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Renowned Microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung and Virologist David Ho initiate Global Pandemic Research Alliance

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 14 July 2023 – Acclaimed Columbia University virologist Professor David Ho and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) microbiologist Professor Kwok-yung Yuen are teaming up to create a global alliance for conducting research in emerging infectious diseases.

Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Professor David Ho and Dean of Medicine Professor Lau Chak-sing
Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, Professor David Ho and Dean of Medicine Professor Lau Chak-sing

“We are looking forward to deeper collaboration with HKU and several leading institutions in the world by setting up a ‘Pandemic Research Alliance'”, said Professor Ho, who is visiting Hong Kong after spending a week in mainland China. Professor Ho currently holds the positions of Professor of Microbiology & Immunology and Director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center at Columbia University.

Other partners in discussion include Tsinghua University and Doherty Institute/University of Melbourne. Professor Ho stated that the alliance will pursue “a comprehensive set of research initiatives on surveillance, diagnostics, antiviral drugs & monoclonal antibodies, viral evolution and resistance to therapeutics, antibody engineering, vaccine development and pathogenesis.” The alliance is expected to focus on respiratory viruses that can be directly transmitted person to person.

“Many emerging infectious diseases start at the Pacific Rim. It’s very important to have a cross Pacific alliance. In case another pandemic comes, we could perform much better. I do believe that the alliance can play a very important role,” Professor Yuen remarked.

“I feel very excited about this initiative, which will undoubtedly break new grounds in scientific research and save lives. By harnessing the combined expertise of distinguished institutions globally, we aim to create transformative solutions to protect the wellbeing of humanity,” said Professor Xiang Zhang, HKU President and Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Ho is amongst the first scientists to discover HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and to unravel the dynamics of this virus in infected persons. He is also the first scientist to demonstrate the efficacy of cocktail antiretroviral treatment for AIDS, now capable of achieving a near normal lifespan for a previously incurable disease.

Professors Ho and Yuen first collaborated in 2003 on the use of small molecule inhibitors and recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara against the SARS coronavirus.

Following his first successful collaboration with HKU’s Department of Microbiology, Professor Ho founded the AIDS Institute at HKU to conduct basic and applied research that facilitates the understanding of AIDS pathogenesis and the development of effective AIDS vaccines. The many years of collaboration have resulted in technological breakthroughs on B and T cell immunity, leading to the discoveries of broadly neutralizing antibodies and potent vaccines against HIV. Professor Zhiwei Chen, Director of the AIDS Institute and Professor of Microbiology at HKUMed, who is a key member of the team, said that these discoveries are undergoing phase 1 or 2 clinical trials.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HKU and Columbia research groups published eight collaborative articles on SARS-CoV-2 in leading scientific journals, including three articles in Nature, one in Immunity, and one in Science Translational Medicine. The pandemic research alliance will be built on top of this solid foundation of international collaboration.

Hashtag: #HKU

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Philippine’s Zack Tabudlo and South Africa’s Nasty C Team Up to Release New Single “Fallin’” With COKE STUDIO™

Released today alongside new music from Sam Smith, Jessie Reyez, and Cat Burns as part of season two of Coca-Cola global COKE STUDIO™ program

“Fallin'” video to be available globally July 14th – but fans can find an exclusive preview today at Coke Studio’s digital hub

MANILA, PHILIPPINES Media OutReach – 14 July 2023 – Zack Tabudlo and Nasty C have released a new song – “Fallin'”, their first collaboration project with COKE STUDIO™, Coca-Cola global music platform, which brings the most exciting emerging and breakthrough artists from all corners of the world together to create ‘Real Magic.’

Coca-Cola ‘Real Magic’ brand philosophy celebrates the magic of human connection and the belief that our differences make the world a richer and more interesting place. It is a celebration of the real-life moments and the magic, that happens when people come together.

The performance video for “Fallin'”, which brings Zack and Nasty C together for an exclusive performance of the track, will be released globally on the Coke Studio YouTube channel on July 14th – but fans can get early access by scanning their Coke.

Zack Tabudlo may be the quintessential Gen Z Southeast Asian star of the new 20s: an alternative-pop and R&B singer, lyricist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based in the Philippines. In 2022, he emerged as Spotify’s most-streamed local artist in the Philippines, next to Taylor Swift and BTS. Zack has recently become the first Filipino male solo artist to achieve 1 billion Spotify streams, with multiple songs charting #1 on Spotify’s Global Viral chart.

“This is my first time releasing a track with a rapper like Nasty C. I’d always had visions of doing more pop-hiphop tracks in the future, so when I heard Nasty C was going to be part of Coke Studio, it felt like the perfect time to do it,” said Zack Tabudlo.

The multi-award-winning, platinum-selling South African Nasty C originates from Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. His escalating success led to his 2020 signing to the esteemed Def Jam Records in the USA, and the release of his third album Zulu Man With Some Power, which saw him making global waves.

“Exchanging vibes with Zack on this record was special. Collaborating with him was an organic process; we connected creatively and found a perfect balance between our unique styles,” said Nasty C. “I enjoy collaborations that highlight the magic that can happen when artists from different backgrounds come together to create music. I can’t wait for the world to hear what we’ve cooked up!”

Also released is the COKE STUDIO™ version of “Perfect,” by multi-platinum, GRAMMY®, BRIT, Golden Globe, and Academy Award-winning Sam Smith. Originally from Sam’s top-charting album Gloria, and featuring celebrated JUNO-winner Jessie Reyez, the new version adds double-platinum-seller South Londoner and BRITs Rising Star-nominated Cat Burns with a self-reflective but hopeful new lyrical take.

The release of “Fallin'” and “Perfect” follows “Be Who You Are (Real Magic),” this year’s COKE STUDIO™ anthem by Grammy-award-winning American musician, Jon Batiste featuring NewJeans, J.I.D, Camilo, and Cat Burns. More tracks will be released to global music fans on all music platforms across July and August.

“Collisions’ are central to COKE STUDIO™ and are all about bringing incredible musical talent together across genres and cultures, to create fresh new sounds,” said Joshua Burke, Global Head of Music & Culture Marketing, Coca-Cola™.

More than 16 of the biggest breakthrough music artists of the moment have been brought together from the US, UK, Canada, South Africa, Colombia, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, China, Korea, and the Philippines for COKE STUDIO™ 2023:

  • Jon Batiste (US)
  • Camilo (Colombia)
  • NewJeans (Korea)
  • J.I.D (US)
  • Cat Burns (UK)
  • Imagine Dragons (US)
  • Sam Smith (UK)
  • Diljit Dosanjh (India)
  • Evdeki Saat (Turkey)
  • Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (US)
  • Nasty C (South Africa)
  • Jessie Reyez (Canada)
  • Shae Gill (Pakistan)
  • Shreya Ghoshal (India)
  • XIN LIU (China)
  • Zack Tabudlo (Philippines)
  • Afroto (Egypt)

The COKE STUDIO™ platform is a space for true borderless creation and collaboration amongst emerging and established music artists globally. Curated in collaboration with Universal Music Group, the world leader in music-based entertainment. It offers the rare opportunity for artists from all over the world to collaborate creatively and experiment with sounds from different cultures, fuse genres to create new music and reach global audiences – whether bringing Punjabi music to the US or South African beats to India.

Content from the COKE STUDIO™ global platform is available for fans to access at https://www.coca-cola.com/cokestudio.

Please access campaign images here and the music video here.

Hashtag: #CocaColaPhilippines

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Coca-Cola Philippines

Coca-Cola has been refreshing Filipinos and making a difference in the Philippines for 110 years. The Philippines was Coca-Cola’s first market in Asia to begin local bottling operations. Today, the Coca-Cola system in the Philippines has evolved into a total beverage company, offering a diverse portfolio of brands in its beverage portfolio and employing over 10,000 Filipinos in over 20 manufacturing facilities and more than 70 distribution centers nationwide. As part of its long-standing commitment to the country, Coca-Cola continues to go beyond good as a business by continuously supporting safe water access programs in over 250 communities, empowering around 250,000 women entrepreneurs through training and peer mentoring, and accelerating packaging collection and recycling under its global World Without Waste initiative.

About Universal Music Group

At Universal Music Group, we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audio-visual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. For more information on Universal Music Group visit

About Nasty C

Nsikayesizwe David Ngcobo, known as Nasty C, is a South African multi-platinum music sensation and award-winning artist who has generated over 1 billion streams globally. Nasty C’s talent has garnered international acclaim, leading to his signing with Def Jam Records in 2020. Featuring collaborations with esteemed artists such as T.I., Ari Lennox, Lil Gotit, and Lil Keed, his album “Zulu Man with Some Power” made an undeniable impact globally, solidifying Nasty C’s position as a force to be reckoned with worldwide.

Nasty C is currently focused on creating his fourth studio album, to be released via Def Jam Records, sure to exhibit his innovation as a true pioneer and game changer in the African musical landscape.

About Zack Tabudlo

Zack Tabudlo may be the quintessential Gen Z Southeast Asian star of the new 20s: an alternative-pop and R&B singer, lyricist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based in the Philippines. In 2022, he emerged as Spotify’s most-streamed local artist in the Philippines, next to Taylor Swift and BTS. Zack has recently become the first Filipino male solo artist to achieve 1 Billion Spotify streams, with multiple songs charting #1 on Spotify’s Global Viral and Billboard’s Hits of The Week PH Chart.

Quote from Teejae Sonza, Coca-Cola Trademark Group Marketing Director, ASEAN & South Pacific

“Coke Studio has always taken pride in featuring our remarkable Filipino artists, and together, we have created a whole new experience of enjoying music with Coca-Cola. We are proud to have our own Zack Tabudlo featured on the Coke Studio global stage to showcase an incredible collision of musical talent that creates the taste of a fresh new sound.”

Laos Attracts Foreign Investment of Over USD 800 Million in Khammouane

Laos supports investment in Asia-Potash International Intelligent Industrial Park in Khammuan for China
Signing of the investment cooperation memorandum in Guangzhou, China. (Photo: Hope Vision Lao Individual)

The Asia-Potash International Intelligent Industrial Park in Khammouane province has been a significant investment for the country, with an investment cooperation memorandum worth USD 835 million signed in Guangzhou, China.

Don Deth and Don Khone Islands in Champasack Get New Roads to Boost Tourism

One of the new Roads on Don Deth and Don Khone islands in Khong district, Champassak province. (Photo: Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism)

Concrete and asphalt roads were constructed on Don Deth and Don Khone islands in Champasack province, which was Phase II of an infrastructure development project to improve tourism in the area.

ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Seeks to Reinstate Peace and Stability in Region

Recap on ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting
56th ASEAN Foreign Minister’ Meeting (AMM) Plenary Session, Jakarta, 11 July 2023. ASEAN Foreign Ministers attend the 56th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta. (Photo: ASEAN)

The 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held on July 11-12, in Jakarta, Indonesia, during which, leaders from the US, Russia, China, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries vowed to enhance cooperation with the bloc in various sectors.

High Times in Thailand: New Weed Laws Draw Tourists From Across Asia

A Japanese tourist smokes cannabis at a Dutch passion shop in Bangkok, Thailand, 27 June, 2023. Thailand's de facto legalization of marijuana last year has brought a wave of tourists from the region intrigued by the lure of the forbidden leaf. (Photo: AP)

BANGKOK (AP) — A Japanese tourist reaches into a baggie of cannabis he’s just bought in a central Bangkok weed shop, pulling out a gram of buds to chop down in a small black grinder, before rolling them neatly into a joint.

First Day of Prime Day was the Single Largest Sales Day Ever on Amazon, Helping Make This the Biggest Prime Day Event Ever

Prime Day 2023 was also the biggest Prime Day event ever for independent sellers, whose sales growth in Amazon’s store outpaced Amazon’s retail business

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 14 July 2023 – (NASDAQ:AMZN) – Amazon announced in Seattle that the first day of Prime Day, July 11, was the single largest sales day in company history. Over the course of the two-day shopping event, Prime members purchased more than 375 million items worldwide and saved more than US$2.5 billion on millions of deals across the Amazon store, helping make it the biggest Prime Day event ever.

Amazon’s wide selection is made possible through independent sellers – most of which are small and medium-sized businesses – and this Prime Day was the largest ever for independent sellers in Amazon’s store. Amazon offered more Prime Day deals on small business products than ever before.

“Proud to see Singapore Brands and products were well received on the Amazon’s global stage during Prime Day,” said Anand Palit, Head of Amazon Global Selling, South East Asia. “This year, we have seen entrepreneurs from Singapore actively prepare and participate in worldwide Prime Day, which is a known event within seller community that sellers can participate to raise brand awareness and directly connect with global customers. Amazon Global Selling team in Singapore also started to work with sellers months ago to equip them with knowledge and skills on Prime Day, such as logistics, deals submission etc. Moving forward, the local team in Singapore will continue to explore resources to support and empower Singapore Global Selling sellers, help them expand business worldwide and build global brands.”

“Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events in the US. We see spikes in sales by participating in promotions and Amazon’s shopping events. We are thrilled that our sales this Prime Day averaged five times higher than usual daily sales, thanks to the support of PETITE SIMONE’s loyal customers and new customers that we have reached. We also achieved a remarkable 247% increase in sales compared to last year’s Prime Day. Prime Day is also a great way to promote our new fashion bags and get our brand known by new customers. Our new product launch – the Hazel woven bag received rave reviews, and became the #1 new release women’s tote handbag on Amazon.com,” said Stev Tam, founder of PETITE SIMONE (women’s bag and accessories brand based in Singapore).

Hashtag: #Amazon #Ecommerce #GlobalSelling #Technology

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Amazon Global Selling

Amazon Global Selling helps businesses from anywhere in the world to launch a global business, reach Amazon customers around the world and build international brands. Through selling on Amazon online stores, sellers of different types and scale can reach Amazon’s millions of Amazon customers worldwide, including 200 million+ Prime customers in overseas Amazon online stores; and more than five million business and institutional buyers in the USA, Europe, and Japan.

For more information about selling on Amazon, please visit .

EU Rejects Myanmar’s Diplomatic Role and Says It Still Doesn’t Recognize Generals

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell speaks during ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with European Union at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, 13 July, 2023. (Photo: AP)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The European Union’s top diplomat on Thursday expressed opposition to Myanmar’s upcoming role as the overseer of relations between the 27-nation bloc and Southeast Asian nations and reasserted its non-recognition of the strife-torn country’s military government.