The UK-based National Geographic Traveler has named Don Khong in Champasack, Laos, one of Southeast Asia’s top islands, highlighting it for cycling.
Don Khong Named Southeast Asia’s Top Island for Cycling by National Geographic
Laos Denounces Online Rumors Claiming Prime Minister Sonexay Has Resigned as Fake News
Laos firmly rejected widespread social media rumors claiming Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone had resigned, calling the allegations entirely fabricated and deliberately misleading.
The misinformation originated on a Thai YouTube channel called “ข่าวสาร บ้านเมือง” in Thai language before spreading rapidly across multiple platforms, falsely suggesting the Lao Prime Minister stepped down amid political pressure during the ongoing National Assembly (NA) session.
Officials stated the claims have no factual basis and constitute deliberate fake news designed to undermine public trust and disrupt social stability.
According to state media, Sonexay continues performing his duties as the prime minister of Laos without any changes to his responsibilities.
Authorities described the circulating content as a “deliberate distortion of truth” intended to confuse citizens and create unnecessary tension.
The government stressed that such misinformation is particularly concerning as Laos focuses on administrative reforms, economic stability, and international cooperation.
Officials warned that malicious actors frequently exploit social media to manipulate public sentiment and cause instability. They urged the public and media outlets to verify information carefully, rely solely on official sources, and avoid sharing unverified or sensational claims that can mislead citizens and deepen social division.
This clarification comes as the Lao government convenes the 10th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the NA, running from November 10 to 21.
Sonexay, appointed in late 2022 to succeed Phankham Viphavanh, leads the government during the legislature’s final term as the country prepares for early 2026 elections and implementation of the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP).
Hong Kong Design Centre Presents ‘Play, Pose & Pixel’ Digital Fashion Exhibition
From nostalgic dress-up dolls to designing digital avatars — discover how fashion evolves through imagination 22 November to 2 December at Gate33 Gallery @ AIRSIDE
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 November 2025 – Organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), curated by digital fashion innovator FabriX, and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, ‘Play, Pose & Pixel’ is a flagship programme of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2025. The exhibition will take place from 22 November to 2 December @AIRSIDE’s Gate33 Gallery. As a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government, HKDC is dedicated to promoting Hong Kong as the design excellence capital in Asia. This exhibition, in partnership with the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), evolves from the ‘Tomorrow Was _____’ showcase at Paris Fashion Week, exploring the intersections of fashion, technology and imagination – turning digital couture into an accessible, everyday experience.
From Dress-up Dolls to Digital Avatars: A Journey of Self-Expression
Fashion has always been a creative playground. From dressing dolls to designing digital avatars, ‘Play, Pose & Pixel’ highlights how imagination empowers generations to express identity through style, inviting visitors of all ages to cross boundaries between the physical and the virtual.
Zone 1 — The Doll House: Where Style Begins
Step into the origins of style with more than 40 vintage collectible dolls, ranging from classic Barbie icons to rare designer collaborations with Christian Dior, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Louboutin. Ning Lau will also present over 20 handcrafted dolls, each infused with her creative flair, bringing a Hong Kong perspective to this nostalgic fashion journey.
Zone 2 — Enter the Avatar Era: Redefine Your Identity
Step into the vibrant world of global Avatar culture. Inspired by platforms like Roblox, this immersive installation turns reflection into reinvention as visitors pass through a kaleidoscopic mirrored tunnel. Each reflection spawns a ‘mini-you’— a hyper-Instagrammable moment that celebrates infinite identity and creativity.
Zone 3: From Paris to Hong Kong: Defining the Future of Fashion
Try now, buy later – fashion that moves at pixel speed
FabriX’s signature AR try-ons Kiosk brings next-gen fashion experiences to life, spotlighting Paris Fashion Week designers and Hong Kong’s rising talents. 2025 LVMH Prize finalist Alain Paul, Caroline Hu, the inaugural winner of the BoF China Prize, Didu, known for designing BLACKPINK’s ‘Deadline’ World Tour costumes, and Kevin Germanier, acclaimed for his designs at the Paris 2024 Olympic Closing Ceremony will be joined by three local Hong Kong fashion talents. They are Derek Chan, DEMO from Fashion Incubation Programme (FIP) and Design Incubation Programme (DIP), Brun Chan, röyksopp gakkai from DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award (YDTA) and Design Incubation Programme (DIP), and Tiger Chung, Tigerstrolling from The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC). Together, they will showcase their collections through FabriX’s virtual try-ons via augmented reality, merging local creativity with global innovation.
Visitors will also encounter digital couture powered by 4D.ai technology, conceptualised by James Cao and team, featuring intricate digital works by Kevin Germanier, the designer behind Björk’s iconic Cannes performance look.
For the first time, visitors can explore 360° digital garments like never before — spin, rotate and zoom into recorded 3D ‘moving images’ that redefine how future lookbooks are experienced. The Future lookbook of fashion showcases a new perspective where style is viewed, tested and transformed before it even exists in the real world.
Zone 4: The Digital Afterparty: Reveal Your ‘Virtual Me‘
Strike a pose. Snap the moment
As a grand finale, Zone 4 unlocks each visitor’s own blind box avatar — ‘Virtual Me’. A fast scan transforms one into a digital fashion star — styled in one of six futuristic looks and showcased on a dynamic LED wall. With a nostalgic 80s Cantopop silent disco fueling the vibe, the digital afterparty culminates in a next-level fashion playground celebrating Hong Kong’s creative pulse.
‘Play, Pose & Pixel‘ Digital Fashion Exhibition reminds visitors that style has always been a powerful form of self-expression— and at its heart, fashion is about play. It invites audiences of all ages to merge creativity with technology, exploring a fashion playground tailored for the new generation. From children dress-up dolls to teens creating Roblox avatars, and adults intrigued by wearable tech, this exhibition promises a future where fashion is seen, played, and experienced by all.
Event Details
| Exhibition | ‘Play, Pose & Pixel’ Digital Fashion Exhibition |
| Venue | Gate33 Gallery, Level 3, AIRSIDE, Kai Tak, Kowloon |
| Dates | 22 November – 2 December 2025
Remarks: 22 to 24 November 2025 – For invited guests and media only |
| Opening hours | Monday to Thursday 12:00-8:00pm Friday to Sunday 11:00am – 9:00pm Free admission |
‘Play, Pose & Pixel’ Digital Fashion Exhibition is organised by Hong Kong Design Centre and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency as a programme of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest which is presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Hashtag: #PlayPosePixelHKDC #HKDesignCentre #FabriXworld #hkfashionfest #HongKongFashionFest #CSTB #CCIDAHK #FashionMeetsFuture #DigitalFashion
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Fashion Fest
Announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive in the 2023 Policy Address, ‘Hong Kong Fashion Fest’ will be organised to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. Through consolidating various fashion design events and introducing innovative elements and affiliate activities annually, the Hong Kong Fashion Fest promotes Hong Kong’s fashion and textile design brands and boosts Hong Kong’s position as a prime destination for hosting mega cultural and creative events. The second edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will be held from 22 November and 7 December 2025 at various cultural landmarks and iconic design and fashion locations in Hong Kong. The event will promote digital fashion and sustainable fashion in collaboration with Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week; attract fashion design industry players from all over the world to participate in Hong Kong; foster collaboration, innovation and business opportunities; establish platform for local and international fashion designers and brands and connect with different sectors in the fashion design industry of Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas, thereby consolidating Hong Kong’s position as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
www.hongkongfashionfest.comAbout Hong Kong Design Centre
Hong Kong Design Centre is a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government, harnessing the city’s distinctive East-meets-West position to create value through design. To achieve our goals we:
- Cultivate a culture of design
- Bridge stakeholders to opportunities that unleash the power of design
- Promote excellence in various design disciplines
About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia‘s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong‘s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to some of HKDC’s activities/projects only, and does not otherwise take part in such funded activities/projects. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication and relevant materials/events (or by members of the project teams) are those of HKDC only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Malaysia Faces a Sharp Rise in Heart and Kidney Disease
Alpro Group, with support from Boehringer Ingelheim, launches Jaga CarDia to encourage early screening and prevention
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 November 2025 – Every day, an average of 55 Malaysians lose their lives to heart disease, many in their prime working years (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2022). At the same time, millions are unknowingly living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In response to this silent but escalating health crisis, Alpro Group, with support from Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in non-communicable disease management, has launched “Jaga CarDia”, a nationwide subsidised early-detection programme. The initiative aims to empower 5,000 Malaysians on long-term medication to screen for early signs of heart, kidney, and liver damage before these conditions become irreversible.
(From left: Ph Lim En Ni (Chief Pharmacist and Engagement Director of Alpro Group); Dr. Kam San Dhit (Family Doctor & Clinic Manager of Alpro Clinic); Mr Cheong Yee Kok (General Manager & Head of Human Pharma of Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia); Ms Angie H’ng Ai Ai (Head of Therapeutic Area Franchise in Customer Relationship Management of Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia); Dr Jamal Malik (Head of Medicine of Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia)
The Jaga CarDia initiative offers essential blood tests that provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s heart, kidney, liver, and nutritional health, covering over 70 important health indicators, all available at a subsidized rate of RM 100 for two persons for the essential blood screening package.The family-oriented approach encourages the public to take charge of their health together. By shifting focus from treatment to prevention, Alpro Group and Boehringer Ingelheim aim to cultivate long-term awareness about early detection as the first line of defence against serious complications such as heart failure, stroke, and dialysis.
Recent data paint a concerning picture of Malaysia’s heart and kidney health. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), ischaemic heart disease remained the country’s leading cause of death in 2022, accounting for 16.1 percent of all medically certified deaths (20,322 cases) (DOSM, 2023). Alarmingly, a significant share of these deaths occurred among individuals below the age of 60, highlighting that younger Malaysians are increasingly at risk.
At the same time, a study published in BMC Nephrology found that 15.5 percent of Malaysian adults, over five million people, are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet only a small fraction are aware of their condition (Ho et al., 2020). Together, these findings reveal a silent but accelerating epidemic of chronic diseases affecting Malaysia’s working-age population, and underline the urgent need for early detection and prevention.
“Early detection is the foundation of better health outcomes. At Alpro Clinic, we see many patients who come to us only when their conditions have already progressed, often when symptoms become impossible to ignore,” said Dr Ng Ming Lee, Medical Director of Alpro Clinic. “With Jaga CarDia, we want to change that narrative by helping Malaysians take the first step towards understanding their health before it’s too late. Through this initiative, we are bringing together the expertise of our family doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals to provide a simple, affordable and accessible way for individuals to assess their heart, kidney, liver and nutritional health. Our hope is to make preventive screening a part of every household’s health routine so that families can take charge of their wellbeing together, long before diseases become life-threatening.”
Mr Cheong Yee Kok, General Manager/Head of Human Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia added:
“At Boehringer Ingelheim, we’ve made cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) diseases a major focus, not just in Malaysia, but around the world. We’re working to ensure people get the help they need early, before things get serious. Our collaboration with Alpro Group reflects that shared belief: that early detection and continuous monitoring are just as vital as treatment itself. This partnership also aligns with our upcoming Sihat Sama-Sama campaign, a nationwide effort to promote preventive health and early screening under our sustainability framework, Sustainable Development for Generations — for the benefit of patients, people, and the planet.”
The name “Jaga CarDia” holds a meaningful message. In Malay, “Jaga” means “to care”, while “CarDia” reflects the vital connection between the heart (cardio), diabetes, and kidney health. Together, the name embodies a holistic and integrated approach to chronic-disease prevention.
Under the programme, health screenings will be available at all Alpro Clinic outlets nationwide. Each participant will receive personalised guidance from Alpro’s multidisciplinary team of pharmacists, family doctors, and health professionals, who will help interpret results and advise on next steps.
More than a one-off test, Jaga CarDia serves as a personalised health journey by helping Malaysians understand how their medication, diet, and lifestyle choices affect their heart, kidney, and overall wellbeing.
Eligible Malaysians, especially those on long-term medication for conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, are encouraged to register at https://bit.ly/JagaCarDiaBloodScreening and schedule their appointment at any Alpro Clinic nationwide. For more information, participants can inquire at the nearest Alpro Pharmacy.
For just RM 100 for two people, participants gain early insight into the state of their heart, kidney, liver, and nutritional health, empowering them to take preventive action before silent damage turns into serious disease. After all, the absence of symptoms doesn’t always mean good health, it may simply mean the body hasn’t spoken yet. Listen early, act early, and let early detection protect you and the ones you love.
Hashtag: #AlproGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Alpro Group
Founded in 2002, Alpro Group’s ecosystem has grown to include Alpro Pharmacy, Apotek Alpro, Alpro スギ (Sugi) Pharmacy, Alpro Physio, Alpro Clinic, Alpro Baby, Alpro OptiSaver and Alpro Audiology. Supported by a team of more than 1,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians, physiotherapists, optometrist and many others, Alpro serves over 5 million families in Malaysia and Indonesia through its extensive network of 500 physical outlets.
Alpro Pharmacy is the first and only community pharmacy in the region to offer product liability insurance of MYR 1 million in Malaysia and IDR 3 billion in Indonesia, ensuring the supply of genuine medications and enhancing consumer trust.
With the vision of a healthy and vibrant world, Alpro Group aims to become the No. 1 prescription pharmacy chain in Southeast Asia.
About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at 
www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.
MLR: MPR-MY-100236
Malaysians lose up to RM350 per trip despite spending days hunting for deals, Wise research shows
Wise teams up with content creator Adam Izzy to expose the hidden fees at travel pop-up at Starhill Piazza
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media Out Reach Newswire – 18 November 2025 – Malaysians are losing between RM200 and RM350 per overseas trip to exchange rate markups they never see, even as they spend up to two days hunting for the best travel deals.
New research by international money app Wise reveals that while 31% of Malaysian travellers claim to save over RM500 by chasing promotional deals, only 41% prioritise checking exchange rates when booking. The result? That RM2,500 weekend in Singapore quietly costs RM180-250 more. A RM5,000 Bangkok getaway becomes RM350-450 pricier. Even a RM15 latte in Melbourne creeps up to RM16.50.
The culprit: hidden exchange rate markups. Many providers mark up the exchange rate 3-6% above the real mid-market rate and pocket the difference – without clear disclosure on receipts or booking confirmations.
To help travellers spot and avoid hidden markups ahead of the holidays, Wise is reuniting with content creator Adam Izzy for its campaign. Building on Wise’s “Siapa Wise?” campaign earlier this year, Adam is bringing his beloved Uncle Tim character back to show Malaysians how hidden fees work, and how to avoid them.
Adam will be hosting an interactive pop-up at Starhill Piazza, The Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, on 18–19 November (10am–10pm). Activities include bowling to knock down pins labelled “Unfair rates” and “High ATM fees,” rapid-fire quizzes on travel money myths and a prize grab. Complete all stations to redeem Wise merchandise (bucket hats, luggage tags, travel pillows) and stand to win travel vouchers worth up to RM800 each.
“Aiyo! Every year, same story – we hunt for a RM50 flight discount, then lose RM200 on bad exchange rates,” said Adam Izzy. “Doesn’t make sense lah! Time to be a bit smarter (pandai sikit) and understand where our money actually goes.”
“We’ve created a culture where ‘good deal’ means the flashiest promo code or the cheapest headline price, but Malaysians are leaving money on the table by not looking at the rate,” said Yen Ting Chiam, Country Manager, Wise Malaysia. “When the exchange rate is 3–6% worse than the mid‑market rate, a RM3,000 ‘budget’ trip can quietly become RM3,300. Our message is simple: look at the rate, not just the price, so every Ringgit goes further abroad.”
Unlike traditional providers, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups. With the Wise account and card, Malaysians can hold, convert and spend over 40 currencies transparently. Travellers can also lock in preferred rates with auto‑conversion and get two free ATM withdrawals a month worldwide, avoiding overpriced airport money changers.
Hashtag: #Wise
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Wise
Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money.
With Wise Account and Wise Business, people and businesses can hold 40 currencies, move money between countries and spend money abroad. Large companies and banks use Wise technology too; an entirely new network for the world’s money. Launched in 2011, Wise is one of the world’s fastest growing, profitable tech companies.
In fiscal year 2025, Wise supported around 15.6 million people and businesses, processing over $185 billion in cross-border transactions and saving customers around $2.6 billion.
HKSTP Co-hosts “Dongguan & Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Acceleration Exchange Conference” with Dongguan Science and Technology Bureau and Binhaiwan Bay Area
Multiple Collaboration Agreements Signed to Deepen Cross-border Development
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 November 2025 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), together with the Dongguan Science and Technology Bureau, co-organised the “2025 Dongguan & Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Acceleration Exchange Conference“ on 30 October at the Administrative Committee of the Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area. The event explored ways to strengthen collaboration and resource integration between the two cities, accelerating innovation outcomes and advancing coordinated development across the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development of HKSTP (front, right), and Zhou Liang, Deputy General Manager of Dongguan City Fook Man Group Company (front, left), signed the Co-Acceleration Programme partnership agreement. The signing was witnessed by Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP (back, second from right); Zeng Jianpeng, Standing Committee Member of the Dongguan Municipal Committee, Deputy Mayor of the Dongguan Municipal Government and Deputy Secretary of Party Leadership Group (back, centre); Sheng Yongming, Deputy Director-General of the Dongguan Science and Technology Bureau (back, first from right); Huang Jingzhi, Party Committee Member and Deputy Director of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the People’s Government of Dongguan (back, second from left); and Yuan Guochao, Party Committee Member, and Deputy General Manager of Dongguan Communications Investment Group Co., Ltd., Party Branch Secretary and Executive Director of Dongguan City Fook Man Group Company (back, first from left).
The event was attended by Mr Zeng Jianpeng, Standing Committee Member of the Dongguan Municipal Committee, Deputy Mayor of the Dongguan Municipal Government and Deputy Secretary of Party Leadership Group; Mr Sheng Yongming, Deputy Director-General of the Dongguan Science and Technology Bureau; Mr Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP; and Mr Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development of HKSTP. They were joined by around 120 representatives from government departments, public enterprises, Binhaiwan Bay Area, and startups from Hong Kong and Dongguan, all witnessing the deepening collaboration in innovation and technology between Hong Kong and Guangdong Province.
Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, delivered opening remarks at the Dongguan & Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Acceleration Exchange Conference.
The exchange served as a platform for showcasing innovation achievements and indicating collaborative programmes. Key highlights included several signing ceremonies:
- “The Co-Acceleration Programme” Partnership Signing Ceremony: Dongguan City Fook Man Group Co., Ltd. officially joined HKSTP’s Co-Acceleration Programme as a strategic partner, marking a new cross-border collaboration model. The partnership will provide a shared platform for resource integration, joint investment and co-incubation between Hong Kong and Dongguan technology enterprises.
- “Dongguan-Hong Kong Incubation Hub” Launch Ceremony: A new incubation hub was jointly launched by HKSTP, Dongguan Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd. and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Science and Technology Leading Talents Innovation Drive Centre. The initiative aims to empower and support Hong Kong startups and entrepreneurs in hardware design and manufacturing through cross-border resources.
- “Dongguan-Hong Kong AI Hardware Innovation Centre” Signing Ceremony: Through HKSTP’s Co-Acceleration Programme and partnership with Binhaiwan, the centre will leverage Hong Kong’s R&D strengths to drive AI hardware innovation, fostering new opportunities and achievements in the GBA collaboration and leading the future development of AI.
HKSTP CEO Mr Terry Wong said: “Today’s event underscores the importance of coordinated development within the Greater Bay Area, which is a shared goal for us. As two key nodes in the GBA, Hong Kong and Dongguan both bring unique strengths and resources. The Co-Acceleration Programme is not only a strategic step to extend Hong Kong’s global I&T influence but also an important milestone in our shared journey towards a broader future. Together, we will support the world’s most promising startups and help them scale between our two cities.”
Hashtag: #DongguanHongKongInnovationandTechnologyAccelerationExchangeConference
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.
Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.
Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.
Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.
More information about HKSTP is available at 
www.hkstp.org.
Fortune Honours Malina Ngai as One of Asia’s Most Powerful Women: The Science Behind AS Watson’s 185-Year Legacy
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA & HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 November 2025 – Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, has been named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Asia 2025, ranking 6th on the list and standing out as the only retail leader among the top 10. The recognition was announced online earlier this month, and the award was formally presented to Ngai at the Fortune Innovation Forum gala dinner held in Kuala Lumpur last night.
Speaking at the forum gala dinner, she talked about ‘The Science Behind a 185-Year Company’ sharing insights on leading a vast retail network amid evolving market dynamics. AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, operates over 17,000 stores across 31 markets. In Malaysia, Watsons has over 800 stores and is the number one health and beauty retailer.
Dr. Malina Ngai, takes the stage at the Fortune Innovation Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur to share the science and strategy behind AS Watson’s 185-year journey of legacy.
“Leading a company with 185 years of history is both an honour and a challenge,” Ngai stated. “Heritage gives us credibility, but relevance keeps us alive. Tradition gives us roots, but innovation gives us wings.” She emphasised the importance of deep listening to customers, colleagues, and partners, and making decisions with both head and heart.
Dr. Malina Ngai, takes the stage at the Fortune Innovation Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur to share the science and strategy behind AS Watson’s 185-year journey of legacy.
Ngai highlighted the company’s focus on talent and agility, stating, “Culture is the bridge between past and future. We invest in talent and agility so our teams can adapt quickly without losing our DNA.” Drawing on her background as a competitive athlete, “What sports have taught me is a kind of true resilience that no business school can teach. As a competitive athlete, you train for months for just a few minutes of performance. That focus, anticipation, perseverance, and the spirit of never easily giving up – that’s the essence of resilience.”
Khoon Fong Ang, Asia CEO of Fortune (right) presents the Fortune’s The Most Powerful Women 2025 honour to Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, in recognition of her outstanding leadership and influence in the retail industry.
Ngai also shared how sports have shaped her leadership style, emphasising focus under pressure, rapid decision-making, and the importance of teamwork and trust. She underscored AS Watson’s commitment to blending “art and science” into retail, using data and AI to personalise offers while maintaining a human connection with customers. “We are a technology-powered company with a human soul,” she said.
As AS Watson approaches its 185th anniversary, the company continues to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of its customers, blending its rich heritage with a forward-looking approach.
To learn more about the award, visit: Most Powerful Women Asia | Fortune
To discover more about AS Watson’s history and talent development, visit:
Our History
AS Watson Surpasses Halfway Mark in Global Youth Employment Pledge: 134,000 Young People Recruited Worldwide and 3.8 Million Training Hours Delivered to Empower Future Retail Leaders
Hashtag: #ASWatson
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Grow with Xiaomi: Powering the Next-Gen Internet Ecosystem with AI
BANGKOK, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On November 17, 2025, Xiaomi’s International Internet Business Department (Xiaomi IIB) successfully held the Xiaomi Internet Partner Conference 2026 in Thailand, gathering key partners from around the world to share its vision for the AI era.
Qiang Song, General Manager of International Internet Business Department at Xiaomi, during his speech at the Xiaomi Internet Partner Conference 2026 in Thailand.
During the conference, four on-device AI features were introduced—AI Search, Creative Tools, Pet Companion, and Shopping Assistant. “We regard exceptional user experience as the core of our mission,” said Qiang Song, General Manager of Xiaomi IIB. “In this fast-moving era of AI, we are also eager to grow together with our partners and seize every opportunity.”
For example, Pet Companion introduces an adorable home-screen AI pet that performs actions like eating, sleeping, and playing. Integrated with system apps, it provides practical functions such as step counts and weather reminders, while responding to users’ voice input, offering users a unique and emotionally engaging experience.
And the Shopping Assistant helps users discover products efficiently. The on-device AI identifies details, finds similar items and claims coupons, all accessible with a single tap. Its floating system-level product page ensures a fast and convenient shopping experience.
Beyond its AI advancements, Xiaomi has also strengthened its open and sustainable ecosystem for applications, games, content, and services, creating new possibilities for both users and partners.
Minicard, an on-device capability, provides a flexible and seamless app distribution experience for GetApps, Xiaomi’s overseas official app store. Recent enhancements have focused on streamlining app publishing, optimizing launch flows, and delivering actionable insights, unlocking OEM potential to support app ecosystem growth.
In gaming, Xiaomi’s joint operations have attracted a large number of developers, with over 450 in-app purchase (IAP) titles launched in supported regions, achieving 90% annual revenue growth. The team leverages on-device resources for broader reach through placements such as full-screen, home page, and Games tab banners, while even extending reach beyond GetApps to other premium Xiaomi media.
Xiaomi has also developed an OEM native advertising framework that provides on-device placements and cross-device reach, enabling brands and partners to engage users through contextually integrated touchpoints.
In addition, the Xiaomi ADS platform, an all-in-one advertising solution, provides tools to manage the advertising lifecycle and support partners in engaging users effectively. Its proprietary ROAS algorithm helps optimize campaign performance, driving sustainable growth across the ecosystem.
As AI continues to redefine the boundaries of technology and user experience, Xiaomi plays a key role in this transformation, bridging hardware and software as well as intelligence and creativity. “Through continuous innovation and deep collaboration, we are building an open and sustainable internet ecosystem for all by empowering users and partners with our AI capabilities,” said Qiang Song.
