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VinFuture Prize empowered the woman scientist Dr. Firdausi Qadri to give back to Bangladesh
Sharing with the VinFuture Foundation, Dr. Qadri reflects on her groundbreaking work and her passion for expanding STEM education for women. In the face of societal barriers, particularly in Bangladesh, she remains committed to empowering women in science and using her VinFuture Prize value to strengthen the country’s scientific community.
The ongoing battle against cholera
Having established herself as one of the scientific titans in the vaccine area, Dr. Qadri has developed a single oral dose of an affordable cholera vaccine to address the public health needs in Bangladesh. Her research opens the possibility of large-scale vaccination campaigns in poor countries to prevent outbreaks and reduce the healthcare cost burden, allowing them to invest in education and economic activities. This revolutionizing discovery has earned her global recognition, including the 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries.
“The VinFuture Prize was completely unexpected, but it has given me immense energy and a profound sense of purpose to turn scientific solutions into real-world applications that benefit those in adverse settings, including humanitarian crises globally,” Dr. Qadri said.
Beyond its personal significance, the VinFuture Prize also empowered Dr. Qadri to give back to her home country. In 2014, Dr. Qadri formed a non-profit research institution called the ideSHi (Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives) located on the 11th floor of Blue Moon Gram Tower in ECB Chattar, Dhaka. She shared an astounding initiative to expand this institute using the 500,000 USD prize value from VinFuture, “Together with the VinFuture Prize money and a quarter of my personal funds, I took a bold step forward, acquiring an additional 5,000 square feet of space within the same building as ideSHi’s original facility,” she elaborated.
This facility is a bold initiative dedicated to improving public health and nurturing the next generation of scientists. Since then, this institute provides state-of-the-art facilities, offers training programs, collaborates with international partners, conducts research on genetic diseases including thalassemia – the most common blood disorder in Bangladesh – as well as infectious diseases.
“Over the past decade, ideSHi has expanded tremendously, and this new extension will allow us to tackle even more critical health challenges while further strengthening scientific capacity in Bangladesh,” she shared. “With prize money received from VinFuture, I am confident that this support will help ideSHi develop pragmatic solutions to public health challenges and ultimately help advance Bangladesh’s position in biomedical research.”
The achievement results in her determination after witnessing firsthand the dire impact of cholera and diarrheal diseases. Her journey began as a scientist with a deep passion for immunology, later on extended her work beyond the laboratory to the field, fully devoted to the cause of uplifting the lives of Bangladesh and beyond.
However, through her extensive work in diarrheal diseases at their main hospital in Bangladesh, Dr. Qadri estimates an annual intake of approximately 200,000 patients, with 90-95% comes from impoverished backgrounds. Living in overcrowded conditions with shared toilets, kitchens, and bathrooms, they face rapid disease transmission. “If one person contracts cholera, the infection can spread to three other people in the family and beyond due to contaminated hands and food,” Dr. Qadri explained. “It’s very difficult to control.”
Recognizing the persistent devastation of global health crises, Dr. Qadri extended her research beyond the laboratory. She conducted field studies on vaccine effectiveness, distribution strategies, and public health interventions. Her efforts extended beyond academia as she worked more with the government, advocating for necessary actions to improve healthcare access.
“Over 15 to 20 years, my work has evolved to encompass not just vaccine development, but also implementation strategies – exploring the effectiveness of different modes in delivering vaccines and understanding how to integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) with vaccination programs to achieve cholera control,” she noted.
Dr. Qadri emphasized that cholera remains a disease of poverty, often overlooked due to its association with inadequate sanitation and clean water access. She also pointed out that some governments were reluctant to acknowledge the disease’s prevalence, fearing for their global image. Therefore, she expressed deep gratitude and immense joy at being recognized by such a prestigious global award as the VinFuture Prize. “This recognition is a tremendous honor and serves as a motivation for me to move ahead,” she shared.
Breaking glass ceilings
Dr. Qadri’s dedication to rigorous scientific research and her success in the cholera vaccine area serves as an inspiration for young women all over the world. However, for women in science, particularly in developing countries across Asia, the road is often fraught with challenges. Deep-seated prejudices and invisible glass ceilings make it difficult for women to gain recognition in male-dominated fields.
“I always want to be known as a scientist, not a “woman scientist,” who works alongside men as equals“, Dr. Qadri shared. “But I cannot deny that acceptance has not always come easily.”
The unwavering support of her family played a crucial role, encouraging her to push boundaries and proving that a woman is just as capable as a man. “I traveled to remote areas, worked long hours in the field, and committed myself fully to scientific research. I have managed to overcome many prejudices, though challenges remain,” she noted.
It is also a driving force that motivates her to passionately advocate for empowering women in STEM education. According to her, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are the foundation of progress, driving innovation and shaping the future. Yet, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, not only in developing countries but even in advanced economies.
“If we truly want to make a meaningful contribution to the world, women must be part of this transformation,” Dr. Qadri emphasized.
Many hesitate to pursue careers in STEM, not due to a lack of ability but because of societal expectations and deeply ingrained biases. Fields including engineering and mathematics, in particular, remain male-dominated, with cultural norms dictating which professions are deemed “suitable” for women.
Another critical factor is the cost and commitment required. STEM education is more demanding, expensive, and time-intensive compared to fields including finance or commerce. Success in STEM requires years of dedication and persistence, making it an uphill battle, especially for women who must balance professional ambitions with societal expectations of family life.
“I try to use my journey to show young women that it is possible to have a family, raise children, and do science.” She remarked, “You just need to know the mechanism to do it. There is no secret formula: just focus, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the work you choose to do.”
Addressing health disparities
Driven by the goal to seek effective preventive public health solutions for Bangladesh and other developing countries, Dr. Qadri focuses on large-scale clinical studies using Vietnamese live vaccine train, which allowed her to conclude the benefit, power and feasibility of an oral dose of an affordable vaccine.
“Vietnam, which has been able to control cholera better through concerted public health efforts, has always been an example I reflected on.” She stated, “If Vietnam can better control cholera through a comprehensive public health approach, why can’t we?”
Besides vaccination, the scientific titan emphasized the need for a holistic approach, including improvements in WASH education, and surveillance. However, behavioral change and access to clean water remain significant hurdles. Thus, according to Dr. Qadri, to provide crucial protection in the short term, there are two key strategies: reactive vaccination during an outbreak and preventive vaccination to build immunity.
However, a major obstacle the world faces is the global shortage of cholera vaccines. “Despite cholera affecting millions across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, only 80 million vaccine doses are currently available annually. This is far below what is needed – Bangladesh alone requires 100 million doses in the coming years,” she noted.
The economic constraints surrounding cholera vaccines also present a challenge. Since cholera is often considered a “disease of poverty,” many pharmaceutical companies hesitate to invest in its production due to low profit margins. “This is already happening,” she stressed.
To address this, Dr. Qadri actively advocates for increased vaccine production in Bangladesh. She shared that one of her team’s key achievements has been demonstrating that in a major outbreak, giving the vaccine in a reactive way can quickly reduce the number of cases. “We have implemented this strategy in multiple regions of Bangladesh,” Dr. Qadri added.
“More importantly, as a result of our dedication, we now have a national cholera control plan, centered on preventive vaccination, ensuring that people receive doses regularly – whether annually or every three years – to stay protected before outbreaks occur. This is a significant milestone in our fight against the disease.” she said.
Hashtag: #VinFuture
https://vinfutureprize.org/vinfuture-prize-nomination/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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 nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7).
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.
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Apical Strengthens Women’s Health to Support Stunting Prevention in Cilincing, North Jakarta
The initiative was launched on 15 December 2025 at the RW 03, RW 09 and RW 10 community offices within the Cilincing public housing complex. Targeting women of reproductive age, the programme was designed as a preventive effort to raise awareness and improve access to essential health services, particularly reproductive health, as a foundation for healthy families and future generations.
Apical’s CSR Manager, Sugiantoro, said the collaboration reflects the company’s long-term, preventive approach to public health. “We believe that healthy women are the pillars of strong families and a key force in shaping healthy communities. Through PT AAJ’s involvement, we aim to create tangible impact by prioritising early prevention, rather than focusing solely on treatment,” he said.
A key focus of the initiative was the early detection of cervical cancer, a serious but largely preventable disease when identified through routine screening and timely intervention. Services provided included IVA screening (visual inspection with acetic acid) and HPV (human papillomavirus) testing.
Dr Kezia Ivana from the Cilincing Community Health Centre explained that IVA and HPV screenings are effective methods for detecting cervical cancer at an early stage.
“Early detection allows us to identify the virus that causes cervical cancer sooner, significantly reducing the risk of disease progression. When detected early, the chances of recovery are very high. However, if left undetected, cervical cancer can lead to severe pain, abnormal bleeding, kidney and urinary tract disorders, swelling of the legs, and fertility problems that may prevent women from having children,” she said.
Apical’s participation in this initiative aligns with the company’s 5Cs philosophy that whatever it does must be good for the Community, Country, Climate and Customer, and only then will it be good for the Company, which underpins its commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. Through partnerships with local stakeholders, Apical, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, continues to support government efforts to address stunting while contributing to improved social and women’s health outcomes, particularly in communities surrounding its operational areas.
Hashtag: #RGE #Apical #CSR #Stunting #Indonesia #Women #Health #Communities
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Apical
Apical is a leading vegetable oil processor with an expanding global footprint. Our vertically integrated mid-stream refining and value-added downstream processing makes us an integral supplier that supports the needs of various industries namely food, feed, oleochemicals and renewable fuel, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which enables a great reduction of CO2 emissions.
With integrated assets in strategic locations spanning Indonesia, China and Spain, Apical operates numerous refineries, oleochemical plants, renewable fuel plants and kernel crushing plants. Through joint ventures and strategic partnerships, Apical also has processing and distribution operations in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Middle East, Africa, USA and Vietnam.
Apical’s growth is built on the foundations of sustainability and transparency, and motivated by our strong belief that we can contribute to a circular economy for a more meaningful impact, even as we continue to grow our business and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.
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Vingroup Signs Strategic Cooperation with The Government of Uzbekistan, Opening Large-Scale Investment Opportunities in Central Asia
Under the MOU, the two parties agreed to jointly study and develop strategic cooperation opportunities in areas such as urban development, sustainable transportation, tourism and leisure infrastructure, as well as other investment projects aligned with Uzbekistan’s development orientation, affirming the scale and capabilities of Vietnamese enterprises on the global economic map.
Specifically, in the area of urban development, Uzbekistan is ready to allocate approximately 1,000 hectares of land in a prime location of the capital Tashkent for Vingroup to study, propose, and invest in the development of a large-scale, integrated urban complex. The project would include residential areas, living infrastructure, commercial and cultural facilities, and public infrastructure facilities. The development is envisioned to form a “Vietnam Town”, creating a modern and sustainable urban landmark while enhancing cultural exchange and economic cooperation between the two countries.
In the field of sustainable transportation, Vingroup has proposed studying the deployment of electric taxi and urban mobility services using VinFast electric vehicles in Uzbekistan, together with a charging infrastructure system and support services. The project is expected to contribute to the green transition, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of urban transportation services in major Uzbek cities.
In tourism and leisure infrastructure, the two sides will explore the potential development of integrated tourism and recreational center, including entertainment facilities, hotels, golf courses and related tourism infrastructure, aiming to unlock tourism potential and enhance Uzbekistan’s attractiveness to international visitors.
In addition, this strategic cooperation also establishes a framework for the two parties to identify, assess, and select other potential investment projects that align with the development strategies and long-term priorities of each side.
On the Uzbek government’s side, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade committed to supporting Vingroup by providing information on the investment environment, legal framework, and incentive policies, as well as coordinating with relevant authorities and local governments in project preparation, including land allocation, licensing, and access to investment support mechanisms in accordance with legislation.
On Vingroup’s side, the Group will propose conceptual proposals, technical expertise and investment plans, participate in feasibility studies and project structuring, and mobilize member companies within the Vingroup ecosystem to implement suitable projects in Uzbekistan.
Mr. Kasimov Ilzat Ablaxatovich, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, stated: “We welcome Vingroup’s interest and commitment to cooperation in Uzbekistan. With its experience in urban development, sustainable transportation, and infrastructure projects, Vingroup is considered a strategic partner to jointly explore and implement investment initiatives aligned with Uzbekistan’s socio-economic development priorities in the coming period.”
Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, shared: “Uzbekistan is a market with strong potential, supported by a clear development direction and an improving investment environment. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, Vingroup aims to gradually explore suitable cooperation opportunities and work alongside the Government of Uzbekistan in developing urban areas, sustainable transportation, and sectors that bring positive contributions to local communities.”
Uzbekistan holds a strategic position in Central Asia, with a growing economy and strong potential in urban development, infrastructure, tourism, and services. The Government of Uzbekistan is actively promoting reforms and attracting foreign investment to drive sustainable economic growth and international integration.
Vingroup is Vietnam’s leading private multi-sector corporation, operating across six core pillars: Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture, and Social Enterprises, with the vision “To create a better life for people”. With its proven reputation, scale and capabilities, Vingroup is steadily expanding globally, contributing to elevate the global standing of Vietnamese enterprises.
Hashtag: #Vingroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
A year later, the landscape has morphed into something far more complex, rippling with tariff shocks, persistent inflation, rising bond yields, and growth downgrades across traditional economic powerhouses. The world feels as if it is moving through a narrow channel, buffeted by waves from every direction. And yet, amid all the noise, Asia has not only held its ground but stepped forward with a clarity and confidence that few regions can match.
Why Asia Now: A New Era of Resilience, Growth, and Opportunity
The forces shaping Asia’s rise have been gathering momentum for decades. What we are witnessing now is their convergence. Asia is not simply adapting to global volatility, it is redefining the foundations of resilience and growth. Its economies are becoming wealthier, stronger, and more self-reliant, and its real estate markets are revealing layers of opportunity that long-term investors have waited years to see.
The near-term picture, though challenged, underscores this resilience. Tariffs have uneven effects, and countries with strong domestic engines such as Australia are absorbing shocks with surprising ease.
But it is the longer horizon that illuminates Asia’s true arc. The region’s working-age population and middle class have expanded at a breathtaking pace, setting the stage for decades of consumption-led dynamism. Education levels are rising, service sectors are flourishing, and manufacturing capabilities are climbing the value chain.
Meanwhile, intra-Asia trade has quietly become the backbone of global commerce, with Asia-to-Asia routes now forming the largest share of world trade. As the region turns inward, not in isolation, but in self-reinforcing collaboration, Asia ex-China is projected to contribute more to global growth than the United States and Europe combined.
Real estate, often seen as a mirror for economic sentiment, is telling a similar story. Transaction volumes across Asia have been less volatile than those in Western markets, and pricing has remained more stable, offering a predictable return profile. Supply constraints, elevated construction costs, and a decade-low pricing position relative to long-term trends are creating what can only be described as an extraordinary entry window.
Why Capital is Flowing into Vietnam
If Asia’s trajectory could be captured in a single idea, it would be the beginning of a Value Uprising, a structural rise in long-term asset worth, powered by demographics, policy, and economic integration, rather than speculation.
From this continental narrative emerges Vietnam, a nation whose ascent is increasingly impossible to ignore. Over the past decade, Vietnam has transformed from a rising star into a gravitational force for global investors. Supply chain diversification has accelerated its role as a manufacturing and logistics nexus. Even with global tariffs shifting, Vietnam’s logistics sector continues to expand in sophistication, efficiency, and international relevance. Its demographic profile, marked by a median age years younger than China, offers a demographic dividend that many Asian economies have already spent. And as Southeast Asia’s digital backbone grows, Vietnam is stepping into the spotlight as one of the region’s next major data-center markets, a signifier of future industrial depth.
Ho Chi Minh City, in particular, has entered a new chapter. Its standing among Asia-Pacific cities for investment and development has climbed steadily, reflecting not only macroeconomic resilience but the confidence of global capital. It has become a symbolic frontier, an emerging metropolis where the contours of modern Asia are being redrawn.
At the heart of Vietnam’s momentum lies another extraordinary phenomenon: The consistent and rising flow of remittances. Vietnam ranks among the world’s top recipients, and Ho Chi Minh City alone welcomed over USD 9.46 billion in 2023, USD 9.6 billion in 2024, and more than USD 5.3 billion in the second quarter of 2025.
A remarkable portion of these funds, around one-fifth, finds its way into real estate. But this is not passive investment. It is a gesture of return, of building a future homeland, of preparing for business, family, and retirement. It is long-term capital with long-term intent.
Vinhomes Green Paradise: A Hidden Gem Poised to Shine in Vietnam’s Real Estate Market
Regulatory reform is reinforcing this trust. The revised Land Law and Real Estate Business Law offer stronger protections and broader rights for Vietnamese citizens, including those living abroad. In a period where global currencies fluctuate and deposit rates decline, investors are increasingly confronting a hard truth: Holding cash is, in many cases, a slow erosion of value. As economist Can Van Luc notes, the VND has lost 3.4 percent of its value in two years, even as the USD depreciated. Real estate, therefore, is not merely an alternative, it has become one of the few asset classes capable of preserving and multiplying value in real terms.
Against this backdrop, regions entering new cycles of infrastructure development are drawing accelerated capital inflows. And among them, one name rises above all others: Can Gio.
For decades, Can Gio stood quietly at the edge of Ho Chi Minh City, an ecological jewel, admired but distant. Today, it has become the most powerful symbol of Vietnam’s coastal urban future. Massive infrastructure investment is reshaping its accessibility, and yet its real estate prices remain a fraction of central districts. Compared to Phu My Hung, Can Gio’s price base is nearly half; compared to Districts 1 and 3, just one-fifth. The gap is not a discount, it is untapped potential waiting to be realized.
The emergence of Vinhomes Green Paradise has pushed this transformation into global consciousness. As the first official participant in the New7Wonders “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign, the project is channeling the same catalytic energy once witnessed in iconic developments. Internationally, such recognitions do not merely elevate prestige, they accelerate valuation cycles, attract global capital, and redefine a city’s future skyline.
With its one-of-a-kind geographic formation and proximity to Can Gio’s million-year-old biosphere reserve, Vinhomes Green Paradise stands as a once-in-a-century asset. It embodies scarcity in its purest form, an asset class that cannot be replicated, reshaped, or reborn elsewhere.
And that is where the narrative converges. Asia’s rise, Vietnam’s momentum, Ho Chi Minh City’s evolution, and Can Gio’s emergence are not isolated stories. Together, they form a new investment epoch characterized by structural uplift, demographic acceleration, and a rapidly expanding middle class. It is the era of the Value Uprising, a phase in which the forces of economics, policy, population, and global capital align to propel real estate into a new price horizon.
In moments like this, markets rarely wait. History shows that investors who move early define the benchmark for everyone who follows. The question is no longer whether Asia will rise, or whether Vietnam will lead, or whether Can Gio will transform. The question, now, is whether investors will seize a moment that may not return for another generation.
Sources:
https://www.hines.com/asia-real-estate-opportunity-in-the-midst-of-uncertainty
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
https://vinhomes.vn/enThe issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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