seasons

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HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2025 – The VinFuture Prize, a global science and technology award, has officially concluded the nomination period for its fifth season with a total of 1,705 nominations submitted from around the world. Notably, the number of official nominating partners has seen exceptional growth, reaching 14,772 – more than a twelvefold increase from the 1,200 recorded in the inaugural season – underscoring the Prize’s reputation as a global hub for scientific and intellectual excellence.

Inspired by the noble mission and unique values of the VinFuture Prize, the number of international scientists serving as official nominating partners has increased more than twelvefold compared to the 1,200 recorded in the inaugural season. Photo courtesy of VinFuture.

This season marks a significant leap in both the quantity and quality of nominations, as demonstrated by the wide engagement of the esteemed global scientific community. Among the nominating partners, the majority are from the Americas (31%), followed by Europe (28.6%), Asia (26.8%), Africa (7.1%), and Oceania (6.5%).

Among the 14,772 nominators, nearly half (7,240 experts) are affiliated with leading universities and research institutes worldwide. Institutions represented include Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University (USA), the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford (UK), the University of Melbourne (Australia), the University of Toronto (Canada), and the National University of Singapore (Singapore), among others. Notably, 1,395 nominators (9.4%) are scientists ranked among the top 2% most highly cited researchers globally, based on the prestigious list compiled by experts at Stanford University.

The nominations for the 2025 award season continue to span a comprehensive range of critical fields essential to human well-being and global sustainable development. These include medicine and healthcare (36.7%); energy, transportation, and construction (17.8%); environment and earth sciences (17.8%); and agriculture and food (11.3%). These core fields mirror global science and technology priorities, attracting considerable attention from the international community.

VinFuture’s nominating partners play a vital role in identifying and nominating groundbreaking scientific innovations for well-deserved recognition. These innovations demonstrably benefit humanity on a global scale while also amplifying the VinFuture Prize’s stature within the international scientific community.

Driven by the Prize’s profound mission and global vision, all nominators participate on a voluntary basis. In 2024, following a nomination by Professor Monica Lam, a leading computer scientist at Stanford University (USA), Mr. Jensen Huang, CEO and co-founder of NVIDIA, was honored as one of the 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize Laureates for his industry-driven contributions to the advancement of deep learning.

Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the VinFuture Foundation, remarked: “Our five-year commitment to the mission of ‘Science for Humanity’ has establisheds VinFuture as an international beacon of scientific excellence and hope. The exponential growth in nominating partners and the exceptional quality of this year’s nominations not only underscore the growing trust of the international scientific community in the Prize, but also highlight the urgent need for science and technology solutions to build a world where humanity thrives in harmony with a sustainable environment.

The 2025 VinFuture pre-screening round will take place from May 26 to August 31. Its goal is to enable the 10-member Pre-Screening Committee to meticulously evaluate the most impactful and award-worthy nominations for advancement to the final round. In pursuit of scientific integrity, objectivity, and transparency, the Committee will assess the nominations through a rigorous evaluation process based on the highest international standards and core criteria. These criteria include the degree of scientific or technological advancement, the impact on people’s lives, and the project’s scale and sustainability.

Within just five years, the VinFuture Prize has rapidly established its international stature and prestige, as evidenced by the growing list of laureates honored with prestigious global accolades. Notable examples include Dr. Katalin Karikó and Prof. Drew Weissman (laureates of the 2021 VinFuture Grand Prize and 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine); Dr. Demis Hassabis and Dr. John Jumper (laureates of the 2022 VinFuture Special Prize and 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry); Prof. Geoffrey Hinton (laureate of the 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize and 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics); Prof. Yoshua Bengio, Prof. Geoffrey Hinton, Mr. Jensen Huang, Prof. Yann LeCun, and Prof. Fei-Fei Li (laureates of the 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize and 2025 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering); and Prof. Daniel Joshua Drucker, Prof. Joel Francis Habener, Prof. Jens Juul Holst, and Assoc. Prof. Svetlana Mojsov (laureates of the 2023 VinFuture Special Prize and 2025 Breakthrough Prize).

Hashtag: #VinFuture

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VinFuture

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 prize 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.

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New Documentary A MONA LISA OBSESSION from Discovery to debut December 14 in Southeast Asia

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 December 2025 – A brand-new documentary A Mona Lisa Obsession explores various perspectives of the Mona Lisa, an iconic masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, set to air in Southeast Asia on the Discovery Channel on Thursday, December 11 2025 at 7:10 PM and on Discovery Asia on Sunday, December 14 at 9:00 PM.

A Mona Lisa Obsession touches on the origins of the Mona Lisa, from the Italian Renaissance, and the painting’s passage through France with King Francis l and Napoleon Bonaparte, to the Louvre – the documentary also zooms in on a rare private art collection in Taiwan which includes a likeness of the painting of Mona Lisa, a work of art that some consider to be a youthful depiction reminiscent of Mona Lisa.

Owned by Frank Huang, an art collector and Taiwanese technology leader from Taiwan, this depiction of the Mona Lisa from his private collection adds a unique perspective to the ongoing conversation surrounding one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most iconic works.

The Mona Lisa has long captivated the world with her enigmatic smile and mysterious gaze – over centuries, many artistic interpretations inspired by the Mona Lisa have emerged, with scholars discovering more hidden details and subtle symbols, fueling the fascination of the original painting.

Catch A Mona Lisa Obsession in Southeast Asia on the Discovery Channel, Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM SGT and on Discovery Asia on Sunday, December 14 at 9:00 PM SGT.

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Note to editors:

  • Watch highlights here
  • Download stills here

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About Discovery Channel

Across every platform, Discovery Channel is dedicated to connecting audiences who have a passion for adventure and crave a connection to the world around them. Popular series including Deadliest Catch, Expedition Unknown and Gold Rush, along with Shark Week, the annual tentpole programming event, serve as trusted portals that transport viewers directly into thrilling, real, high stakes moments. Through smart, authentic characters whose stories inform and inspire, Discovery celebrates the men and women who will stop at nothing to explore new spaces and achieve their dreams. For more information, please visit

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Financial Stress Keeps Singapore Awake, while Overall Well-Being in APAC Lags Behind Global Peers

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Promotion of exercise culture and therapy may boost physical and mental health

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 December 2025 – Despite mounting stress due to sustained concerns with the cost of living, vitality and overall well-being levels in Singapore remain consistent with last year. However, stress has a demonstrable effect on respondents’ mental and physical well-being, signaling the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare that encompasses both aspects.

The Singapore report of the Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2025, released today encompasses more than 11,000 respondents across 13 markets, including 1,000 in Singapore and 4,000 across the Asia-Pacific region. The study reveals that physical, mental and financial well-being are the three aspects prioritized by Singapore residents. However, financial well-being is ranked the lowest with almost four in 10 (39%) rating their financial health as “fair” or “poor”.

Raymond Ng, CEO & Country Manager, Cigna Healthcare Singapore & Australia said: “Health and vitality are key to building resilient communities. It promises the well-being of our workforce and enables us to grow and prosper as a society. While vitality and well-being levels held firm among Singapore residents, more needs to be done in today’s uncertain environment to tackle stressors that can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being.”

The key indicators of vitality and well-being in Singapore are as follows:

Vitality Score Overall Well-Being

(% rating as “excellent” or “very good”)

Top Three Areas of Well-Being

(% rating as “excellent” or “very good” in 2025)

2025: 61.2

2024: 61.4

2025: 34%

2024: 33%

Family well-being: 44%

Mental well-being: 36%

Physical well-being: 34%


On a regional level, overall well-being in Asia Pacific lags behind the global average, with less than three in 10 (28%) Asia-Pacific respondents rating their overall well-being as “excellent” or “very good”, compared to four in 10 (41%) globally. While physical and mental well-being are the two most important aspects of well-being for respondents globally, financial well-being is more important for those in Asia Pacific, coming in as the third most important aspect. With financial well-being remaining the weakest aspect across the globe, there is a pressing need for governments and organizations to render support to address financial concerns.

Robert Peat, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, Cigna Healthcare said: “Asia Pacific continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the world. To sustain this momentum, communities and employers need to recognize that healthy people are the foundation of a healthy economy and implement measures to close the gaps in their well-being.”

Sleepless in Singapore: Financial stress as the sleep killer

While mental well-being in Singapore remains stable with more than a third of respondents rating it as “excellent” or “very good” this year, eight in 10 (79%) respondents are stressed. Their greatest stressors are the current cost of living (53%); uncertainty about the future (47%); and personal finance (43%).

Stress affects more than mental and emotional health and can have huge implications on physical well-being. Our study reveals that disrupted sleep is the most common effect of stress among respondents in the nation, with close to half (48%) of respondents who are stressed reporting this effect, compared to 38% regionally.

Therapy remains underused by Singapore respondents. Despite nearly half (49%) of respondents reporting being negatively impacted by poor mental health, nearly nine in 10 (89%) say they did not receive counselling or therapy in the past 12 months, with 77% believing they do not need it. Given the impacts of stress and poor mental health on physical and overall well-being, more efforts are needed to raise awareness about the benefits of therapy and destigmatize seeking help.

Exercise culture runs strong in Singapore

More than a quarter (26%) of respondents in Singapore rate their exercise habits as “excellent” or “very good”.

When asked how they manage their weight, two-thirds (66%) said they exercise regularly, higher than the Asia-Pacific average of 61%; with only 4% of Singapore respondents turning to medication for weight management. The findings underscore a relatively strong exercise culture and the prioritization of healthy habits among those living in the nation. Communities and organizations may leverage the growing fitness trend to enhance physical well-being.

Cautious optimism around AI in healthcare

Close to half (47%) of Singapore respondents are positive about the impact of AI on healthcare, with 45% expecting it will reduce wait times within three years. This could have an outsized impact in Singapore, as respondents here are 29% more likely to have delayed or avoided getting care due to concern with wait times than their regional counterparts.

Additionally, almost half of Singapore respondents (48%) mention a reduction in human interaction as an expected change with the advent of AI. The challenge ahead is striking the right balance between efficiency and empathy.

The full findings of the report are available here.
Hashtag: #CignaHealthcare #CignaHealthcareInternationalHealthStudy #Health #Wellness #Wellbeing




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Cigna Healthcare Singapore

Cigna Healthcare is a division of The Cigna Group, a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the health and vitality of every individual and every community. Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the healthcare system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality.

Cigna Healthcare Singapore is a strong believer of total health and wellness and prides itself on delivering personalized solutions for the health of our clients and customers. To achieve this, Cigna Healthcare Singapore works as one global team and in close partnership with its customers, network providers and communities to understand and address their diverse needs. Learn more at

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SWISS REJU wins “JESSICA Best AI Body Slimming Award” with INDIBA

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 December 2025 – SWISS REJU has earned “Best AI Slimming Treatment Award” at the prestigious JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards, honouring exceptional mastery of artificial intelligence in the beauty industry. SWISS REJU also announces the official launch of INDIBA, an FDA and CE approved technology that helps to burn visceral fat and contour the body, creating an even stronger technical offering for its signature, multi-award winning program “SWISS REJU K-Lipolysis”.

SWISS REJU won the “Best AI Slimming Treatment Award” at the prestigious JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards

The JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards celebrate excellence across luxury beauty, healthcare and wellness. It is one of the most recognized beauty industry awards in Hong Kong. The organizer, JESSICA, is a major lifestyle and media company. For over 25 years, JESSICA has been reporting on fashion, lifestyle and business, as one of the most trustworthy and influential media sources in Hong Kong.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to win this new, Best AI Slimming Award with JESSICA,” said the spokesperson for SWISS REJU. “Our goal was to provide our guests with top medical aesthetic technologies. Platforms like BTL EXION and INDIBA, are exactly the type of top medical technologies which SWISS REJU is heavily investing in. The breathtaking results powered by AI, reflect the endless possibilities new technologies can bring to the beauty and slimming field”

The JESSICA Beauty and Wellness Awards is extremely selective and has a rigorous nominations and editorial selection process. Only brands that have been proven to provide genuine service and excellent results are eligible to compete. Amongst the Winners this year, are Australian organic brand “CANVAS” and Japanese household name “Panasonic VITALIFT” beauty appliances.

SWISS REJU, with its heavy investment in new and prestigious technologies such as INDIBA (recently approved in Europe under the Medical Device Regulation), offers a seamless blend of traditional wellness and innovation, allowing guests to experience what many considered to be one of the most effective slimming treatments in Hong Kong. INDIBA with its trademark Proionic 448khz technology, is loved by the Top 1% most influential users in the world, amongst them European royalties, celebrity footballers and international singers.

The recognition of this major annual Award, reaffirms SWISS REJU’s commitment to exceptional technology. It is the 12th annual award won by the brand, representing a new record.

SWISS REJU and integrative power of cutting edge technologies

SWISS REJU’s trademarked “K-Lipolysis” body contouring program offers winning technologies including INDIBA, BTL EXION, Winback, ATP LIPO X, amongst others. It is the unique contouring solution beauty lovers are craving for.
Hashtag: #SWISSREJU #熱光溶脂

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