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The Sennheiser MKH 416 shotgun microphone celebrates its golden jubilee this year

Enjoy an anniversary discount on the all-time classic in April

SINGAPORE, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — One of Sennheiser’s most revered microphones, the MKH 416 P48 shotgun microphone, celebrates its golden jubilee this year! For 50 years, the MKH 416 has accompanied broadcasters, filmmakers, voice-over artists, and content creators; it has been used in studios and in the field. Mounted onto a boom pole, a stand or a camera, its job has been to stay outside the camera angle while gracefully capturing sound with clarity and impact. To celebrate its golden jubilee, this classic mic is offered at an anniversary discount at Alan Photo, Cathay Photo, City Music, Hung Brothers and Wailian Electronics. 


Time travelling to the 1970s

The name of Manfred Hibbing is firmly linked with this milestone product. When the young engineer joined Sennheiser, his first task was to design the MKH 416 P48 on the basis of the MKH 415 T. The MKH 416 was to be Sennheiser’s first phantom-powered (P48) shotgun microphone, while all previous models were AB-powered. In those days, AB powering was preferred in broadcast situations because of its resistance to ripple voltages, but phantom powering had become established in the studio.

50 years old but always up to date

Hibbing’s involvement was a stroke of luck for the MKH 416 RF condenser microphone, as he possessed ample expertise both in electroacoustics and in RF technology. In an interview in 2023, he said that optimising the interaction between the electroacoustic transducer and the electronic circuit had been his favourite task in designing the 416.

The long lifespan of the MKH 416 P48 fills the engineer with pride: “During all this time, the design of the MKH 416 was only revised in two instances: one was to make it suitable for SMD mounting, and the other to update it for a more advanced transducer technology.”

Manfred Hibbing with the MKH 416. The photo was taken in 2023
Manfred Hibbing with the MKH 416. The photo was taken in 2023

A standard in the studio and in the field – but why exactly?

One reason is that the MKH 416 operates on the RF condenser principle. In this context, RF (radio frequency) has nothing to do with wireless, but rather refers to the high-frequency voltage at the capsule and the associated electronics in the microphone. The huge advantage of this design is that it makes the condenser microphone resistant to humidity. Unlike “standard” condenser microphones, RF condenser models can be used outdoors, in hot and humid or cold and misty weather. MKH microphones have reliably recorded audio in a wide variety of challenging locations, from deserts, to the Arctic, to rain forests.

RF condenser microphone used in outdoor broadcasting
RF condenser microphone used in outdoor broadcasting

Another reason for the success of the MKH 416 is in its excellent directivity, which is the result of the acoustic interference principle on which it operates. The actual microphone capsule is combined with a so-called interference tube in front of it. This tube has regularly arranged slots, which are covered with fabric that has a certain acoustic impedance, and prevents reflections and standing waves inside the tube. If sound arrives directly from the front, the interference tube has no effect at all. But when sound enters the tube from the sides, it passes through different holes. This results in different path lengths to the transducer and thus different time delays. Depending on the angle of sound incidence, the sound components more or less cancel each other out. This effect increases at higher frequencies: Here, the microphone essentially picks up the sound coming from the front. This is particularly important for speech intelligibility as the decisive speech formants are recorded with less lateral interference at high frequencies than with standard microphones.

The longer the shotgun, the more this interference principle extends to lower frequencies. Unfortunately, the longer length also makes the microphone more difficult to handle. The MKH 416 is certainly so popular because, despite its short length, it offers an effective directionality. How this particular length came about is its own story, and that takes us back to its predecessor, the MKH 415 T…

The hacksaw and the microphone

In 1970, the newly designed MKH 415 shotgun microphone was the pride and joy of the Sennheiser development engineers. It was less sensitive to wind and pop noise, had greater resistance to handling noise, and excellent directivity. With the new microphone in his briefcase, an enthusiastic Dr. Griese, technical manager at Sennheiser, went off to visit radio and TV broadcasters.  The customers showed a great deal of interest in the new shotgun microphone – but couldn’t resist picking at it. They complained that the shotgun effect was so strong that you had to keep moving the microphone to follow the speaker around.

Dr. Griese listened to the comments for a while and then asked for a hacksaw. “How much directivity would you like?” he asked the amazed observers. And without batting an eyelid he proceeded to saw off a section of the microphone tube. The customers were stunned. Dr. Griese then tried out the shortened microphone once again and, to everyone’s amazement, it was perfect! From then on, the MKH 415 – and thus also the MKH 416 which followed its design – were highly successful as the preferred microphone for vocalists, film teams and reporters, with the specialist media being equally impressed by the “unusually short length” (Funkschau) of the shotgun mic.

Conclusion

“The MKH 416 remains a star of our shotgun microphones, even though we have launched younger models long since,” concludes product manager Kai Lange. “It’s just great to have such a legend in the portfolio, a versatile, long-life, high-performance microphone. The MKH 416 is a mic where everything was perfect from the start.”

The high-resolution images accompanying this media release can be downloaded here.

 

Inditex supports Asian University for Women by funding the university education of 50 female textile industry workers in Bangladesh for five years

The beneficiaries of this new Inditex scholarship program, aimed at promoting professional development at the Asian University for Women, will be selected from the workers of Inditex’s partner suppliers in the country


ARTEIXO, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2025 – Inditex and the Asian University for Women have launched a new scholarship program to support the academic training of female textile factory workers in Bangladesh. Inditex will allocate €3.75 million to fund this initiative, enabling 50 women to access pre-university and university education over the next five years, providing them with new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Inditex will fund the university education of 50 female textile industry workers in Bangladesh for five years

Access to higher education for women remains a critical issue in Bangladesh, where female university enrollment is increasing at a slower rate than that of men. In this context, AUW is dedicated to empowering women from all backgrounds, equipping them with the skills to become more qualified professionals, leaders in their communities and workplaces, and advocates for economic and cultural development.

“At Inditex, we believe that empowering women through education is one of the most effective ways to drive lasting and meaningful change in these communities. Through this scholarship program, we are investing in the future of female workers—the backbone of our supply chain—by providing them with the tools to unlock new opportunities and foster progress within their communities,” said Inditex CEO Óscar García Maceiras.

“At a time when uncertainty in global affairs has reached a new height, the partnership between Inditex and the Asian University for Women reminds us of what really matters — the weakest in our society must get the opportunities to rise above the circumstances that circumscribe the possibilities in their life. As the first one in my family to enter university, I know how powerful higher education can be in opening doors that otherwise remain unimaginable. I commend Inditex for this far-reaching commitment that will help deepen AUW’s ability to identify talent where few others see them and nurture them so that they too can contribute in the making of a better future for themselves and the world”, Cherie Blair, Chancellor of the Asian University for Women.

Set to launch in the upcoming academic year, this initiative will enable 50 female textile workers in Bangladesh to cover their tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for five years. The selection process will begin in the coming weeks and will take place at Inditex’s supply chain factories in the country. As part of the process, AUW will conduct informational sessions, selection interviews, and admission tests at participating factories for all interested workers.

Hashtag: #AsianUniversityforWomen

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

Remegen Announces Exciting Results of Telitacicept Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis

YANTAI, China, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 8, 2025 (UTC-7), impressive results of the Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT05737160) evaluating the efficacy and safety of Telitacicept (synonym: RC18; brand name: 泰爱®) in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) were presented during the Late-Breaking Science Session at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting 2025 in San Diego, CA.

According to the presented data, among the participants in the Telitacicept 240 mg group, 98.1% of the patients demonstrated a ≥ 3-point reduction in Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score and 87% of the patients demonstrated a ≥ 5-point reduction in Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score at Week 24. With the highest MG-ADL response rate among all drugs for gMG with phase 3 studies reported to date, Telitacicept will provide an important new treatment option gMG.

Telitacicept is a novel fusion protein targeting both BlyS and APRIL independently designed and developed by RemeGen Co.,Ltd. (“RemeGen”). The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial was conducted in China (NCT05737160) and led by Professor Jian Yin of Beijing Hospital. A total of 114 gMG patients with baseline MG-ADL score ≥6 and QMG score ≥8 were enrolled in the study, with 57 patients in the Telitacicept 240 mg group and the placebo group respectively. The study consisted of a 24-week double-blind treatment stage and an open-label treatment stage. The presented results herein were from the double-blind treatment study.

The data showed that ‌Telitacicept‌ achieved ‌sustained and significant improvement‌ in clinical outcomes for patients with gMG, ‌with a favorable safety profile:

  • Telitacicept demonstrated significant improvements‌ in MG-ADL and QMG scores after 4 weeks’ treatment compared to placebo.
  • At Week 24, change in MG-ADL was -5.74 and -0.91 with Telitacicept and placebo group, respectively. 98.1% and 12.0% of Telitacicept and placebo group patients had ≥3-point reduction in MG-ADL, respectively. The MG-ADL scale quantifies the impact of MG symptoms on daily life quality, focusing on patients’ subjective experience and daily function. These data showed that patients treated with Telitacicept achieved ‌clinically meaningful improvement‌‌.
  • At Week 24, change in QMG was -8.66 and -2.27 with Telitacicept and placebo group, respectively. 87.0% and 16.0% of Telitacicept and placebo group patients had ≥ 5-point reduction in QMG, respectively. The QMG score assesses the strength and endurance of the whole body muscle group, focusing on objective measurement. These data demonstrated that patients treated with Telitacicept‌ achieved ‌clinically meaningful reductions in disease severity. There is a strong correlation between MG-ADL and QMG in evaluating treatment response, and the combination of MG-ADL and QMG can comprehensively reflect the disease severity.
  • Sustained improvement: MG-ADL and QMG scores continued to decline over time in the Telitacicept group, with peak improvement at the last reported observation, Week 24.
  • Telitacicept was well tolerated during the treatment, with an overall adverse event (AE) incidence similar to that in the placebo group and an incidence of infection-related AEs lower than that in the placebo group (45.6% vs. 59.6%).

The principal investigator Prof. Yin Jian of Beijing Hospital said “Telitacicept demonstrated rapid and significant clinical improvement in the phase 3 trial, and was well tolerated. Its dual-targeting mechanism not only inhibits abnormal B cells and plasma cells thoroughly and reduces the level of pathogenic antibodies, but also effectively slows down disease progression in the long term, and reduces steroid dosage as symptoms improve, providing a more precise, efficient, persistent, and safer option for gMG treatment.”

Dr. Jianmin Fang, CEO of RemeGen, said “The phase 3 data of Telitacicept for MG is clinically meaningful. There is a large unmet medical need in MG because the disease presents significant threat to patients’ health and life-span. This breakthrough means that we have an new, effective treatment for MG as Telitacicept can significantly improve patients’ symptoms and bring long term benefits to MG patients. We look forward to working with global experts and scholars to overcome more complex autoimmune diseases and benefit more patients.”

MG is an autoimmune disease caused by neuromuscular junction transmission disorders. It is characterized by fatigue and fluctuations in symptoms, long treatment cycles and high recurrence rate. More than 85% of patients develop to gMG within 24 months of onset. According to Frost & Sullivan report, there are about 1.2 million MG patients worldwide, including about 220,000 patients in China. At present, there is a great unmet medical demand.

The newly disclosed “best-in-class” data mark a breakthrough achievement of Chinese innovative drugs in the field of neuroimmunology. Currently, the BLA of Telitacicept for the treatment of gMG has been accepted by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China’s National Medical Products Administration, and it is expected to be approved in China in the second quarter of this year.

Meanwhile, RemeGen is advancing a global multicenter Phase 3 trial of Telitacicept for the treatment of gMG, aiming to validate the efficacy and safety of Telitacicept in a wider patient population, and to provide a superior treatment option for gMG patients worldwide.

Techman Robot, CSBC, and AMET Sign MOU to Develop Smart Welding Solutions for the Shipbuilding Industry

TAIPEI, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leading collaborative robot manufacturer Techman Robot, Taiwan’s largest shipbuilder CSBC Corporation, and AMET Inc., a U.S. leader in intelligent welding technology, have officially signed a MOU. The three parties will collaborate to develop robots tailored for shipbuilding environments, accelerating the industry’s transition to smart manufacturing and enhancing welding efficiency and quality.

Techman Robot provides intelligent welding solutions by AI-powered cobot
Techman Robot provides intelligent welding solutions by AI-powered cobot

Partnering with Global Leaders to Pioneer a New Era of Smart Welding

Techman Robot is committed to providing intelligent welding solutions, and its TM AI Welding Collaborative Robot has been widely adopted in industries requiring high-precision welding, including shipbuilding, large-scale steel structures for airport terminals, and offshore wind power. These technologies help industries address the global shortage of skilled welders.

By partnering with AMET and CSBC, Techman Robot aims to drive further innovation in shipbuilding automation.

  • AMET Inc., a U.S. leader in intelligent welding technology, brings extensive expertise in aerospace, shipbuilding, energy, and automotive industries.
  • CSBC Corporation, Taiwan’s largest shipbuilder, contributes real-world shipbuilding expertise and application experience, ensuring that the solutions developed meet practical industry needs.

By leveraging their combined strengths, the three companies will expand the global AI-powered welding market and accelerate the intelligent transformation of the shipbuilding industry.

Empowering the Shipbuilding Industry with AI-Powered Welding for Maximum Efficiency

As Taiwan’s leading shipbuilder, CSBC will focus on developing compact AI-driven welding robots designed for large bulk carriers and container ships. The integration of AI welding technology will significantly enhance welding precision and production efficiency, leading to shorter construction cycles and lower labor costs. This collaboration will further strengthen Taiwan’s global competitiveness in the shipbuilding industry.

Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, is experiencing rapid growth in the shipbuilding industry and large-scale infrastructure projects, driving a rising demand for high-precision, automated welding technology. Through this collaboration, AI and intelligent welding solutions will ensure greater process stability, reduced welding defects, and enhanced automation across industrial sectors.

Furthermore, as maritime, energy, and infrastructure sectors in Southeast Asia continue to expand, Techman Robot’s AI welding solutions will help local industries improve productivity, reduce operating costs, and enhance international competitiveness. In addition to shipbuilding, these smart welding technologies will also be applied to large-scale steel structures, bridge construction, maritime industries, and heavy industrial manufacturing, bringing comprehensive smart manufacturing advancements to the Southeast Asian market.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, NSG BIO Collaborate to Strengthen Singapore’s Biotech Startup Ecosystem

The collaboration aims to provide advanced resources and scientific expertise to accelerate innovation and drive sustainable growth

SINGAPORE, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, the world leader in serving science, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with NSG BIO, Singapore’s largest BSL-2-certified, co-working laboratory and office space. This collaboration aims to empower biotech startups in Singapore with access to critical resources, advanced laboratory solutions, and scientific expertise to accelerate their research and development capabilities.

Ms Daphne Teo, Chairwoman of Board and Founder, NSG BIO and Ms. Sho-Wen Yeo, Vice President and General Manager, Southeast Asia & Taiwan, Thermo Fisher Scientific at the MOU signing event at NSG BIO's BSL-2 certified co-working laboratory space.
Ms Daphne Teo, Chairwoman of Board and Founder, NSG BIO and Ms. Sho-Wen Yeo, Vice President and General Manager, Southeast Asia & Taiwan, Thermo Fisher Scientific at the MOU signing event at NSG BIO’s BSL-2 certified co-working laboratory space.

Since 2019, NSG BIO has supported innovators create impactful solutions across health, biomedical, agrifood, and industrial biotechnology sectors. Their work spans precision medicine, AI-enabled drug discovery, and synthetic biology. This partnership enables Thermo Fisher and NSG BIO to support research efficiency, accelerate innovation, and advance local healthcare and life sciences capabilities, aligning with national efforts to strengthen the sectors.

“We are excited to collaborate with NSG BIO to support Singapore’s growing biotech ecosystem,” said Ms. Sho-Wen Yeo, Vice President and General Manager, Southeast Asia & Taiwan, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “By ensuring seamless access to cutting-edge instruments and essential consumables, we enable scientists to focus on their critical research without operational challenges. This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing scientific innovation and supporting the biotech community in Singapore.”

“This strategic collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific marks a major milestone in our mission to drive biotech innovation in Singapore,” said Ms. Daphne Teo, Founder and Chairwoman of NSG BIO. “By providing our residents with preferential access to world-class laboratory equipment and supplies, along with flexible credit terms, we are eliminating critical barriers that often hinder early-stage research. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to building a thriving biotech ecosystem where startups can accelerate breakthrough discoveries.”

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue over $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD.

For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

About NSG BIO 

Founded with a focus on supporting biotech innovation, NSG BIO offers state-of-the-art equipment, efficient operations, capital efficiency, the expertise of world-class teams and global networks to assist life sciences companies. The conducive R&D environment contains fully equipped, certified BSL-2 laboratory and office infrastructure across 70,000 sq ft in the prime location of Biopolis and Science Park in Singapore. By providing access to high-quality infrastructure, its extensive partner network, community, and value-add benefits, NSG BIO ensures that companies, ranging from emerging biotech startups to multinational companies, can rapidly and efficiently execute on their cutting-edge research and development ecosystem in Singapore, leading to the innovation of revolutionary technologies and products that translate into breakthrough biotech ventures and impact for patients.

Alpro Pharmacy Now Offers Free AIA Vitality Health Check to Support Early Disease Detection

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Millions of Malaysians are at risk of serious health complications due to undiagnosed and unmanaged non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, more than 2 million adults are living with at least three of these conditions, and over half a million Malaysians (2.5% of the adult population) suffer from all four, significantly increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke.

Even more concerning, 40% of adults have not undergone any health screenings in the past year, citing reasons such as feeling healthy, lacking symptoms, or having time constraints, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023. This lack of awareness and proactive healthcare contributes to late-stage diagnoses and preventable health complications. To promote early detection and preventive care while making health screenings more accessible to the community, Alpro Pharmacy, in collaboration with AIA Malaysia, offers the AIA Vitality Health Check—an essential screening that includes BMI measurement, a blood pressure check, a blood glucose test, and a total cholesterol test.

(From left: Pharmacist Dione (Professional Care & Development Manager, Alpro Group); Pharmacist Then Ru Luen (Head of Corporate Business Unit and the Director of Alpro Health); Stephanie Caunter (Director of Customer Insights, Engagement & Digital Experience, AIA Malaysia); Asha Nair (Brand & Communications Director, AIA Malaysia)).
(From left: Pharmacist Dione (Professional Care & Development Manager, Alpro Group); Pharmacist Then Ru Luen (Head of Corporate Business Unit and the Director of Alpro Health); Stephanie Caunter (Director of Customer Insights, Engagement & Digital Experience, AIA Malaysia); Asha Nair (Brand & Communications Director, AIA Malaysia)).

AIA Vitality is a health and wellness programme designed to empower Malaysians to make healthier choices and adopt better lifestyles. By integrating the principles of behavioral economics, AIA Vitality rewards individuals for making positive lifestyle changes, such as undergoing regular health screenings, exercising, and maintaining a balanced diet. The programme provides incentives and benefits that make it easier to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

By leveraging Alpro Pharmacy’s extensive network of nearly 300 outlets nationwide and the team of professional pharmacists, this collaboration ensures accessible, professional health screenings for all AIA Vitality members—bringing quality healthcare closer to communities and encouraging Malaysians to prioritize their health through early intervention.

“Preventive healthcare is more crucial than ever,” said Ph Lim En Ni, Chief Pharmacist and Engagement Director of Alpro Pharmacy. “At Alpro, we believe in bringing reassurance to the community through accessible, professional healthcare. Many Malaysians do not realize the silent risks they face until it is too late. That is why we are dedicated to providing proactive health screenings, empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being. With this collaboration, we are ensuring that people can detect potential health issues early and make informed decisions for a healthier future.”

The AIA Vitality Health Check is now available at all Alpro Pharmacy outlets nationwide. AIA Vitality members can walk into any participating outlet to undergo the test or consult with Alpro’s professional pharmacists for further health guidance. Additionally, AIA Vitality members can enjoy exclusive perks at Alpro Pharmacy, including discounts on health screenings, vaccinations, physiotherapy, and eye care services—helping them take proactive steps toward better health. (subject to terms and conditions). This initiative underscores AIA Malaysia’s mission to promote healthier lifestyles and Alpro Pharmacy’s dedication to enhancing public health through accessible, preventive care.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/AlproXAIAVitalityTest or drop by your nearest Alpro Pharmacy today!

About Alpro Pharmacy

With a humble beginning starting with a single pharmacy outlet in the small town of Port Dickson in 2002, Alpro Pharmacy is now a diversified community chain pharmacy that provides comprehensive primary healthcare solutions via over 300 outlets including Alpro Pharmacy, Alpro Clinic, Alpro Physio and Alpro Baby, both online and offline, nationwide. It is supported by a team of more than 650 healthcare professionals, ranging from doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians to physiotherapists and many other healthcare professionals.

Serving more than 3 million families in Malaysia, Alpro Pharmacy is the first and only community pharmacy in the country to provide RM1 million product liability insurance to safeguard the supply of genuine medications. With over 500,000 prescriptions filled per year, Alpro Pharmacy is also the largest prescription pharmacy chain in Malaysia.

For more information, please visit https://www.alpropharmacy.com.

Chula Partners with MIT LGO to Launch Chula-LGO A Master’s Program in Engineering and Business

Creating a New Generation of Leaders with Technical Knowledge and Business Management Skills 

BANGKOK, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chulalongkorn University, through its Faculty of Engineering and Chulalongkorn Business School (CBS), has announced a collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Leaders for Global Operations (MIT LGO) program. This partnership was unveiled at the 31st Chula the Impact academic seminar, organized by Chulalongkorn University Communications Center. The new Chula-LGO program aims to cultivate leaders equipped with both technical expertise in engineering and business acumen, addressing the evolving demands of industries in the digital era and the global economy. 

Chula Partners with MIT LGO to Launch Chula-LGO: A Master’s Program in Engineering and Business
Chula Partners with MIT LGO to Launch Chula-LGO: A Master’s Program in Engineering and Business

The signing ceremony between Chulalongkorn University and MIT LGO featured remarks from Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, who emphasized the significance of the program: 

“Chula-LGO is more than just another master’s program; it is a transformative step in advancing Thai education to meet international standards. Through our collaboration with MIT LGO, students will gain cutting-edge knowledge, engage with real-world industries, and be equipped to take on leadership roles in the global economy.”

Chula-LGO: An Integrated Program for the Future
Chula-LGO is a two-year master’s program offering an interdisciplinary learning experience. Students will earn a Master of Engineering degree from Chulalongkorn University and an MBA from Chulalongkorn Business School. The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with practical experience, including a two-week study period at MIT LGO and a six-month research and internship project within the industrial sector. This structure ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, further elaborated on the program’s strengths and interdisciplinary approach:

“Engineering today is not just about designing and developing technology– it must also integrate effectively with business management and operations. Chula-LGO answers the needs of future industry leaders, providing deep skills in technical expertise, innovation, and management.” 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tartat Mokkhamakkul, Dean of the Chulalongkorn Business School, highlighted the business perspective: 

“Modern businesses rely on technology and efficient supply chain management to maintain a competitive edge. Chula-LGO develops strategic thinkers capable of making data-driven decisions using advanced technology. This is a key factor in creating a competitive advantage for organizations.”

Industry Support and Economic Impact
The Chula-LGO program has garnered support from leading industry organizations. Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, discussed the role of the business sector in supporting this program:

“Today’s industries require professionals who possess both technical expertise and organizational management skills. The Chula-LGO program bridges the gap between academia and business, developing talent capable of competing in the global market and propelling Thailand’s economy forward.” 

“MIT LGO is excited to collaborate with Chulalongkorn University on this initiative. This partnership will not only enhance the curriculum but also foster joint research, faculty, researcher, and student exchanges, contributing to the advancement of Thailand’s industries to meet global standards.” 

Chula-LGO is poised to play a pivotal role in Thailand’s human resource development, especially as Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Industry 4.0 technologies reshape the global landscape. The program aims to cultivate a network of leaders capable of steering organizations to success on the international stage.

About Chula-LGO
Chula-LGO is a collaborative program developed by the Faculty of Engineering and the Chulalongkorn Business School at Chulalongkorn University, in partnership with MIT Leaders for Global Operations (MIT LGO). The program’s mission is to produce leaders who can drive industries and businesses in the digital era through integrated education in engineering, technology, and business management. 

For more information on the program and admissions, visit the Faculty of Engineering or Chulalongkorn Business School websites: http://www.eng.chula.ac.th or http://www.cbs.chula.ac.th 

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/227346/

About Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University has made the world’s top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.

Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChulalongkornUniversity
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/chulauniversity
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/15101896/

 

Nippon Steel and TIER IV Collaborate to Automate Heavy-Duty Transporters at Nagoya Plant

TOKYO, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nippon Steel Corporation (Nippon Steel), Japan’s largest steelmaker and one of the world’s leading steel manufacturers, and TIER IV, Inc. (TIER IV), the pioneering force behind the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving, are working together to automate steel transportation with heavy-duty autonomous vehicles, aiming to deploy the technology at the steelmaker’s Nagoya plant in fiscal 2025.

The companies have been collaborating to tackle challenges linked to labor shortages with autonomous driving technology since fiscal 2023. To optimize logistics and enhance plant safety, Nippon Steel is driving efforts to automate vehicles such as the specialized transporters that carry pallets loaded with steel plates.

TIER IV offers reference designs to streamline the development and deployment of autonomous driving systems. In this collaboration, reference designs for factory logistics are being customized to develop an autonomous driving system for steel transportation.

Nippon Steel and TIER IV are committed to tackling challenges such as labor shortages, pioneering innovations that will revolutionize plant efficiency and safety with autonomous driving technology.

About Nippon Steel

Nippon Steel is Japan’s largest and one of the world’s leading steel manufacturers, operating production bases in Japan and more than 15 countries worldwide. The Nippon Steel Group is engaged in four key business areas: steel manufacturing, engineering, chemicals & materials, and system solutions. The company’s management plan focuses on four pillars: “Reconstruction of Domestic Steel Business and Strengthening of Group Management,” “Global Strategy for Evolution and Expansion of Overseas Business,” “Challenges Toward Carbon Neutrality,” and “Promotion of Digital Transformation Strategy.” Aiming to become the world’s No.1 comprehensive steel manufacturer, Nippon Steel pursues the highest levels of technology and manufacturing excellence to contribute to society through superior products and services. For more details, please visit Nippon Steel’s website: https://www.nipponsteel.com/.

About TIER IV

TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving Harnessing Autoware, we build scalable platforms and deliver comprehensive solutions across software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, we are committed to reshaping the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive in the evolving field of autonomous driving.

Autoware is a registered trademark of The Autoware Foundation.

Media Contact
Nippon Steel
https://www.nipponsteel.com/contact/
TIER IV
pr@tier4.jp