JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AsiaXchange 2025, a premier convening of global and regional leaders, will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from October 6–8, 2025. Organized by The Rockefeller Foundation, the three-day gathering will bring together policymakers, business executives, philanthropists, representatives from multilateral institutions, academics, and community leaders under the theme ‘From Solutions To Scale’ focused on uplifting underserved communities across Asia. The event will be held both in-person in Jakarta and virtually for global participation.

The Rockefeller Foundation AsiaXchange 2025 to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Asia today is home to the world’s fastest-growing economies, but also some of its starkest divides: rapid urbanization, a young population seeking job prospects, and rising vulnerability to climate shocks. Without deeper collaboration and bolder action, this trajectory will persist and millions will continue to be left behind.

The purpose of AsiaXchange 2025 is urgent: to ensure that solutions already proven to uplift underserved communities do not remain small, but instead are scaled across borders, sectors, and generations, so that Asia’s growth includes everyone.

Set against the backdrop of shifting demographics, geopolitical transitions, and urgent climate and development challenges, AsiaXchange 2025 will be anchored in three strategic pillars:

• Inspire: Showcase breakthrough solutions that have already succeeded in uplifting communities
• Connect: Align actors and amplify national and subnational efforts to scale impact
• Invest: Mobilize financial resources for underserved communities

“At The Rockefeller Foundation, we believe in the power of collaboration to transform systems and deliver impact at scale,” said Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of Programs, The Rockefeller Foundation. “AsiaXchange 2025 is about taking proven solutions to scaled impact – demonstrating how collective impact across borders can grow bold ideas and shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.”

The agenda will spotlight models that turn ambition into implementation, including region-wide innovations in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, regenerative agriculture, health systems, and development finance. Sessions will also highlight how Asia can leverage its own wealth, from sovereign funds to philanthropic capital, to finance the next generation of development solutions.

“Asia is at the heart of the world’s growth story, but the region still must address persistent disparities in opportunity, access, and outcomes,” said Deepali Khanna, Senior Vice President & Head of Asia, The Rockefeller Foundation. “AsiaXchange 2025 is focused on progress. It is a critical platform to bring Asia’s leadership, ideas, and capital together to advance progress that is locally-grounded and globally relevant.”

AsiaXchange 2025 is designed not just to exchange ideas but to generate commitments from governments, investors, and innovators, that will translate into scaled programs and financed solutions for millions of people across Asia.

This year’s event builds on the momentum of two prior AsiaXchange convenings, held in New Delhi in 2023 and Bangkok in 2024, reaffirming The Rockefeller Foundation’s commitment to uplifting underserved communities and enabling sustainable futures across Asia and the world.

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation. 

BEIJING, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report by China Report ASEAN: 

On September 29, the Asia-Pacific Center of the China International Communications Group (CICG) released the first episode of its video series “Connect With ASEAN” titled “New Hub, New Gateway.”

https://youtu.be/ziJD2ZGEK68

The episode highlights Beijing Daxing International Airport as both the aerial gateway to the Chinese capital and a world-class aviation hub. With cutting-edge technology, the airport is weaving a “Digital Silk Road,” enabling economic synergy and cultural exchange.

The episode follows a Thai host experiencing a variety of the airport’s digital facilities firsthand, such as facial-recognition boarding, self-service check-in, and electronic baggage tracking screens. She also interviews airport staff to explore the development of the China–Thailand air corridor, showcasing how smart logistics systems and cold-chain technology safeguard the flow of goods between Southeast Asia and China. In addition, interviews with China Eastern Airlines staff illustrate how the airport’s advanced infrastructure and services facilitate the movement of both people and cargo between the two countries.

The program vividly demonstrates how, under China’s “dual circulation” development strategy, this “new national gateway” is building a comprehensive framework for connectivity and helping turn the Air Silk Road into a new engine for regional growth.

CHENGDU, China, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Yulin Folk Music Season 2025 officially commenced on Sep 29 at the Folk Music Lane Plaza in Wuhou district of Chengdu, Sichuan province, marking the return of this annual cultural celebration to one of Chengdu’s most vibrant and artistic hubs.

The opening ceremony seamlessly blended live performances, industry insights, highlight announcements, and interactive sessions, launching a three-month musical carnival.

A folk music market with over 60 stalls featuring intangible cultural heritage items, cultural and creative products, and local delicacies opened alongside, offering a vibrant street-life experience where people could stroll, listen, and sing along.

More than just a series of concerts, the Yulin Folk Music Season 2025 represents a profound restructuring of the city’s cultural ecosystem. Adhering to its core theme of “Living Like a Chengdu Local in Yulin,” the music season emphasizes systematic, industrial, and sustainable operations, aiming to establish Yulin Road as the spiritual home and cultural cradle of Chinese folk music.

During the upcoming National Day holiday, the themed performance “Singing Love to the Motherland” will use music as a medium to unite citizens in patriotic celebration.

Meanwhile, the music season will build a multi-dimensional activity matrix, ensuring a vibrant calendar with monthly themes, weekly shows, and a daily festive ambiance. Highlights include regular weekend performances, a folk songwriting contest, customized Yulin-themed singles by invited singer-songwriters, a themed week for the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup, and a “folk music night” concert.

This newly upgraded music season breaks traditional boundaries, using folk music as a link to build an integrated ecosystem connecting art, industry, and society. It has established in-depth collaboration with the Chengdu Music Cultural and Creative Park, leveraging the park’s 700 music enterprises to provide musicians with full-chain support covering creation, performance, and copyright operations.

The music season also extends beyond music, integrating diverse scenarios of culture, tourism, commerce, and sports to create new urban consumption hot spots. In addition, it actively embraces digital technology to expand the expressive boundaries of folk music.

Collaboration with Schools and Communities to Protect Children and Vulnerable Road Users

In the compact and dynamic city-state of most countries in Southeast Asia, ensuring road safety is one of the nation’s top priorities. But there is always room for improvement, and keeping safety front and centre on the agenda will not only save lives but maintain economic strength says Anna Engblom, Managing Director – Southeast Asia and Japan at Volvo Trucks.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Volvo Trucks, a global leader in commercial vehicle safety, is amplifying its commitment to road safety across Southeast Asia, where over 120,000 road accident fatalities occur each year – nearly 15% of road deaths worldwide. The most vulnerable groups are children, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. In response, governments in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines have introduced dedicated road safety months. These initiatives combine educational seminars, community outreach, and stricter enforcement, contributing to a 5-10% reduction in road-related injuries during campaign periods.

Central to Volvo’s advocacy are two flagship programs. The ‘Stop, Look, Wave’ campaign, run in collaboration with schools, teaches children to pause at the curb, look both ways, and wave to drivers before crossing. In 2024-2025 alone, over 30,000 children took part in interactive workshops, leading to a measurable increase in safe crossing behaviors. The ‘See and Be Seen’ initiative educates both children and adults about truck blind spots and the importance of ensuring visibility around large vehicles, helping all road users better understand risks and safe conduct. Our most recent campaigns have been at Japan and Brunei, demonstrating the brand’s regional dedication to protecting lives and fostering a culture of safety for all road users.

Ms. Anna Engblom, Managing Director, Volvo Trucks Southeast Asia & Japan said, “At Volvo Trucks, people are at the core of our safety commitment. Our responsibility extends beyond drivers to everyone sharing the road. We believe safety is achieved not only through advanced technology but also through community education and awareness. Our pursuit of zero accidents guides our innovations and partnerships, fostering a culture where every road user’s well-being is prioritized, and ultimately creating safer, more secure roads for all.”

Volvo Trucks’ vision is zero accidents involving its vehicles. Acknowledging that over a million lives are lost globally to road accidents each year, Volvo believes true progress comes from a holistic approach: prioritizing safety for those inside and outside the truck. This drives the company to go beyond legal requirements, investing in advanced technology, education, and close community partnerships. While innovations in vehicle design are crucial, Volvo emphasizes that the primary safety system is the driver’s awareness and training.

If you are interested in joining us or would like to collaborate on a campaign at your school or class, please feel free to reach out to our team or your local market representatives.

• Local survey reveals critical misconceptions and gaps in blood cholesterol management among people living in Singapore.
• Almost one in three deaths in Singapore is attributed to cardiovascular disease, underscoring the urgent need to improve blood cholesterol management.^[1]
• Beat the Block was launched to raise awareness of optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, a critical starting point in managing heart health.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Novartis Singapore (Novartis) and the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) have jointly launched Beat the Block — a blood cholesterol management education campaign. Designed to address critical knowledge gaps identified in a joint survey, the campaign offers science-based information and practical tools to help people in Singapore manage their heart health.

While the prevalence of high blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) among people living in Singapore has decreased from 39.1% in 2020 to 31.9% in 2022, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the top killer in the country, accounting for approximately one in three deaths. ^[2] The survey commissioned by Novartis and SHF and conducted by IQVIA revealed widespread blood cholesterol management misconceptions, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive management of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels to prevent CVD-related deaths.

Talking about the urgency of this campaign, Mr. Geoffrey Ong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Heart Foundation said: “As the Singapore Heart Foundation marks its 55th anniversary in 2025, this campaign serves as a timely reminder of our mission to build resilient hearts for a healthier Singapore. Heart health is not merely a medical concern — it is fundamental to the strength and vitality of individuals, families, and communities. By spotlighting the importance of blood cholesterol management, we reinforce the prevention of cardiovascular disease and help reduce preventable disability and premature death. Misconceptions that downplay its significance can lead to inaction and serious health consequences. It is essential to educate the public on the importance of effectively managing blood cholesterol to prevent long-term health issues and potentially even loss of life.”

Addressing Misconceptions in Blood Cholesterol Management
The survey painted a concerning picture. Approximately 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable, including heart disease and stroke,^[3] and the link between high blood cholesterol and cardiovascular disease is well understood — yet only 36% of respondents strongly agree that high blood cholesterol requires urgent attention.^[4]

While a healthy lifestyle forms the bedrock of good health, it alone may not be sufficient to manage blood cholesterol. In some cases, cholesterol-lowering medication is necessary, but people living in Singapore are hesitant about these treatments. In fact, the survey revealed several common misconceptions: 93% of respondents think that diet and exercise are equally as effective in lowering blood cholesterol as prescription medication; 72% believe the long-term use of statins can damage the kidneys and liver; and 60% fear that the long-term use of statins could lead to a higher risk of cancer.^[4]

The survey also found that, among respondents diagnosed with high blood cholesterol, approximately three in 10 do not take medication, with the most common reason being fear of safety and side effects.^[4] Among patients who were taking medication, 37% of respondents report being non-compliant with their prescriptions. When asked why, the top responses were the belief that their blood cholesterol levels were already under control, feeling fine despite missing doses, concerns about long-term side effects as well as already taking too many pills to manage other health conditions. ^[4] These indicate a significant gap in understanding the ongoing need for proactive blood cholesterol management and timely intervention.

The consequences of neglecting blood cholesterol management can be severe, including an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Alarmingly, less than one-third of all respondents know their total blood cholesterol levels or the optimal range.^[4]

Dr. Bernard Kwok, an accomplished cardiologist and Immediate-Past Honorary Treasurer of the Singapore Heart Foundation’s Board of Directors, shares: “High blood cholesterol is silent and has no symptom. It can impact anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or perceived fitness levels. It is crucial for all adults to regularly check their blood cholesterol levels and consult their doctors to manage heart health.” Dr. Kwok is also Past-President of the Singapore Cardiac Society and founding President of the Heart Failure Society (Singapore).

Introducing the Cardiovascular Risk Calculator
One of the key tools offered through the Beat the Block campaign is the Cardiovascular Risk Calculator. It is built on the recalibrated Singapore-modified Framingham Risk Score (SG-FRS-2023) and estimates an individual’s 10-year risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). The calculation is based on inputs such as age, sex, race, total and HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, use of blood pressure medication, diabetes status and smoking status. In addition to risk estimation, the calculator also provides a recommended LDL-C target tailored to the user’s profile.

LDL-C is a critical parameter in managing blood cholesterol. Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, high levels of LDL-C can lead to the buildup of plaques in arteries, increasing the risk of CVD. Understanding and managing LDL-C levels is essential for preventing heart attacks and strokes.

“Beat the Block addresses the misconception that health maintenance is only necessary for diseases with obvious or immediate effects. By spotlighting facts and serving periodic reminders, we encourage individuals to recognise the importance of proactive blood cholesterol management, even when the consequences are not immediately visible. Effective management includes not only lifestyle changes but also adherence to prescribed medications, crucial for controlling blood cholesterol levels and preventing complications. The Singapore Heart Foundation’s mission is to champion heart health, and to alleviate the impact of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Our collaboration with Singapore Heart Foundation through this campaign aims to achieve that.” says Ms. Poh Hwee Tee, Country President of Novartis Singapore and Asian Emerging Markets.

The online survey engaged 1,000 Singapore citizens and permanent residents, evenly split between patients and caregivers diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia and those who have not been diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia. Respondents were between the age range of 21 to 75, with balanced representation of both genders and fair distribution of patients receiving treatment across public and private settings.

To learn more about the Beat the Block campaign and access the Cardiovascular Risk Calculator, please visit: http://beattheblock.sg.

Note: The fieldwork for the survey was conducted between April and June 2023.

References 

1. Singapore Heart Foundation. Heart Disease Statistics. Available at: https://www.myheart.org.sg/health/heart-disease-statistics/  [Last accessed: September 8, 2025]
2. Singapore Heart Foundation. High Blood Cholesterol. Available at: https://www.myheart.org.sg/health/risk-factors/high-blood-cholesterol/ [Last accessed: September 8, 2025]
3. World Heart Foundation. Prevention. Available at: https://world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/prevention/. [Last accessed: September 8, 2025].
4. Actual results of a survey titled ‘The knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviour of Singaporeans towards cholesterol management’ commissioned by Singapore Heart Foundation and Novartis and conducted by IQVIA in 2023 – data on file.

About the “Beat the Block” Campaign
Beat the Block is a blood cholesterol management education campaign jointly led by Novartis Singapore and the Singapore Heart Foundation. It is designed to provide holistic, science-backed information and actionable tools to help people living in Singapore care for their hearts, starting with knowing their blood cholesterol numbers.

About Novartis 
Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide.

Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

About Singapore Heart Foundation
The Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) is a social service agency at the forefront of the battle against heart disease since 1970. Driven by an unwavering vision of a healthier Singapore population, SHF is dedicated to promoting better heart health for every individual living in Singapore, through evidence-based information and practices that keep every heart beating healthily.

Through strategic life-saving initiatives underlined by the three core pillars of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Resuscitation, SHF upholds its enduring mission to champion heart health and to alleviate the impact of cardiovascular disease and stroke. It aims to prevent not only physical suffering but also the premature loss of precious lives.

With three Heart Wellness Centres (HWC) located across the island, heart patients and those at risk can enrol in a highly subsidised, structured community-based cardiac rehabilitation programme, priced at just $5 per session. SHF also extends a helping hand to those in need by providing financial assistance to heart patients in the moments of crisis and ensuring that they receive the timely support and medical care that they require.

Community First Responders (CFRs), trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED), play a pivotal role in SHF’s mission to better heart health. SHF also provides CPR and AED courses to train more CFRs with the objective of building a nation of lifesavers. The Foundation also plays an integral role in ensuring the accessibility and serviceability of AEDs islandwide.

New IBD research shows that, even during clinical remission, people living with Crohn’s disease continue to experience greater work impairment than the general population

The new campaign aims to empower patients to take dual control of disease management and life aspirations by striving for endoscopic remission through shared decision-making

SINGAPORE, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson & Johnson today launched the Dual Control campaign in Asia Pacific to raise awareness about the importance of enhanced shared decision-making and how it can help patients achieve sustained endoscopic remission, enabling patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to take dual control of the condition and their life aspirations. The campaign provides a range of educational resources across Asia Pacific.

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), the two main forms of IBD, affect around 10 million people worldwide, and the number of patients is increasing in Asia^[1],[2],[3]. Typically beginning in adolescence^[4], IBD causes symptoms like diarrhea, blood in stool, and abdominal pain^[5], affecting schooling^[6], careers^[7], and relationship development^[8]—forcing many to live a ‘double life’—appearing normal while silently struggling with the condition.

Globally, only 10% of CD patients experience sustained clinical remission^[9], and many UC patients still rely on traditional treatments^[10]. Recent findings from a sub-analysis of iCREST-CD study in Japan, the largest nation-wide cohort study in Asia for newly diagnosed patients with CD, revealed that presenteeism—impairment while working—remains higher at 25.7% among patients with CD who were in clinical remission, compared to 20.1% in the general Japanese population^[11],[12]. This indicates the need for disease management that can help provide sustained and deeper remission.

Although IBD treatments have advanced, less than 40% of patients had previously heard of the term “mucosal healing” (endoscopic remission), which refers to the absence of active disease seen during a colonoscopy, compared to clinical remission which focuses on symptom resolution^[13],[14].

Dr. Kenji Watanabe, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine for IBD at University of Toyama, Japan, emphasized: “The disconnect on treatment goals highlights the need for shared decision making to help elevate IBD care. A trusted relationship and open communication between patients and clinicians are essential to bridge this knowledge gap, equip patients for discussions on treatment preferences, and help them pursue their aspirations and live fully.”

There has been an identified discrepancy regarding the definition of remission between patients and physicians, which could affect treatment expectations and outcomes^[13]. Patients often define remission as symptom resolution, while physicians rely on test results like colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy^[14]. Endoscopic remission correlates with a better quality of life, lower risks of surgery and hospitalization^[15], and a higher likelihood of sustained remission^[16].

“Living with IBD is overwhelming for many patients,” said Ms. Nidhi Swarup, President of the Crohn’s & Colitis Society of Singapore and a patient living with CD for more than 10 years. “We are eager to understand more about our condition and available treatment options. We need holistic care which includes easy-to-digest educational materials, affordable treatment options, peer support and compassionate care from the medical team to achieve this. When patients have access to clear information and feel supported, we can actively participate in our care and work towards our personal goals.”

Shared decision making could help patients and doctors partner more effectively to improve treatment outcomes^[17], but it remains underutilized across Asia. While more than 80% of IBD patients and physicians favor shared decision making globally^[17], 53% of patients in Japan worry about asking too many questions^[18], and 30% of patients in China express dissatisfaction with the depth and length of dialogue at consultations^[19].

Dr. Yan Chen, Co-Founder of the China Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and Chief Physician of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China, emphasized: “Shared decision making enables doctors to tailor treatments, helping patients manage their condition and pursue their aspirations — ushering in a new era of dual control. To achieve this, we are enhancing effective patient education in China through digital tools and social media. This allows us to address patient needs by providing a more time- and cost-efficient way to access important information.”

“Building on three decades of commitment to IBD innovation, our goal of this campaign is to bridge care and communication gaps, helping patients not just manage their disease, but reclaim the life and dreams they deserve. When patients are empowered with the right information and actively participate in their care, endoscopic remission becomes more than a possibility—it turns into a meaningful path to dual control,” said Earl Dancel, Vice President of Commercial Strategy at the Asia Pacific Strategy Office, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Asia Pacific.

The campaign’s educational resources include: a patient empowerment video #MyDualControl: Don’t let IBD put your dreams on hold featuring HCP-patient dialogues, the #YouSeeUC digital program in China to break the myth of remission and promote shared decision making; educational content in Japan with advice from leading healthcare professionals to help IBD patients manage their “Work-Sick Balance”; and patient stories shared via media highlight disease management experiences in Singapore.

###

About the Dual Control Campaign
In collaboration with gastroenterologists, advocacy groups, and the media, the campaign aims to empower patients to take dual control of disease management and life aspirations by striving for endoscopic remission through shared decision-making.

About Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to chronic gastrointestinal disorders, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis^[1]. Common symptoms include diarrhea, blood in stool, weight loss, mouth ulcers, and abdominal pain^[5]. Since the 21st century, western countries have stabilized IBD incidence rates, while Asia has experienced a continuous rise^[3]. Typically beginning in adolescence^[4], IBD affects patients schooling^[6], careers^[7], and relationships^[8].

Currently, no cure is available for IBD, and the primary treatment goal is achieving and maintaining remission. IBD remission including symptom control or clinical remission as resolution of active symptoms, mucosal healing (endoscopic remission) refers to an absence of active disease seen during a colonoscopy, and histologic remission (also known as deep remission) occurs when no active inflammation is seen at the tissue level^[14].

About Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow and profoundly impact health for humanity.

Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/ or at www.innovativemedicine.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJInnovMed.

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Asia Pacific is a division of Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., which is a Johnson & Johnson company.

© Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. [2025] All rights reserved.