SHANGHAI and SINGAPORE, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fudan University and Singapore Management University (SMU) have elevated their partnership of 17 years to a strategic level to focus on pressing societal challenges in the digital age.

Through a Memorandum of Agreement signed at the 2025 Fudan University–Singapore Management University Forum on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Governance and Sustainable Societies by Fudan University President Jin Li and SMU President Lily Kong, both universities have committed to deeper cooperation across research and education in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) governance, computational social science, urban sustainability and successful ageing.

Solid foundation to realise new ambitions

Since the launch of their undergraduate exchange programme in 2008, SMU and Fudan have worked together on numerous joint research projects across the disciplines of Law, Economics and Information Systems, academic programmes including a double master’s degree in law, as well as three high-level joint forums since 2014.

This rich history of collaboration has laid a solid foundation to realise new ambitions under the strategic partnership, particularly an interdisciplinary Joint Programme in Digital Technology and Society, which will integrate education, research and community engagement to advance knowledge and develop solutions at the intersection of management, social sciences and technology.

The two universities say that their strategic partnership goes beyond academic excellence, aiming to develop new knowledge for real-world impact and to transform lives.

At the signing ceremony, President Jin Li stated that this strategic partnership is an important initiative by Fudan University in response to the national strategies of “Digital China” and “Sustainable Development,” as well as a demonstration of both universities’ responsibility to contribute to global governance. Leveraging complementary strengths, Fudan and SMU will jointly establish an interdisciplinary programme focused on “Digital Technology and Society,” with particular emphasis on the intersections of artificial intelligence, digital governance, and urban sustainability.

President Lily Kong noted that the elevation to a strategic partnership reflects the shared vision of both universities to develop and deliver meaningful impact to the communities they serve, and to bridge Singapore and China through transformative education and cutting-edge research. Based in cities that are exemplars of progressive urban planning and development, SMU and Fudan have every opportunity to contribute insights that make Singapore and Shanghai more sustainable, enduring and inclusive. “SMU and Fudan will work together to address the pressing societal challenges of today and tomorrow, building more sustainable and inclusive urban societies, nurturing future-ready talent, and developing innovative strategies to address ageing societies — all of which are central themes of today’s forum.”

Multiple perspectives and enhanced international collaboration in higher education for the digital era

Ahead of the signing ceremony, the forum featured in-depth discussions on the themes of artificial intelligence, digital governance and a sustainable society. SMU President Lily Kong and Fudan University Vice President Chen Zhimin delivered opening remarks, reflecting on the two universities’ history of collaboration and outlining future directions for partnership.

Leading scholars from Shanghai, Singapore and beyond delivered keynote addresses. University of Göttingen Institute of Computer Science Chair Professor and Fudan Research Centre for Social Intelligence Chief Scientist, IIEEE Fellow, Professor Fu Xiaoming, examined social mobility in ancient empires and the digital age through the lens of AI for Social Sciences and Humanities (AI4SSH). Associate Dean of SMU’s School of Computing and Information Systems, Associate Professor Zhu Feida, discussed how collaborative intelligence and tokenised economies could drive a sustainable digital future. Peking University School of Transnational Law Associate Professor of Law and SMU Centre for Digital Law Research Fellow, Associate Professor Gilad Abiri, analysed the normative frameworks for AI legitimacy. Fudan Institute on Ageing Professor and Secretary-General of the Shanghai Population Association, Professor Li Qiang, explored the opportunities and challenges of digital and intelligent solutions for elderly care in light of China’s demographic trends.

In the subsequent roundtable discussions, international academics and industry leaders engaged in dialogue on two key topics: “AI Governance: Co-evolution, Tensions and Synergies in the Public Good” and “AI Leadership and Business Value Creation.” Involving SMU School of Computing and Information Systems Professor Siau Keng Leng, the panels examined how AI can deliver efficiency gains for public benefit while raising challenges of ethics and fairness, and explored enterprise transformation, talent development and value creation in the digital era. Speakers underscored the need for dynamic balance to ensure that technology ultimately serves the good of society, offering practical insights to inform future academia–industry collaboration between the two universities.

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

PARIS, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Altitude Group announced the appointment of Stéphanie Lynch-Habib as Managing Director of Covage, succeeding Aymeric de Cardes, effective 15 September 2025.

Covage, acquired by the Altitude Group in 2021, is the only French wholesale operator to offer a comprehensive range of connectivity solutions, from fibre (FTTO, FTTH, FTTE) to mobile (4G, 5G), on a network exclusively dedicated to the business market.

In recent years, under the leadership of its Managing Director Aymeric de Cardes, the company has completed its integration and invested heavily in the expansion, consolidation and digitalisation of its network to offer a better quality of service.

To continue this momentum, Covage is embarking on a new phase of its development and welcomes Stéphanie Lynch-Habib as its Managing Director.

With over 25 years of international experience, she built her career at Lucent Technologies and AT&T, where she held various management positions in finance, marketing, sales and strategy.

She then served as Chief Marketing Officer at Colt Technology Services, spearheading a marketing transformation and repositioning the company in the large enterprise market.

As Chief Marketing Officer of the GSMA, she restructured event management and completely transformed the marketing function, enabling the business to continue operating in a completely disrupted environment. More recently, she was the President of euNetworks, where she led operations and the go-to-market strategy during the group’s recapitalisation.

“I am delighted to join Covage, part of the Altitude Group, to lead this new phase of development alongside the teams. We have a unique capillarity across France to meet the connectivity needs of businesses of all sizes and to accelerate the digital development of regions,” said Stéphanie Lynch Habib.

Dorothée Lebarbier, Chairperson and CEO of the Altitude Group, added: “Stéphanie’s appointment comes at an important time in Covage’s history. After several years of consolidation, we are entering a new phase of growth in which her leadership, industry experience and development expertise will be key to achieving our goals. I wish her, and the Group’s Executive Committee, every success in her new role. We would also like to thank Aymeric de Cardes for his commitment and professionalism and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

About the Altitude Group

Founded in 1990, Altitude is a family-owned group led by Dorothée Lebarbier, Chairperson and CEO. The 3^rd largest fibre optic infrastructure operator in France, with uninterrupted growth since its creation, the Altitude Group, a fibre optic infrastructure operator and B2B telecoms expert, is a key player in the strategy to develop superfast broadband in France. With a team of 2,000 experts, the Altitude Group deploys an agile and efficient model. The Altitude Group is committed to delivering sustainable digital transformation for businesses and regions with strong brands:

Altitude Infra, Airmob, Covage, Linkt, Netwo, Phibee Télécom, Ubicité

About Covage

Covage is France’s 3^rd-largest infrastructure operator in the business market. It is the only wholesale operator capable of offering the full range of fibre and 5G solutions exclusively dedicated to the business market. Over 200 operators rely on its networks to provide high-value-added, superfast connectivity solutions to businesses and public sites. The Covage network serves 150,000 end customers and covers 70% of French businesses with dedicated fibre (FTTO) and 75% with shared fibre (FTTH Pro). As a national operator, Covage relies on 380 employees and more than 20 branches to offer local services.

www.covage.com | X: @Covage_News | Covage LinkedIn

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2788405/Altitude_Logo.jpg

Press Contact:
covage@lanouvelle-agence.com 

MILAN, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy today unveiled the global winners of its three prestigious collateral awards, a significant milestone leading up to the Grand Finale of the 2024-25 Competition. These talented chefs, representing diverse regions, have distinguished themselves through an extensive selection process that began with local competitions across 15 regions worldwide.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
https://www.multivu.com/s_pellegrino/9358151-en-young-chef-academy-announce-winners-collateral-awards-ahead-grand-finale-2024-25  

Chef Zanté Neethling (Africa, Middle East & South Asia) receives the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award, chef Noah Wynants (North Europe) is named winner of the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award and chef Nicolás A. López (USA) takes home the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award.

Each award recognises a young chef whose work goes beyond culinary excellence to reflect deeper values of sustainability, cultural connection and personal expression. As the international culinary community looks ahead to the Grand Finale of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25, set to take place in Milan on 28-29 October, these collateral awards highlight the multifaceted talent emerging in the global culinary landscape.

The S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award, presented to South African chef Zanté Neethling, celebrates a dish that best expresses the principle of social responsibility. The award acknowledges a chef’s commitment to responsible practices, ethical sourcing, and a positive impact on their community, and is voted for by The Sustainable Restaurant Association.

Neethling’s dish, Tribute to the Khoi-Khoin Taras, was praised for its integration of indigenous knowledge. Currently Executive Sous Chef at Beyond in Cape Town, Neethling has established herself as a strong voice for regenerative practices and biodiversity in modern gastronomy.

“This recognition is deeply personal and significant to me,” said Neethling. “Sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s a responsibility to regenerate, preserve and pass on the knowledge that connects us to nature and to each other.”

Juliane Caillouette Noble, Managing Director of The Sustainable Restaurant Association, noted: “Zanté’s signature dish is not only a carefully sourced tribute to South Africa’s ancestral roots, but also a roadmap for how chefs can lead in building a more ethical and equitable food system.”

Chef Noah Wynants of the Netherlands has been named winner of the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award. This prize, selected by the competition’s mentors, celebrates the young chef whose signature dish best reflects harmony between tradition and innovation. Wynants impressed with his plant-based take on a global classic, Dutch ‘Rendang’, which reinterprets a traditionally meat-based dish using local fruits and vegetables.

“With this dish, I want to show that worldly flavours can be achieved with products from our own country or region,” Wynants said. “This dish is entirely based on vegetables and fruits and contains no animal products. By doing this, we challenge ourselves and demonstrate that the same flavours can be achieved without using animal ingredients.”

Mentors from the competition commended Wynants for a dish that demonstrates how sustainable sourcing and cultural storytelling can come together in a refined and contemporary expression of gastronomy.

Chef Nicolás A. Lopez of the United States has been awarded the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award, promoted by Fine Dining Lovers. This is the only award in the competition decided by public vote and recognises the young chef whose dish best expresses their personal beliefs and values. Lopez was selected from 15 regional finalists for his ability to use his dish, Pork with Hints of the Sea, to communicate a compelling narrative and emotional resonance that connected with audiences worldwide.

“This dish reflects my journey, from local pubs to fine dining, and the lessons passed down by the chefs who inspired me.” Lopez said. “I pushed myself to use unfamiliar ingredients and techniques, while embracing a sustainable approach that minimises waste and honours every element on the plate.”

The three awards reflect the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy’s ongoing commitment to supporting young culinary talent who are not only skilled professionals, but also ambassadors of change, sustainability and cultural dialogue. The winners will be formally awarded at the Grand Finale, where the overall S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2024-25 will be announced in front of a Grand Jury consisting of seven internationally recognised chefs.

About S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy

Gastronomy has the potential to transform society, shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future, but it requires talent. That’s why S.Pellegrino has created S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, a platform to attract, connect and nurture the next generation of culinary talents, empowering them through education, mentoring and experience opportunities, as well as through the renowned global competition.

The Academy opens its doors to members from over 70 different countries, ensuring that talent is not constrained by geography, ethnicity or gender. This is a place where passionate young chefs interact with the most influential players in global gastronomy, and where together they cultivate an inspiring culinary community.

To discover more please visit: https://www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com/

About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks are international trademarks of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., which is based in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries through branches and distributors on all five continents, these products represent quality, excellence by virtue of their origins and perfectly interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of pleasure, health and well-being. Sanpellegrino, with its iconic products and a history of over 120 years is the leading company in Italy in the non-alcoholic beverage sector, offering a wide range of mineral waters, aperitifs, and soft drinks.

Sanpellegrino has always been committed to enhancing this primary good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that this resource has a secure future.

L-R: Zanté Neethling, Noah Wynants & Nicolás A. López

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., and HAMBURG, Germany, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Olympus Corporation, a global MedTech company committed to making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, has entered into an international distribution agreement with the medical products business of U.S.-based W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (hereinafter Gore), a global materials science company that develops innovative products across diverse industries.

GORE® VIABIL® Biliary Endoprosthesis

The agreement allows Olympus to become the exclusive international distributor and have distribution rights of the GORE^® VIABIL^® Biliary Endoprosthesis for endoscopic placement. Olympus will begin commercialization efforts over the coming months starting in Europe and phasing in other countries over time. The addition of the GORE^® VIABIL^® Biliary Endoprosthesis for endoscopic placement in the Olympus hepatopancreatobiliary (HBP) portfolio will enable Olympus to expand its global presence in the rapidly growing gastrointestinal (GI) metal stent market.

Gore and Olympus bring together talent and technology, and this agreement presents opportunities to elevate the standard of care, as both companies share a history of delivering innovative interventional therapeutic products to improve outcomes for patients. With the addition of the GORE^® VIABIL^® Biliary Endoprosthesis for endoscopic placement to its existing portfolio of stents designed for the biliary tree, Olympus offers healthcare professionals and their patients a broad range of GI devices.

The GORE^® VIABIL^® Biliary Endoprosthesis for endoscopic placement is a fully covered self-expanding metal stent offering a differentiated alternative to relieve symptoms associated with biliary strictures.* An easy-to-use delivery system and non-foreshortening^† design enables accurate deployment positioning. The GORE^® VIABIL^® Biliary Endoprosthesis for endoscopic placement features a nonporous ePTFE/FEP (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene/fluorinated ethylene propylene) lining that creates a strong, durable barrier, providing the advantage of a covered stent in the prevention of tumor ingrowth, without increasing the migration rate that is typically seen for covered stents.^1,2,3,4 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Gore, a global leader in innovative technologies. The VIABIL stent is a critical device for GI patient care, and this agreement will complement our industry leading ERCP portfolio,” said Mike Callaghan, Global SVP/General Manager EndoTherapy for Olympus. “Olympus is committed to helping healthcare organizations and professionals deliver high quality care for their patients, and the relationship with Gore is an important step toward achieving that goal.”

“Gore is pleased to partner with Olympus. We strongly believe the demonstrated commercial prowess of Olympus’ EndoTherapy team will pair nicely with Gore’s medical device innovation expertise to better serve patients with unique solutions for many years to come,” said Jake Goble, Cardiac and Surgical Solutions Business Leader for Gore.

* Regional differences exist in intended use. Always consult the Instructions for Use for complete information on indications, contraindications, and relevant safety information in your region.

^† If deployed as instructed, the endoprosthesis will not appreciably foreshorten. 

1. Brown MA. Biliary Fully Covered Metal Stents: Systematic Review of the Clinical Literature. W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ; 2019. [Work plan]. WP111272. Attachment 1: Literature Appraisal for Viabil, Attachment 2: Literature Appraisal for Other Fully Covered Biliary Stents (FCBS), Attachment 3: Migration Rate Comparison.

2. Guzmán-Calderón GE, Chirinos J, Díaz-Arocutipa C, et al. Covered Versus Uncovered Metal Stents for the Drainage of the Malignant Distal Biliary Obstruction With ERCP: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 2025;59(3):276-284.

3. Krokidis M, Fanelli F, Orgera G, et al. Percutaneous treatment of malignant jaundice due to extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: covered Viabil stent versus uncovered Wallstents. Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology 2010;33(1):97-106.

4. Krokidis M, Fanelli F, Orgera G, et al. Percutaneous palliation of pancreatic head cancer: randomized comparison of ePTFE/FEP-covered versus uncovered nitinol biliary stents. Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology 2011;34(2):352-361. 

About Olympus

At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide innovative solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. For more information, visit olympus-global.com and follow our global X account: @Olympus_Corp. 

About Gore

W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With approximately 13,000 associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5 billion. For more information, visit gore.com.

Highlights:

• U.S. FDA lifts the Clinical Hold on NUZ‑001, Neurizon®’s lead investigational therapy for ALS
• Clears the way for entry into the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial expected to commence in Q4 CY2025
• IND supported by robust preclinical safety data and comprehensive manufacturing and quality information from the previously signed Elanco licensing agreement
• Expedites NUZ-001 as a platform molecule with pipeline expansion potential
• Positions Neurizon for accelerated regulatory pathways and future partnering opportunities

MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Neurizon Therapeutics Limited (ASX: NUZ & NUZOA) (“Neurizon” or “the Company”), a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to advancing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, is pleased to announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has lifted the clinical hold on its lead investigational drug, NUZ‑001. This decision marks a pivotal regulatory milestone for Neurizon and the ALS community, clearing the way for Phase 2/3 development of NUZ-001 as part of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, expected to commence Q4 CY2025.

Dr Michael Thurn, Managing Director and CEO, commented: “The FDA’s clearance of our IND application marks a significant milestone in our mission to bring NUZ-001 closer to patients living with ALS. This achievement reflects both our unwavering commitment to rigorous scientific and clinical development and the tireless dedication of our team.

We are deeply grateful to the key opinion leaders (KOLs) and patient advocacy groups whose steadfast support and engagement were instrumental in shaping and advancing this program. Their efforts in raising awareness and lobbying for the urgent needs of the ALS community have been invaluable in helping us reach this point.

We are now partnering with the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial team to take the next critical steps in advancing NUZ-001. Supported by our compelling TDP-43 preclinical data and encouraging survival outcomes from the Open-Label Extension (OLE) study in ALS patients, we believe NUZ-001 has the potential to meaningfully slow the progression of this devastating disease.”

Opening an IND for a platform molecule establishes a regulatory foundation that not only accelerates the development of the first candidate but also streamlines future programs. By creating a validated framework for safety, manufacturing, and clinical design, it reduces regulatory risk, shortens timelines, and enables efficient expansion into new indications.

In this case, the IND is further strengthened by the robust and comprehensive package of preclinical safety data and the detailed manufacturing and quality information secured through our licensing agreement with Elanco. These resources enhance confidence in the platform’s readiness for clinical development and reinforce its potential as a therapeutic platform with broad applicability, offering both strategic flexibility and long-term commercial value.

Next Steps:

With IND now active, Neurizon anticipates Mass General Hospital (MGH) filing a protocol amendment to their IND for the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial to incorporate our specific protocol regimen early in the coming weeks. Neurizon expects to initiate patient enrollment in the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial in Q4 CY2025.

Together, these milestones advance Neurizon’s mission to accelerate patient access to innovative therapies, create long-term value for shareholders, and establish NUZ-001 as a potential effective treatment for ALS.

This announcement has been authorized for release by the Board of Neurizon Therapeutics Limited.

About Neurizon Therapeutics Limited

Neurizon Therapeutics Limited (ASX: NUZ) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Neurizon is developing its lead drug candidate, NUZ-001, for the treatment of ALS, which is the most common form of motor neurone disease.  Neurizon’s strategy is to accelerate access to effective ALS treatments for patients while exploring the potential of NUZ-001 for broader neurodegenerative applications. Through international collaborations and rigorous clinical programs, Neurizon is dedicated to creating new horizons for patients and families impacted by complex neural disorders.  NUZ-001 is an investigational product and is not approved for commercial use in any jurisdiction.