SINGAPORE, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dr Lillyn Teh, a global advocate for holistic education and firm supporter of the Singapore Management University (SMU), made her third and most significant gift yet to the University today — a S$15 million gift of impact to transform lives and provide holistic education to the next generation of changemakers.

Her latest gift deepens and broadens this legacy across three key fronts: Empowering Students Through Financial Support, Broadening Horizons Through Global Exposure and Elevating Academic Excellence & Learning Community.

Among the new initiatives supported through this gift are:

1. The Lillyn Teh Endeavour Study Award, to support students who demonstrate resilience and commitment to learning despite financial hardship. 
2. The Lillyn Teh Global Endeavour Grant, which will enable students with financial needs to embark on student exchange programmes in Asia.
3. The Lillyn Teh Global Leadership Endeavour Grant, which enables deserving students to participate in international exchange programmes at leading global universities, cultivating a more well-rounded worldview.
4. The Lillyn Teh Endeavour Scholarship, offered annually to outstanding students at the School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) who are pursuing a second major at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB).
5. The Lillyn Teh Social Event: Two gatherings will be held annually to bring together recipients of Dr Teh’s gifts, fostering mentorship, peer learning, and a strong sense of community
6. SMU’s Master of Science in Applied Finance (MAF) programme: Sustained funding to go towards enabling hands-on experience with expert faculty guidance, industry engagement, access to specialised software tools, and the opportunity to invest real money in global markets.

“Dr Teh’s generosity has helped lay the groundwork for a vibrant and supportive community — one where recipients of her gifts can come together to share experiences, learn from one another, and grow collectively. By creating this platform for mentorship and connection, Dr Teh is shaping more than individual success stories — she is nurturing a generation of students who lift each other up, and who carry forward the values of generosity, resilience, and shared purpose,” said Professor Lily Kong, SMU President.

She added that Dr Teh’s contributions have already begun to shape impact across campus. “Over the past year, Dr Teh’s generosity has empowered SMU students by expanding access to education, recognising academic excellence, and enabling global exposure that broadens horizons and deepens cross-cultural understanding. Her support has also fostered a culture of learning and community, including initiatives that promote peer mentorship and hands-on experiences.

With this latest and most significant gift, these impact areas will be deepened and sustained for future generations. On behalf of the University, I extend my deepest gratitude to Dr Teh for her steadfast belief in SMU’s mission. Her continued partnership exemplifies how our community is shaping the next chapter of SMU’s story — one that nurtures future-ready graduates and drives meaningful impact beyond our shores.”

Dr Teh shared that her motivation to give stems from her belief in the power of education, and a desire to provide growth opportunities for the next generation.

She said, “I strongly believe that education is the great equaliser and powerful multiplier. I fully endorse SMU’s holistic and globally connected approach and believe that students should be equipped not only with knowledge, but also with curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and compassion. Through this contribution, I hope to help students go further in their tertiary education and inspire them to start their own giving journey in the future.”

The announcement comes as SMU celebrates its 25^th anniversary, a milestone that reflects the University’s evolution from a bold start-up institution to a globally recognised hub for innovation and impact. Dr Teh’s gifts exemplify how philanthropy and partnership can drive the next phase of SMU’s mission — one where every potential gets realised.

About the Donor
Dr Lillyn Teh is a strong advocate for education as the cornerstone of shaping future pathways for young people. With a background in Finance and Computer Science, and experience as both an academic and an industry practitioner, she brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to solving classic problems and new challenges.

Grateful for the strong support of her parents throughout her educational and professional journey, Dr Teh is committed to giving back by expanding access to quality education that empowers young people to reach their full potential. She believes that education is a powerful catalyst for social mobility and economic progress, and champions meaningful initiatives that foster curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.

Dr Teh taught at two American universities before moving into the private sector, where she managed one of the largest US pension funds. Now happily retired, she remains dedicated to making a meaningful and lasting impact on individuals and communities, helping to shape a brighter future for generations to come.

About SMU
A premier university in Asia, SMU is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU’s mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU’s education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning.

Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU comprises eight schools: School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems, Yong Pung How School of Law, School of Social Sciences, College of Integrative Studies, and College of Graduate Research Studies. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors’, masters’, and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas.

SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU’s city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community. www.smu.edu.sg

BEIJING, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, announces the premiere of “The Blooming Journey” Season 2, arriving October 24. This travel-themed reality show continues iQIYI’s legacy of delivering standout seasonal IPs while highlighting authentic and compelling female narratives.

Building on the popularity of season 1, season 2 features five of China’s renowned female celebrities alongside two young companions. The format breaks away from task-driven reality competition: each episode is anchored in a meaningful theme, with cast members exploring new challenges that highlight collaboration, self-discovery, and the power of personal stories. This season’s journey covers diverse destinations – Inner Mongolia, Guizhou, Chongqing, Quanzhou, Hong Kong, and Macao – giving viewers a panoramic look at the broader Chinese culture.

Performance data demonstrates robust anticipation and engagement: Season 2 generated over a thousand trending topics on social media prior to premiere, reflecting the powerful draw of iQIYI’s original programming. Season 1 achieved notable success, with iQIYI’s content popularity index surpassing 8,000 and leading third-party rankings such as Enlightent, Dengta, Maoyan, Endata, Guduo, and Vlinkage. The show has not only captured young audiences, but also reached lower-tier markets and more senior demographic.

Importantly, “The Blooming Journey” makes a real-world impact. The show also helped bring new attention to Lugu Lake in Yunnan Province, where visitor numbers rose 42.93% year-on-year during the 2025 National Day Holiday period. Many travelers were inspired by the show to explore local traditions, including sunrise watching and Mosuo cultural experiences.

“The Blooming Journey” epitomizes iQIYI’s ongoing commitment to premium, IP-driven entertainment. Other long-running variety shows – such as “The Rap of China,” “The King of Stand-Up Comedy,” and “Become a Farmer” – further demonstrate iQIYI’s leadership in delivering high-quality, diverse content that shapes consumer preferences and boosts local tourism.

With its strong portfolio of seasonal IP and cross-border format innovation, iQIYI remains at the forefront of China’s entertainment landscape, providing fresh perspectives, championing inclusive storytelling, and connecting audiences to the places and cultures they see on screen.

Contact:
iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Marking a decade of progress in Malaysia’s future of work movement, the LIFE AT WORK Awards (LAWA) 2025 celebrated outstanding employers who are redefining how the nation works, with flexibility, inclusivity, and sustainability at the core.

Hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), the strategic think tank under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), this year’s Awards carried the theme “Driving Inclusivity, Powering Sustainability.”

A Decade of Impact: From Policy to Purpose

Speaking at the gala, YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of KESUMA, said the Awards reflect Malaysia’s MADANI vision, where progress is defined not only by profit, but by purpose.

“The real measure of progress is not how high our GDP climbs, but how far our humanity reaches,” he said.

He noted that inclusivity and flexibility have become the hallmarks of a modern, competitive economy,  and Malaysia is moving decisively in that direction.

Under KESUMA’s leadership, the Government has legally recognised the right to request Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA), expanded tax incentives for family-friendly and returnship practices, and strengthened protections for working parents through the Employment (Amendment) Act.

These reforms have contributed to a more equitable labour market: Malaysia’s gender pay gap narrowed from RM211 in 2023 to RM18 in 2025, while the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ranked Malaysia 108^th out of 146 countries, up six places from 2024.

Malaysia also continues to perform strongly in global competitiveness indicators, ranking 23^rd in the World Competitiveness Index and 25^th in the IMD World Talent Ranking, reflecting the country’s growing reputation for an agile, inclusive, and forward-looking workforce.

“Inclusivity and flexibility are no longer optional — they are the new competitive advantage,” YB Steven Sim added.

Recognising Malaysia’s Best Workplaces

YB Wong Shu Qi, Chairperson of TalentCorp, said that over the past decade, the Awards have evolved into a national movement recognising organisations that “make work more human.”

“Behind every submission lies a story of innovation, inclusion, and leadership — of mothers returning to work, of managers learning to lead differently, and of teams proving that compassion and performance can coexist,” she said.

She added that through TalentCorp’s advocacy, over 900,000 Malaysians have benefited from more inclusive and flexible work arrangements, proving that “doing good for people is good for business.”

This year, 266 organisations submitted 719 entries across 13 award categories, a 33% increase from 2024. New categories — Future-Ready University & College, Future-Ready School, and Changemakers reflect Malaysia’s whole-of-nation approach to inclusivity and lifelong learning.

Top Honours 2025

Among this year’s 33 winners, key champions include:

Best Organisation Awards

• International Organisation – Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd
• Public Listed Company – Sunway Group
• Private Limited Company – Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas
• Public Sector – Bank Negara Malaysia
• Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) – Q3 Management Solutions Sdn Bhd

CEO Champions

• Ng Wei Wei (United Overseas Bank Malaysia)
• Dato’ Chu Jenn Weng (ViTrox Corporation)
• Datuk Wira (Dr) Ameer Ali Mydin (MYDIN Mohamed Holdings)
• Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Mohammad Azmi (Securities Commission Malaysia)
• Dr Thomas Ong (NanoTextile Sdn Bhd)

CHRO Champions

• Rethinalingam Rubakantan (Mercedes-Benz Malaysia)
• Andrew Chan Geh Hui (Press Metal Aluminium Holdings)
• Rozalawati Ngah (Emerson Process Management)
• Dr Vanitha Thurairasu (Kinta District Health Office, Ministry of Health)
• Wong Ye San (PLC Tax Consultants)

Category Highlights

• Allianz Malaysia – Women at Work & Leadership (International / Public Listed Company)
• Tea Garden – Women at Work & Leadership (Private Limited Company / Public Sector)
• Central Force International– Women at Work & Leadership (SME)
• Western Digital – Young Graduates (International / Public Listed Company)
• Verdant Solar – Talent Sustainability (SME)
• CelcomDigi – Corporate Social Responsibility (International / Public Listed Company)
• Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara Balik Pulau – Future-Ready University & College (Public Sector)
• Asia Pacific University (APU) – Future-Ready University & College (Private Sector)
• SM Teknik Alor Setar – Future-Ready School (Public Sector)
• SOLS Foundation – Changemakers (NGO/ NPO, MSME)

Malaysia’s Inclusive Future of Work

The LIFE AT WORK Awards 2025 reaffirm Malaysia’s commitment to building a workforce and workplace ecosystem that balances economic progress with human dignity in line with the MADANI Economy Framework.

The Awards continue to serve as a platform to showcase employers leading the way in DEI, sustainability, and future skills readiness, supporting the national goal of increasing female labour force participation to 60% by 2030.

By celebrating organisations that combine compassion with competitiveness, LAWA 2025 reflects Malaysia’s broader mission to ensure that growth is shared, inclusive, and sustainable across all sectors of society.

“These organisations prove that compassion is not the opposite of performance, but the foundation of it,” said YB Steven Sim. “By giving dignity, we gain excellence.”

The ceremony drew 750 guests, including Datuk Azman bin Mohd Yusof, Secretary General of KESUMA, senior government officials, industry leaders, and awards participants.

For more information, visit www.lifeatwork.my