BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Bangkok is no longer just a city of vibrant lights and ceaseless energy—it has emerged as a design hub that’s driving transformative change in urban living. By addressing challenges in city infrastructure, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and business innovation, Bangkok has positioned itself as a global leader in leveraging design to shape a better future.
Over the past seven years, Bangkok Design Week (BKKDW) has demonstrated the power of creativity in redefining urban spaces and fostering growth in the creative industries. The festival has contributed over 3.19 billion baht to the economy, attracted more than 2.51 million visitors, and strengthened Bangkok’s status as a City of Design under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Beyond numbers, it has revitalized once-quiet neighborhoods like Charoen Krung, Talad Noi, Hua Lamphong, and Pak Khlong Talad, turning them into thriving Creative Economy Districts. These transformations have created jobs, driven economic growth, and improved the quality of life for Bangkok’s residents.
As part of Bangkok Design Week 2025, designers and cross-sector collaborators are showcasing cutting-edge projects that underscore the potential of creativity to reshape cities. These works reflect how design can tackle pressing urban challenges, elevate communities, and open pathways for sustainable growth—all while reimagining Bangkok’s future as a city that thrives on innovation and inclusivity.
Design Your Change + Transforming Overlooked Spaces into Vibrant Public Areas
Bangkok’s dense urban population of over 5 million people makes it one of the most crowded cities in the world. While municipal budgets and policies alone are not enough to address the city’s challenges, innovative design provides exciting solutions to reimagine Bangkok’s limited spaces.
One shining example is “Prompt Park“ a collaboration between we!park, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Netherlands Embassy. This project transforms unused land located under the expressway into a vibrant public park for relaxation and community gatherings. Designed with Dutch expertise in urban planning, Prompt Park integrates climate-resilient features, creating a functional space that addresses both environmental and urban needs. The park also features a Tactical Intervention installation that combines international urban planning expertise with creative solutions for Bangkok’s challenges.
Another we!park initiative transforms private land into a “Pop-Up Park.” This flexible green space is open to people of all ages and offers a variety of activities. It demonstrates that public parks don’t need to be restricted to government-owned land, creating a new model for urban greenery.
Other innovative projects include “MinutePocket_UrbanBed” by SP/N Design Studio, which reimagines neglected private plots as temporary structures such as napping pods and playgrounds for children. These creative installations highlight how unused land can be repurposed for the benefit of local communities.
Meanwhile, Urban Ally’s Puppup Parklettransforms two parking spaces into a small, temporary public area for relaxation. Located on Samran Rat Road, this compact but impactful initiative reclaims pedestrian spaces and offers an example of how even small design efforts can enhance urban life.
In Yaowarat-Song Wat, Attention Studio is transforming limited spaces into “Playground,” multifunctional areas that combine sports, art, and community engagement. This initiative maximizes the use of space to meet the diverse needs of one of Bangkok’s busiest neighborhoods.
Design Your Change + Using Design to Solve Persistent Urban Challenges
Design is a key tool for addressing Bangkok’s urban challenges, particularly those tied to daily life. MAYDAY! focuses on improving public transportation, shifting attention this year from buses to “Songthaews,” Bangkok’s iconic shared pickup trucks. Despite their decades of service, these vehicles face issues such as safety, comfort, and outdated designs that fail to accommodate all users. The Songthaew Transformation exhibition presents design solutions that tackle these problems, offering practical ways to modernize the songthaew for all commuters.
Another project addressing urban problems is “Street Vendor Grease Trap” by Everyday Architect Design Studio. This portable grease trap, designed for street food vendors, prevents clogged drains caused by food waste while doubling as a parking aid for carts. It’s an ingenious example of how small-scale design can make a big difference in city management.
The “GAGEENANG” project was inspired by a love for Bangkok’s vibrant street food culture, particularly the iconic plastic chairs found at food stalls throughout the city. By creatively addressing small yet impactful details, the project transforms these everyday chairs by covering the hole in the seat and adding a built-in storage tray for personal belongings. This simple yet thoughtful redesign enhances both comfort and convenience for diners. These upgraded chairs are already being used at select eateries in Yaowarat, further elevating the street food experience.
Design Your Change + Promoting Environmental Awareness
Bangkok’s long-standing environmental challenges, from waste management to limited green spaces, have inspired innovative design solutions. One such project is the “Mega Mat” by MVRDV Architects, created in collaboration with CEA (Creative Economy Agency), the Netherlands Embassy, and PTT Global Chemicals. This 860-square-meter recycled plastic mat draws on traditional Thai mat designs and transforms plastic waste into a functional public installation. Located at City Hall Square, the Mega Mat blends Thai heritage with sustainability while promoting recycling as a core value.
Another standout project is “Habitat Network” by AP Thailand. By creating green spaces to attract native bird speciesthrough urban forests, this initiative restores biodiversity in Bangkok’s urban areas, proving that ecological balance can thrive even in densely populated cities.
For a hands-on experience, visitors can join workshops in Bang Pho, a historic neighborhood celebrated for its wood industry, to create “Sacred Incense Reinvented.” This activity highlights the local connection and sustainability by transforming teak sawdust, a byproduct of the community, into sacred offerings for Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine.
Design Your Change + Energizing Businesses Through Creativity
Creativity is not just a tool for enhancing quality of life or adding vibrancy to a city—it is also a powerful driver for business growth and innovation. A prime example is NEIGHBOURMART Bangkok, a marketplace for Bangkok lovers that celebrates local businesses. Created by CEA, in collaboration with the design team at iliU, NEIGHBOURMART curates products from local shops and nostalgic vendors across the city, reviving the charm of traditional grocery stores and corner shops that are rapidly disappearing. Visitors can discover vintage items like Roses brand sweet soy sauce, traditionally fermented in clay jars, or Mho Mee herbal inhalers, a nostalgic favorite for generations.
Another highlight is Made in Phranakorn, a bold Business Matching project that connects creative professionals with long-standing local businesses in Bangkok’s historic Phranakorn district. This initiative focuses on rebranding and modernizing classic products while retaining their authenticity. From heritage restaurants and vintage perfume brands to classic tea vendors and traditional snack shops, Made in Phranakorn helps businesses overcome challenges and unlock new potential for growth.
The project showcases “The Old Town’s Favorite 5” as a testament to its success:
Made in Phranakorn x Niyom Phochana (Sao Chingcha) by UA x Creator x Niyom Phochana
Made in Phranakorn: Re-scented Pranakorn by Eqlibrum x Nangloy
Made in Phranakorn x Yui Pheuak Tod (Sao Chingcha) by Jirayuth Pongwarut
Made in Phranakorn x Bai Cha Rabbit Mark by Chitsuda Amornsak
Made in Phranakorn x Orkraphan by Uksornsanan
Finally, Creative House by CEA offers a showcase of over 60 exceptional creative businesses selected by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, in partnership with Capital, a leading business publication. This campaign, Creative House by CEA: Creativity x Business, aims to foster new business opportunities, generate revenue, and create jobs through the power of creativity.
Design Your Change: Transforming Bangkok into a City That Leaves No One Behind
Bangkok is embracing its identity as a city for everyone—a place where no one is left behind. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, creative projects at Bangkok Design Week tackle challenges affecting various groups, including the elderly, children, and stray animals.
One inspiring example comes from STUDIO150, which addresses a major shortfall in Thai educational tools. Current learning aids for children remain outdated and ineffective. In response, a mother teamed up with designers to create “Thai Alphabet Flashcards” (Flashcards Kor-Hor), a learning tool that simplifies the process of remembering Thai letters while reducing common writing errors. By analyzing and illustrating the unique features of all 44 Thai consonants, the flashcards connect traditional learning with modern design, making them both engaging and effective.
Continuing with a focus on children, the “Little more+” exhibition by Keep Right sheds light on the hidden stories of small businesses in Bangkok’s Salak Hin alley. This initiative grew out of the “Kid Guides of Salak Hin” project, which identified a key issue: many tourists overlook local businesses due to unfamiliarity or lack of trust, favoring larger establishments instead. Through the voices of young guides, the exhibition encourages visitors to explore and support these small, community-driven businesses, helping them thrive in a competitive urban landscape.
Inclusivity at Bangkok Design Week also extends to animals with the “Stand for Strays : Catsanova+ Ordinary Little Dogs” initiative. This collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and private individuals addresses the issue of stray cats and dogs in urban areas. Eye-catching artwork, including painted cat-themed visuals, raises awareness of the importance of sterilization and adoption, promoting responsible care for stray animals. The program also facilitates proactive rehoming efforts, finding new families for animals rescued from municipal shelters.
As aging is an inevitable part of life, the design team at RISE IMPACT has created the “Redesign services for the 60s+” workshop to spark critical conversations about how safe, accessible, and enjoyable Bangkok will remain for its elderly residents. Through an interactive activity, participants are invited to step into the shoes of senior citizens living in a bustling metropolis. The workshop highlights the challenges of aging, from declining physical mobility and health to feelings of loneliness and vulnerability. By engaging in this thought-provoking experience, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by the elderly and the importance of designing cities that truly cater to all ages.
Bangkok Design Week: Redefining the City Through Creativity
Bangkok Design Week 2025 has become a vital platform for showcasing how design can bring about meaningful change. From solving urban challenges to fostering inclusivity and sustainability, the festival inspires fresh perspectives on the role of creativity in everyday life. Through bold ideas and innovative solutions, the festival positions Bangkok as a global leader in creative urban transformation.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA
About Bangkok Design Week
Bangkok Design Week, first launched in 2018, has long been a fixture on the Bangkok event calendar It plays a pivotal role in fostering the creative economy and propelling Bangkok to stand out as a UNESCO Creative City Network, Bangkok City of Design. Organized by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA in collaboration with over 60 public and private organizations, educational institutions, and international institutions, which draws an estimated number of 400,000 visitors at home and abroad each year. Bangkok Design Week is a growth engine for Thailand’s creative industries in a variety of ways, including showcasing creative businesses and designs, stimulating competitiveness, providing a local and international business networking opportunity, and generating economic momentum for downstream businesses such as marketing, printing, online media, galleries, cafes, restaurants, gifts & souvenirs, travel, hotels, and public transportation.
About Creative Economy Agency (CEA)
Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, is a dedicated government agency tasked with fostering creativity as a key driver of the creative economy. CEA focuses on developing various creative industries and encouraging the manufacturing sector to adopt creative approaches to enhance product and service value, thereby elevating Thailand’s global competitiveness.
Company retains the prestigious blue seal for the North America and Asia-Pacific regions, in addition to red seal recognition in 10 countries
PENANG, Malaysia, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has been awarded the Top Employers Institute‘s (TEI) prestigious Enterprise Certification in the large enterprise category in addition to receiving 2025 Regional Certification (Blue Seal) for North America and APAC as well as being recognized with TEI’s Red Seal in a total of 10 countries. UST has been re-certified as a 2025 Top Employer in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, India, Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, and Spain.
The TEI Enterprise Certification is a testament to UST’s continuous efforts to invest in its employees, and foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and excellence. This certification is only issued to organizations with 10 or more red seals, provided that the number of employees in the participating countries collectively represents more than ninety-five percent of the company’s total number of employees. With these prestigious certifications, UST ranks among a distinguished group of prominent global companies who have achieved excellence in employee conditions, people policies, and programs.
These recent awards from TEI underscore UST’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace environment at all its offices worldwide. UST has been repeatedly certified as a TEI top employer, also winning recognition in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Certification as a Top Employer showcases UST’s dedication to a better world of work, demonstrated through excellent HR policies and people practices. The Top Employers Institute program certifies organizations based on the participation in and results of their HR Best Practices Survey, which covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing, and more.
“Employee engagement is central to our identity at UST, and we remain committed to doing all we can to foster an open workplace culture that accelerates personal and career growth. TEI’s rigorous criteria help us to stay focused on meeting the emerging needs of our employees as we create boundless impact and transform lives through digital transformation,” said Colleen Doherty, Chief People Officer, UST.
“Consistency in a not-so-consistent world? Amidst constant change—through technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes—it is inspiring to see people and organizations rise to the challenge. This year, the Top Employers Certification Program highlights the dedication of our Top Employers as they continue to set the standard, consistently delivering world-class HR strategies and practices. These Top Employers strive to foster growth and wellbeing, all while enriching the world of work. We are proud to celebrate these people-first leaders and teams as the Top Employers for 2025,” said David Plink, Chief Executive Officer, Top Employers Institute.
About UST
Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world’s best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering, R&D, products, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse expertise, innovation, and agility into our clients’ organizations—delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com.
Media Contacts, UST: Tinu Cherian Abraham +1 (949) 415-9857
Company retains the prestigious blue seal for the North America and Asia-Pacific regions, in addition to red seal recognition in 10 countries
MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has been awarded the Top Employers Institute‘s (TEI) prestigious Enterprise Certification in the large enterprise category in addition to receiving 2025 Regional Certification (Blue Seal) for North America and APAC as well as being recognized with TEI’s Red Seal in a total of 10 countries. UST has been re-certified as a 2025 Top Employer in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, India, Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, and Spain.
The TEI Enterprise Certification is a testament to UST’s continuous efforts to invest in its employees, and foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and excellence. This certification is only issued to organizations with 10 or more red seals, provided that the number of employees in the participating countries collectively represents more than ninety-five percent of the company’s total number of employees. With these prestigious certifications, UST ranks among a distinguished group of prominent global companies who have achieved excellence in employee conditions, people policies, and programs.
These recent awards from TEI underscore UST’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace environment at all its offices worldwide. UST has been repeatedly certified as a TEI top employer, also winning recognition in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Certification as a Top Employer showcases UST’s dedication to a better world of work, demonstrated through excellent HR policies and people practices. The Top Employers Institute program certifies organizations based on the participation in and results of their HR Best Practices Survey, which covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing, and more.
“Employee engagement is central to our identity at UST, and we remain committed to doing all we can to foster an open workplace culture that accelerates personal and career growth. TEI’s rigorous criteria help us to stay focused on meeting the emerging needs of our employees as we create boundless impact and transform lives through digital transformation,” said Colleen Doherty, Chief People Officer, UST.
“Consistency in a not-so-consistent world? Amidst constant change—through technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes—it is inspiring to see people and organizations rise to the challenge. This year, the Top Employers Certification Program highlights the dedication of our Top Employers as they continue to set the standard, consistently delivering world-class HR strategies and practices. These Top Employers strive to foster growth and wellbeing, all while enriching the world of work. We are proud to celebrate these people-first leaders and teams as the Top Employers for 2025,” said David Plink, Chief Executive Officer, Top Employers Institute.
About UST
Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world’s best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering, R&D, products, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse expertise, innovation, and agility into our clients’ organizations—delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com.
Media Contacts, UST: Tinu Cherian Abraham +1 (949) 415-9857
RIZHAO, China, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:
Rizhao, located in East China’s Shandong province, is advancing the high-quality integration of its port, industry, and city, charting a course towards a new paradigm of comprehensive development.
Building on its rich maritime heritage and commitment to sustainable growth, Rizhao is entering a transformative phase. By enhancing port capabilities, fostering a robust industrial ecosystem along its shores, and establishing itself as a key gateway for both domestic and international connectivity, Rizhao is expanding opportunities for a thriving port, vibrant industries, and dynamic urban centers. This comprehensive approach is setting the stage for future growth.
Strategic support from provincial and municipal authorities underscores the pivotal role of Rizhao and Rizhao Port in national and regional development. Rizhao Port is the only port in China with railway connections spanning 2,000 kilometers directly linked to its port area. The port is leveraging its intermodal train services, shifting from bulk cargo handling to containerized operations. It is pioneering coal and coke intermodal train services that streamline logistics and reduce transportation costs for clients.
With the port at its core, industry as its engine, and the city as its foundation, Rizhao is rallying collective efforts to strengthen port development, industrial growth, and urban vitality. By collaborating with various stakeholders, districts, counties, and functional port-city areas, Rizhao Port is actively attracting investment and unlocking the value of shoreline resources. Entities within Shandong Port Group are contributing to the city’s evolution, facilitating the deep integration of industrial activities with urban functions, and further expanding opportunities.
The integration of port, production, and urban development represents a holistic and long-term endeavor, a cornerstone strategy for propelling Rizhao towards a new era of economic and social advancement. Through dedicated on-site teams and proactive service enhancements by municipal departments, districts, counties, and functional areas, Rizhao is embracing a collaborative approach, fostering mutual engagement, and nurturing a culture of shared progress. Ultimately, the city is poised to enter a new era of integrated development across its port, production, and urban sectors.
HONG KONG and TAIPEI, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On the eve of International Women’s Day, RSMC(Reproductive Sciences Medical Center), a leading global fertility institution based in California, USA, announced that from March 8th to 16th, it will offer free physician consultations in multiple cities across Asia. Leveraging over 30 years of experience in infertility treatment, RSMC once again demonstrates its support for women’s reproductive autonomy.
Additionally, American IVF services are not limited by marital status or sexual orientation, providing RSMC with greater flexibility in meeting the fertility needs of diverse families. For instance, in Taiwan, the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, we have successfully helped the popular lesbian influencer couple, “Rabbit and Wolf,” realize their dream of having a pair of children!
The success rate of American IVF is among the highest in the world, and RSMC boasts a frozen egg recovery rate and PGS embryo pass rate that surpass the national average. Having assisted over 20,000 families in achieving their dreams of parenthood, RSMC offers a comprehensive, multilingual, and real-time consultation team. Beyond providing professional medical services, RSMC also offers value-added services such as international embryo and gamete transport, legal and insurance support, postpartum care centers, and assistance in bringing babies back to their home countries, attracting numerous Asian patients to seek treatment in the U.S.
If you are interested in our services, we welcome you to schedule a free in-person consultation with our American medical director (Include Taipei, Beijing, and Shenzhen) or book a free online consultation. For appointments, please contact us via Line/WeChat: rsmctw (WhatsApp: +1 858-342-6046).
1. DigiFT is collaborating with Invesco to offer a tokenized solution for accredited and institutional investors on DigiFT Singapore’s platform to get access to one of Invesco’s private credit strategies. 2. It is the first and only token out of Singapore with daily trading that offers access to a private credit strategy.
SINGAPORE, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DigiFT, a licensed on-chain exchange in Singapore is delighted to announce that the platform will offer a DigiFT token which will invest in Invesco’s private credit strategies.
DigiFT’s tokens will be available to accredited and institutional investors via DigiFT and accepts subscriptions and redemptions in fiat currencies like USD, and stablecoins like USDC and USDT. The strategy targets to provide a high level of current income, consistent with the preservation of capital, by investing primarily in senior secured loans to companies with stable operating profiles, dependable cash flow generation and strong asset coverage.
According to RWA.xyz, private credit is the most popular alternative asset class, accounting for 68% of tokenized real-world assets, outpacing even tokenized US Treasury Securities like T-Bills. This trend could continue as US Treasury rates are expected to come down from recent highs.
As RWAs continue to grow in popularity, DigiFT aims to be the preferred partner to leading institutional players. DigiFT was also recently appointed as an authorized distribution partner for another global asset manager in launching their first tokenized money market fund.
“We believe that working with the best teams, to bring the best in-class assets on-chain is more important than being the first to market. To bring truly institutional-grade assets on-chain requires nothing less than having the best partners in the business like Invesco,” said Henry Zhang, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of DigiFT.
“On the back of rapid developments in distributed ledger technology, fund tokenization is one of the most remarkable trends. Many advantages of this innovation are finding a new home in the asset management space, transforming the industry. We are excited that an innovative platform like DigiFT is offering this solution, opening up more investment opportunities for investors,” said Noelle Lim, Invesco’s CEO of Singapore and Head of Private Banks, Asia ex Japan.
DigiFT has also partnered with custodians like Copper, Komainu, Rakkar, and Zodia to provide seamless access to its tokenized RWAs for Web3 asset managers and owners such as hedge funds, buy-side trading firms, and DAO treasury managers.
DigiFT is actively seeking to partner with more issuers, DeFi protocols, dApps, and other Web3 protocols to enable users across different blockchains to access institutional-grade RWA yields on-chain.
DigiFT is the first regulatory-compliant exchange for on-chain real-world assets to be licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a Recognised Market Operator and Capital Markets Services provider. DigiFT enables asset owners, particularly financial institutions, to issue blockchain-based security tokens that investors can trade with continuous liquidity using an Automated Market Maker (AMM).
About Invesco
Invesco is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. NYSE: IVZ; www.invesco.com.
Disclaimer: DigiFT and/or its subsidiaries endeavour to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, but do not guarantee its accuracy and reliability and accept no liability (whether in tort or contract or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracy or omission or from any decision, action or non-action based on or in reliance upon information contained on this article. Before making any investment decision, please seek independent legal and financial advice.
TOKYO, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — February 19, 2025 at the opening of Japan’s World Smart Energy Week 2025, Polyshine Solar captivated global attention with its revolutionary lightweight flexible photovoltaic modules. Designed to redefine rooftop solar adoption worldwide, the product combines ultra-lightweight engineering, easy installation, and a 25-year performance guarantee, empowering households and businesses to utilize clean energy.
Visitors explore Polyshine Solar’s booth at Japan’s World Smart Energy Week 2025
Key Innovations
70% Weight Reduction: Utilizing patented polymer encapsulation technology, the modules achieve a remarkable weight reduction of 70% compared to traditional glass-based panels (as light as 2.92 kg/㎡). With a bending radius of 0.5 meters, they eliminate installation barriers for curved surfaces or low-load-bearing structures, requiring zero retrofitting costs.
Easy Installation: Featuring peel-and-stick adhesion or strap-fastening options, the system enables rapid, secure deployment of distributed solar stations, making green energy accessible in minutes.
Global Compliance: Certified by TUV, CQC, CE, and other international authorities, the product meets diverse energy transition needs across markets.
Product Lineup
Commercial & Industrial Rooftop Series: Seamlessly adheres to curved or low-load roofs without drilling or mounting frames.
Balcony Solar Solutions: Integrated grommets and Velcro straps allow DIY installation, transforming urban spaces into micro power plants.
Driving the Energy Transition Polyshine Solar represents not just a product but a paradigm shift. By simplifying solar installation to “stick-and-generate” ease, it democratizes access to renewable energy. At the exhibition, the company received over 2,000 inquiries, underscoring its transformative potential. Moving forward, Polyshine Solar plans global deployment of its systems, turning underutilized rooftops into clean energy assets and empowering every building owner to contribute to sustainable development.
Visitors explore Polyshine Solar’s booth at Japan’s World Smart Energy Week 2025
HKGI Partners with Global Leaders to Chart a Course for Healthcare Transformation
HONG KONG, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Genomic medicine has been gaining global prominence for its vast potential to revolutionise healthcare services. In the case of rare conditions, genomic medicine has been particularly transformative, as approximately 80% of rare diseases are of genetic origin. Genomic medicine has the power to facilitate diagnosis and access to curative and life-changing treatments for people living with these rare conditions. Now, Hong Kong is set to partner with world-renowned authorities to drive exchanges dedicated to this burgeoning field, taking advantage of the city’s unique strengths in medical research and development.
The Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI), Rare Diseases International (RDI), and The Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases (LCRD) will join forces for the first time to organise the International Genomic Medicine Symposium (Symposium) on 17 November 2025 (Monday) at the Hong Kong Science Park. This landmark event will convene distinguished experts, clinicians and scientists from over 20 countries and regions to foster knowledge exchanges in genomic medicine and rare diseases, representing a significant collaboration among leading institutions committed to accelerating the development of genomic medicine on a global scale and providing an unparalleled opportunity to improve outcomes for the 300 million persons living with a rare disease worldwide.
The Symposium, focusing on the latest advancements and trends in genomic medicine, features a robust lineup of local and international experts in genetics and genomics, including Dr Chloe Wilson, Senior Medical Editor of The Lancet, one of the world’s most authoritative academic journals. This diverse group of experts is poised to exchange insights on a wide range of topics – from rare diseases to cancer detection and molecular diagnoses; from genomic data sharing to legal and ethical discussions; and from artificial intelligence (AI) to healthcare record management and scientific research.
The Opening Ceremony will be officiated by Professor Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the Hong Kong SAR Government. Setting the stage, Professor Lo will deliver a keynote address, laying the groundwork for a deep dive into genomic innovations and clinical applications. Dr Lo Su-vui, Chief Executive Officer of HKGI, and Alexandra Heumber Perry, Chief Executive Officer of RDI, will also join the Opening Ceremony to unveil the event.
Highlights of esteemed speakers include:
Professor Dennis Lo, Vice-Chancellor and President of TheChinese University of Hong Kong, as well as Board Member of HKGI, will discuss cutting-edge applications of plasma DNA analysis.
Dr Brian Chung, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of HKGI, will share the journey of implementing Hong Kong Genome Project, the city’s first large-scale whole genome sequencing (WGS) initiative aimed at propelling personalised medicine forward.
Professor Zhang Shuyang, President of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital and pioneer in Mainland China’s rare diseases programmes, will introduce respective models covering teaching, service and research.
Professor Kym Boycott from the University of Ottawa (Canada) will focus on molecular pathogenesis of rare diseases that improve patient care and family well-being.
Professor Roberto Giugliani from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil)and a leading researcher in Latin American genetics, will share his perspectives on metabolic disorders.
Professor Bartha Maria Knoppers from McGill University (Canada) and an expert in genomics and biotechnology ethics, will discuss legal topics arising from genomic data sharing.
Professor Gareth Baynam from the Perth Children’s Hospital (Australia), and Professor Yong Chen from the University of Pennsylvania (USA) will also offer insights on harnessing the latest technologies such as AI for clinical and healthcare records to inspire innovation.
Dr Lo Su-vui, Chief Executive Officer of HKGI said, “We are greatly honoured and excited to partner with RDI and LCRD, two world-leading institutions that share our vision of making genomic medicine available to all for better health and well-being. This Symposium, rich in depth and scope, marks a pivotal milestone in advancing genomic medicine through international collaborations. By bringing together global experts and showcasing Hong Kong’s capabilities in genomic research and clinical applications, we are not only reaffirming our commitment to integrating genomics into routine patient care and inspiring ground-breaking research, but also contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an International Health and Medical Innovation Hub.”
Alexandra Heumber Perry, Chief Executive Officer of RDI added, “We are thrilled to partner with the Hong Kong Genome Institute on this important initiative to advance research on rare diseases and improve outcomes for Persons Living with Rare Diseases (PLWRD) around the world. This Symposium, which will bring together leading experts from more than 20 countries and regions, demonstrates our joint commitment to placing PLWRD at the centre of their own care, and to promoting health equity, human rights and access to treatment for PLWRD. Through the shared dedication and expertise of the experts from the RDI-LCRD and HKGI, we will work to ensure that PLWRD are seen, heard and cared for, no matter where they live.”
The one-day Symposium is anticipated to attract close to 300 participants. For programme details, please refer to the Appendix. Following the Symposium, the annual LCRD Meeting will be held on 18-19 November 2025, which will further strengthen international cooperations in research and development of genomic medicine and rare diseases.
The Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI), established and wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government, commenced full operations in 2021. With the vision “to avail genomic medicine to all for better health and well-being” and supported by the Health Bureau, HKGI works in close collaboration with the Department of Health, Hospital Authority, medical schools of local universities and other stakeholders to accelerate the development of genomic medicine in Hong Kong along four strategic foci: integrate genomics into medicine, advance research, nurture talents and enhance public genomic literacy.
As the first step towards achieving its vision, HKGI launched the Hong Kong Genome Project (HKGP) in 2021 focusing on diseases and research cohorts that would benefit from whole genome sequencing. They include undiagnosed diseases, hereditary cancers and cases related to genomics and precision health. Being the city’s first large-scale genome sequencing project, HKGP serves as a catalyst to benefit patients and their families with more precise diagnosis and personalised treatment. It also aims to establish genome database of the local population, testing infrastructure and talent pool to address the healthcare needs of Hong Kong in the long run.
Rare Diseases International (RDI) is the global alliance of people living with a rare disease of all nationalities across all rare diseases. RDI’s mission is to be a strong common voice on behalf of rare disease patients around the world, to advocate for rare diseases as an international public health priority and to represent its members and enhance their capacities. RDI has more than 120 member organizations from 50 countries, which in turn represent rare disease patient groups in more than 150 countries worldwide.
The RDI-Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases (RDI-LCRD) is a new initiative dedicated to improving the lives of Persons Living with a Rare Disease (PLWRD) globally by generating evidence-informed recommendations that can be implemented in all countries. The RDI-LCRD, chaired by Dr. Roberto Giugliani (Brazil) and Dr. Kym Boycott (Canada) brings together 27 Commissioners from 6 continents with a broad range of expertise, perspectives and experience. The overarching goal of the RDI-LCRD is to use robust data to ignite global action that will amplify the voices of PLWRD and ensure that they are seen, heard, and cared for, no matter where they live.