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D’Open Kitchen and KrisFlyer Team Up for an Exclusive Valentine’s Day Culinary Experience

SINGAPORE, Feb. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — D’Open Kitchen, a leading culinary school specializing in interactive cooking experiences and team-building workshops, is proud to announce a special collaboration with KrisFlyer, Singapore Airlines’ renowned frequent flyer program. This partnership presents an exclusive Valentine’s Day-themed cooking class, designed to offer couples a unique and immersive dining experience.

Team-Building and Bonding experiences
Team-Building and Bonding experiences

Taking place on February 14 and 15, 2025, the event invites KrisFlyer members to don their aprons and step into the kitchen, where they will create a romantic three-course meal under the expert guidance of professional chefs. Participants will not only learn valuable culinary skills but also enjoy a memorable bonding experience in a warm and intimate setting.

Elevating Culinary Experiences with D’Open Kitchen

With over a decade of experience in culinary education and corporate engagement, D’Open Kitchen is known for its innovative and hands-on approach to cooking. The company offers a range of team-building and bonding experiences, including:

  • Cooking Team Building – A dynamic and competitive experience designed to strengthen collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills among teams.
  • Cooking Team Bonding – A more relaxed, non-competitive culinary activity that fosters camaraderie and meaningful connections.
  • Customized Culinary Workshops – Tailored cooking sessions crafted to meet the unique needs of corporate groups, private events, and special occasions.

This collaboration with KrisFlyer underscores D’Open Kitchen’s commitment to creating exceptional culinary experiences that blend learning, teamwork, and gastronomy. Through this partnership, the company continues to redefine interactive dining, offering an elevated and engaging experience for food lovers and aspiring chefs alike.

How to Participate

Exclusive to KrisFlyer members, this Valentine’s Day cooking class is a one-of-a-kind event that promises a romantic and interactive gastronomic adventure. More details, including how to book a slot, can be found on KrisFlyer Experiences.

For more information about D’Open Kitchen and its culinary programs, please visit www.dopenkitchen.com.sg.

Research Reveals Talent Shortages and Manual Processes are Stifling Finance Teams in Construction

MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new report has revealed significant challenges facing construction finance teams across Australia and New Zealand, with talent shortages, outdated systems, and manual processes topping the list of concerns. The findings by Payapps, an award-winning construction software solution trusted by thousands of main contractors and subcontractors to simplify and standardise progress payment claims, highlight the urgent need for digital transformation to alleviate pressure on finance professionals and enhance operational efficiency.

Building Efficient Finance Teams with Construction Technology: Payapps' report reveals how ongoing talent shortages and outdated processes are impacting construction finance teams and highlights the critical role of digital transformation in overcoming these challenges.
Building Efficient Finance Teams with Construction Technology: Payapps’ report reveals how ongoing talent shortages and outdated processes are impacting construction finance teams and highlights the critical role of digital transformation in overcoming these challenges.

Conducted among 125 finance professionals, the survey underscores talent shortages as the most pressing issue, with 36% of respondents identifying it as their biggest challenge. This is compounded by dissatisfaction with manual workflows, particularly in managing progress claims, with 37% of finance teams expressing dissatisfaction with their current systems.

“Construction finance teams are being asked to do more with less, all while ensuring compliance with strict regulations like the Security of Payment Act in Australia and the Construction Contracts Act in New Zealand,” said Daniel Giles, CFO of Payapps. “These inefficiencies not only increase stress on teams but also jeopardise project timelines and financial stability.”

Key Findings:

  • Manual Processes Hamper Progress: A staggering 41% of teams still rely on manual processes for progress claims, leading to bottlenecks and delays.
  • Compliance Risks: 53% of respondents find meeting payment deadlines under regulatory frameworks challenging, risking legal penalties and disputes.
  • Technology Adoption Pays Off: Teams using Payapps are 81% more likely to meet compliance deadlines and experience fewer delays, highlighting the value of specialised digital tools.

The report also reveals that adopting digital tools significantly improves efficiency and job satisfaction. Finance teams leveraging technology report spending less time on manual tasks, freeing them to focus on strategic priorities.

A Call for Digital Transformation

With finance teams under pressure to manage growing workloads and navigate complex regulatory environments, the report advocates for adopting integrated digital solutions. Tools like Payapps, which automate and streamline progress claim processes, are identified as critical to addressing inefficiencies and retaining top talent.

“This report is a wake-up call for the construction industry,” added Giles. “Investing in technology isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about staying competitive, retaining skilled professionals, and delivering better project outcomes.”

The full report, “Building Efficient Finance Teams with Construction Technology,” is available for download here.  The survey was conducted by Payapps and included responses from finance professionals from commercial construction companies in Australia and New Zealand.   Payapps thanks their partners, including Accounting Times and Accountants Daily, for inviting subscribers to participate in this survey. We also sincerely thank our valued customers for their participation.

About Payapps

Payapps – An Autodesk Company, is a cloud-based collaboration tool for the construction industry. It helps main contractors and subcontractors simplify and streamline project progress claims and approvals, including contract variations.  A simpler and faster digital process ensures greater transparency, increased accuracy, improved compliance, reduced financial risk, fewer disputes and fairer outcomes. Payapps significantly cuts progress payment processing time, helping to meet regulatory requirements. Compliance is improved and made easier with documentation verification integrated with the approval process.Our award-winning solution seamlessly integrates with a wide range of construction ERPs and accounting software to help provide real-time data on all project payment requests and approvals.  Build Better Together With Payapps

From Nuremberg, out into the world: energy-charged Spielwarenmesse generates high spirits in the market

  • Higher quality and more international visitor profile
  • New networking formats prove popular

NUREMBERG, Germany, Feb. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Spielwarenmesse is the global meeting point for an entire industry. From 28 January to 1 February 2025, it came together in Nuremberg for the 74th time – and succeeded in matching last year’s very high numbers. 2,362 exhibitors from 71 countries presented their innovations and trends in a significantly enlarged space and made successful use of the expanded range of options offered by the organiser, Spielwarenmesse eG. The amended hall structure, event-packed Specials and new networking opportunities helped some 57,500 visitors from 126 nations to navigate their way, easily and enjoyably, through the diverse range of products.

The Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg was once again the global meeting place for the industry from January 28 to February 1, 2025. (Copyright: Spielwarenmesse eG/Lennart Preiss)
The Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg was once again the global meeting place for the industry from January 28 to February 1, 2025. (Copyright: Spielwarenmesse eG/Lennart Preiss)

“Every year, we are delighted to take part in the Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg, which is the must-attend event for toy industry professionals,” says Daniel Levy, CEO of Buki France. Just as last year, 97% of exhibitors share his opinion, considering attendance at the world’s leading event to be important or very important. “Our stand has been busy all day, every day – there’s a real buzz around the show,” commented Alison Coates of UK-based Just Play enthusiastically. Exhibitors rated the general quality and quantity of visitors as higher, and likewise the size of sales agreed. “Exactly the right decision-makers were there, the ones with a genuine interest in our products,” said Sutepan Ganendiran, MD of the German startup company Compactoys emphatically. Massimo Pescarolo from Cicaboom of Italy noted: “The Spielwarenmesse is the only global exhibition for toys.” Important European markets saw increases in visitor numbers. The USA and China were also among the top 10 countries for visitors. The increasingly international relevance of the fair was also noted by Thomas Eichhorn, MD of MGA Zapf Creation from Germany, who remarked that “the big American retailers such as Target and Walmart had intensive conversations with the teams from our HQ.” And other major US-based players, too, felt that the Spielwarenmesse was becoming increasingly important. “Spielwarenmesse is always an exciting start to the event calendar for the team at Hasbro,” reveals Bhavesh Somaya (Senior Vice President & General Manager EMEA & APAC). “Mattel always launches substantial major developments in Nuremberg, such as the ’80th Ruby Anniversary Collection’,” adds MD Sebastian Trischler.

The barometer of exhibitors’ opinion was also on the rise in terms of service and activities. “The continuous marked improvement in content at the Spielwarenmesse was clearly appreciated,” confirms Christian Ulrich, Board Spokesperson at Spielwarenmesse eG. The addition of Hall 3C, accommodating Baby & Infant Articles and Lifestyle Products, made efficient circuits around the fair easier and created synergies. “We love the new hall and the stand we have there – it was a real benefit to us,” commented a delighted Christian Vollmer of Fehn, Germany. The modern design of the Toy Business Forum and its new-style presentations was likewise well received. Those presentation formats included the fireside chat with CEOs and the ToyPitch on the first day of the fair, at which twelve exhibitors gave brief 3-minute presentations on their new products. Once again the ToyAward – the prestigious industry prize in six product categories – was presented live on the big stage. “Winning was a tremendous honour, putting us as a small toy business on the radar with international trade,” says Yusuf Beyaz, CEO at Swiss startup Qubs. Further highlights included the highly topical Specials ‘Sport, Leisure, Outdoor’ with its halfpipe stunt shows, and ‘Toys for Kidults’, where products targeted to the affluent adult market were brought to life in the heavily frequented central entrance (Eingang Mitte). “We appreciate the variety of formats that make it possible to present new products in the best possible way,” says Evgeni Melan, COO of Augmented Robotics from Germany. He found the two ToyTrends, ‘Anime & Friends’ and ‘Healthy Heroes’ particularly exciting in this respect.

Exhibitors gave the topic of networking the highest rating. “It is noteworthy that the Spielwarenmesse enables an unparalleled industry gathering, a trend-setting platform, networking opportunities and of course media exposure,” remarks Anirudh Bhargava, CEO Tribal Earth Sounds India. At the fairly new but already well established RedNight event, about a hundred exhibitors transformed their stands into true party areas for Thursday evening. To Diego Motto of the Italian manufacturer Giochi Preziosi, RedNight is perfect for meeting suppliers and retailers: “The networking events have helped us to make new contacts and catch up with old friends.” Opportunities for individual discussions were also to be found at the LicenseLounge with its networking area and at the Internationale Spieleerfindermesse – Game Inventors Convention with its evening event, GamingHour. Fans of model vehicles enjoyed another premiere with the induction ceremony to the Model Car Hall of Fame.

Exhibitors had high praise for the way the Spielwarenmesse maintained its family character despite its immense size. “It feels like a sort of friendship gathering every year.” says Kovit Chomphunuchyanyong, Managing Director of the well-known Thai company Plan Toys. “Its positive and happy atmosphere makes it an event to visit every year,” concludes Kheir Houeiss, proprietor of Bulgarian company Invictus 1928. In total, 96% of participants would recommend other companies to attend. The next opportunity will be for the fair’s 75th birthday; the anniversary edition takes place from 27 to 31 January 2026.

Spielwarenmesse®
The world’s leading event for the sector – that’s the Spielwarenmesse®. At this B2B event, key players as well as startups present their innovations and trends to retailers from all over the globe, live in Nuremberg. Alongside the extensive range of products, participants also gain a wealth of inspiration for day-to-day business together with valuable knowledge and useful guidance on the market, at what is for them the most significant industry gathering. The event is complemented by year-round coverage of themes, analyses and insights from the multifunctional platform Spielwarenmesse® Digital and the e-journal ‘Spirit of Play’. Since 2013, the term Spielwarenmesse® has been a protected word mark in Germany.
Fair date: Spielwarenmesse®, Tuesday to Saturday, 27 – 31 Jan 2026

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Guangdong

GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — News report from GDToday.

Guangdong has extended an exclusive invitation to the guests to experience an extraordinary Chinese New Year.

This video takes you through the heart of Guangdong’s festive traditions — Yingge dance, fire dragon dance, mouth-watering local delicacies, stunning cityscapes, and more, all in one exciting, action-packed clip. As we show you the rapid growth and energy of Guangdong, we’re also rolling out the red carpet for friends from around the world to come and join the celebrations here in Southern China.

Watch now and feel the festive vibes of the most vibrant Chinese New Year celebration!

ZEEKR Announces January 2025 Delivery Update

HANGZHOU, China, Feb. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ZEEKR Intelligent Technology Holding Limited (“ZEEKR” or the “Company”) (NYSE: ZK), a global premium electric mobility technology company, today announced its delivery results for January 2025.

ZEEKR delivered 11,942 vehicles in January 2025. As of the end of January 2025, ZEEKR’s cumulative deliveries reached 430,698.

At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, ZEEKR announced various key advancements spanning strategy, technology, and product offerings. Highlights included a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to spearhead innovation in intelligent cockpit development. This partnership underscores ZEEKR’s dedication to providing cutting-edge driving experiences. ZEEKR also introduced the world’s first OEM-produced, self-developed intelligent driving domain controller based on NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor, a testament to the Company’s commitment to autonomous driving technology. Further solidifying its position in the EV charging infrastructure, ZEEKR announced the rollout of ZEEKR Energy’s overseas 800V ultra-fast charging network. Finally, ZEEKR generated excitement for the future mobility with the announcement of ZEEKR RT, the world-first mass-produced purpose-built vehicle for autonomous mobility with deliveries slated to begin in 2025.

About ZEEKR              

ZEEKR (NYSE: ZK) is a global premium electric mobility technology brand from Geely Holding Group. ZEEKR aims to create a fully integrated user ecosystem with innovation as a standard. ZEEKR utilizes Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) and develops its own battery technologies, battery management systems, electric motor technologies, and electric vehicle supply chains. ZEEKR’s value is equality, diversity, and sustainability. Its ambition is to become a true mobility solution provider.

ZEEKR operates its R&D centers and design studios in Ningbo, Hangzhou, Gothenburg, and Shanghai and boasts state-of-the-art facilities and world-class expertise. Since ZEEKR began delivering vehicles in October 2021, the brand has developed a diversified product portfolio that primarily includes the ZEEKR 001, a luxury shooting brake; the ZEEKR 001 FR, a hyper-performing electric shooting brake; the ZEEKR 009, a pure electric luxury MPV; the ZEEKR 009 Grand, a four-seat ultra-luxury flagship MPV; the ZEEKR X, a compact SUV; the ZEEKR 7X, a premium electric five-seater SUV; the ZEEKR MIX; and an upscale sedan model. ZEEKR has announced plans to sell vehicles in global markets, and has an ambitious roll-out plan over the next 5 years to satisfy the rapidly expanding global EV demand.

For more information, please visit https://ir.zeekrlife.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to,” or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

In China:

ZEEKR Intelligent Technology Holding Limited
Investor Relations
E-mail: ir@zeekrlife.com

Piacente Financial Communications
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: zeekr@thepiacentegroup.com

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: zeekr@thepiacentegroup.com

United Imaging Unveils Groundbreaking Innovations and Strengthens Strategic Partnerships across the Middle East and Africa at Arab Health 2025

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — United Imaging, a global leader in manufacturing advanced medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment, has showcased a series of game-changing innovations at Arab Health 2025, solidifying pivotal partnerships with healthcare and technology leaders. With an ever-expanding footprint in the global healthcare ecosystem, the company highlighted its advanced solutions, including the uMR ultra, uMI Panvivo, uRT 506c, uAngio AVIVA and the uSense platform for CT. The uRT 506c, the next-generation personalized precision radiotherapy platform, is a highlight, marking a new benchmark in radiotherapy innovation. The uAngio AVIVA,  pioneering the paradigm in angiography, redefines interventional X-ray. Another key attraction at the event was the uSense platform, paving the way for an era of intelligent, instinct-driven CT imaging. These innovations underline United Imaging’s commitment to empowering healthcare worldwide through cutting-edge imaging technologies and AI-driven diagnostic tools.

This year, United Imaging Intelligence (UII), United Imaging Microelectronics, and United Imaging MetaHealthcare—subsidiaries of United Imaging Group—showcased their latest innovations, highlighting cutting-edge medical AI advancements, groundbreaking progress in medical large models, the uOrigin hearing aid product series and HearOn – hearing aids product turnkey solutions, as well as uMetaGenesis, refined medical device management solution. These highlights underscore the company’s holistic approach to innovation. Notably, it marks the first time that the uOrigin hearing aid product series and uMetaGenesis have been officially introduced to the international market. During the event, United Imaging strengthened strategic partnerships with key healthcare and technology leaders across the Middle East and beyond. Collaborations with institutions.  Among some of the key partnerships are collaborations with:

  • Sezin Medical Imaging in Turkey, which will integrate the uMR Jupiter 5T, the world’s first whole-body ultra-high field 5T MRI, into its operations, setting a new benchmark for MRI technology in the region.
  • Al Mana Group in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest medical groups in the country, establishing a multi-disciplinary collaboration across CT, radiotherapy, molecular imaging, and AI to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
  • KPJ Healthcare in Malaysia, which will feature the installation of uMI Vista, United Imaging’s first digital PET/CT system in southern Malaysia, further advancing the nation’s nuclear medicine offerings.
  • Jaber Al-Ahmad Center for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging in Kuwait, where United Imaging’s uMI Panorama 35 will be installed as part of the region’s growing focus on advanced molecular imaging.
  • Al-Khalidi Medical Center in Jordan, which will enhance its diagnostic and theranostic services with United Imaging’s cutting-edge digital PET/CT and high-end MRI technology, particularly benefiting cancer patients.
  • The Nairobi West Hospital in Kenya, using UIH Digital PET/CT will collaborate with United Imaging for uAngio, MRI, CT, MRI, DR systems and uAI solutions.

These collaborations are a testament to United Imaging’s role as a driving force in transforming healthcare, and they underscore the company’s mission to deliver accessible, high-quality healthcare globally.

Dr. Jusong Xia, President of International Business at United Imaging Healthcare, emphasized the company’s commitment to medical technology innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). He stated, “Since its inception, United Imaging has made innovation a cornerstone of its strategy. We are honored that our advanced technologies, including AI, are trusted by global healthcare leaders. By integrating AI into our medical imaging solutions, we enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve patient outcomes, and expand access to high-quality healthcare. These partnerships demonstrate the transformative impact of innovation and collaboration, setting the stage for further advancements. Moving forward, we will strengthen our collaborations with key medical stakeholders, deliver greater value to our customers, and uphold our mission to bring equal healthcare to all.”

United Imaging’s impact extends far beyond the Middle East. Up to now, with over 14,000 hospitals and institutions in more than 75 countries and regions utilizing more than 32000 United Imaging products, the company’s innovations are making a significant difference in clinical settings worldwide. From the U.S. and Europe to Japan, Southeast Asia, and Africa, United Imaging is driving progress in medical imaging, AI diagnostics, and treatment capabilities across the globe.

About United Imaging Healthcare

United Imaging Healthcare was founded in 2011 with a commitment to providing high-performance medical imaging products, radiotherapy equipment, life science instruments, and intelligent digital solutions to global customers. With a mission ” To Bring Equal Healthcare for All” and a vision to “lead healthcare innovation”, United Imaging is continuously devoted to creating more value for its customers and improving the accessibility of high-end medical equipment and services worldwide through close collaborations with hospitals, universities, research institutions, and industry partners.

Announcement of the 1st Kiyoshi Kurokawa Award Recipient: Recognizing Innovative Leaders in Health Policy

TOKYO, Feb. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI; Secretariat: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Chair: Ryoji Noritake) is proud to announce the recipient of the 1st Kiyoshi Kurokawa Award. The announcement took place during HGPI’s flagship event, the “Health Policy Summit 2025” in Tokyo on February 1, 2025. Established to promote innovation in health policy across the Asia-Pacific region, this award recognizes young leaders and organizations making exceptional contributions to health policy and practice.

Background

The Kiyoshi Kurokawa Award was established as part of HGPI’s 20th-anniversary initiatives in 2024. Since its founding in 2004, HGPI has worked as an independent think tank with the mission of achieving citizen-centered health policy. This award reflects the vision and legacy of HGPI’s Honorary Chairman for Life, Kiyoshi Kurokawa, who played a central role in launching and guiding the organization.

Kiyoshi Kurokawa has been instrumental in bringing together diverse stakeholders and providing policy options with a global perspective. His dedication to principles such as “independence,” “non-partisan,” and “feasibility” has earned HGPI recognition both in Japan and abroad. The Kiyoshi Kurokawa Award embodies his commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders while creating a platform for global innovation in health policy.

About this award

The Kiyoshi Kurokawa Award was created to honor young leaders who are driving transformative changes in health policy. It seeks to amplify their impact, spreading their influence from the Asia-Pacific region to the global stage. The award celebrates individuals and organizations that demonstrate:

  • Innovation: Developing novel approaches and solutions that challenge existing frameworks.
  • Impact: Delivering measurable, positive outcomes for both local and global communities.
  • Future Vision: Envisioning and working toward sustainable changes that address long-term challenges.

The selection process for this award was conducted with careful consideration, aligned with HGPI’s philosophy of “achieving citizen-centered health policy.” For this inaugural award, candidates from diverse backgrounds and fields, including those from Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal, and Australia, were evaluated based on their innovation, regional and international impact, and exemplary leadership as role models for the next generation.

The 1st Recipient Dr. Renzo R. Guinto (Associate Professor, SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute (SDGHI), Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore)

Dr. Renzo R. Guinto, MD, DrPH is a Filipino physician currently serving as Associate Professor at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute (SDGHI) at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. A global leader in climate and health, Dr. Guinto is widely recognized as a pioneer in the interdisciplinary field of planetary health. His groundbreaking work focuses on climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare systems, the mental health impacts of climate change, and the intersections between climate, migration, and health.

Comments

The Selection Committee highlighted Dr. Guinto’s achievements in the following areas:

  • Innovative Research and Policy Advocacy: Developing resilient and sustainable healthcare systems and addressing climate change’s impacts on mental health, migration, and health equity.
  • International Leadership: Serving in key advisory roles for the Philippines’ Climate Change Commission, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) advisory group on climate and health ethics, and several influential Lancet Commissions.
  • Education and Network Building: Advancing planetary health education and research across the Asia-Pacific region and fostering collaboration between local communities and global stakeholders.

Kiyoshi Kurokawa, Member of the Selection Committee (Honorary Chairman for Life, HGPI):

“The Kiyoshi Kurokawa Award represents a tangible step toward achieving our vision of citizen-centered health policy. This award celebrates the dedication of young leaders and organizations that are tackling regional and global challenges with innovation and sustainability. Dr. Guinto’s work exemplifies the spirit of this award. As a ‘pracademic,’ he has effectively combined academic rigor with actionable policy advocacy, addressing the urgent issue of climate change. His leadership and commitment are truly inspiring.

It is also deeply meaningful that HGPI, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, has been able to establish such an award. This milestone reflects the growth of our organization and the invaluable support of our stakeholders. We have consistently promoted healthy debate and collaboration among diverse actors, and it is gratifying to see these efforts culminate in an initiative like the Kiyoshi Kurokawa Award.

HGPI will continue to serve as a platform for addressing global challenges in collaboration with civil society. I hope this award will encourage younger generations to bring new perspectives and actions that will shape the future of healthcare and society as a whole.”

Ryoji Noritake, Chair of the Selection Committee (Chair, HGPI):

“The Kiyoshi Kurokawa Award further embodies HGPI’s mission to advance citizen-centered health policy. By recognizing and supporting young leaders and organizations, this award aims to promote innovation and drive progress toward a sustainable future in healthcare policy.

Dr. Renzo R. Guinto’s contributions serve as an outstanding example of bridging academia and policy. His work not only addresses pressing regional issues but also shares valuable insights with the international community, creating ripple effects across borders. We hope this award inspires future leaders and reinforces the importance of collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Through this award, HGPI aspires to act as a hub for knowledge exchange among young professionals in the Asia-Pacific region. We aim to share Japan’s accumulated expertise in health policy globally while incorporating international perspectives into domestic healthcare discussions. By fostering this two-way flow of knowledge, we hope to contribute to a healthier, more equitable world while continuing to promote healthy debate.”

Future Prospects

The Kiyoshi Kurokawa Award aims to spotlight and amplify innovative initiatives from the Asia-Pacific region, sharing these efforts with the global community. By providing a platform for young leaders, HGPI hopes to advance sustainable health policy solutions worldwide while fostering international dialogue. This initiative also seeks to bridge the gap between Japan and the international community, enabling the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and new ideas to inform both global and domestic healthcare policy.

About Renzo R. Guinto:

Renzo R. Guinto, MD DrPH is Associate Professor of Global and Planetary Health at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute (SDGHI), Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore. Hailing from the Philippines, Renzo is one of the world’s pioneers and leading voices of the new field of planetary health. He works on diverse aspects of the climate and health nexus such as climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems; impacts of climate change on mental health; climate, migration, and health; climate implications for global health interventions; climate and health education; ethical issues around climate and health, among others.

Additionally, Renzo is one of the staunchest voices in the international movement around “decolonizing global health” – fighting epistemic injustices in knowledge production; pushing for diversity and inclusion in policy- and decision-making; challenging power asymmetries that perpetuate health inequities; and amplifying Global South voices in global health.

As a “pracademic” bridging the worlds of academia and policy, Renzo played important advisory roles, such as in the Philippines’s Climate Change Commission, World Health Organization’s Technical Advisory Group on the ethics of climate and health, and several Lancet Commissions such as the Lancet Commission on Sustainable Healthcare and the O’Neill-Lancet Commission on Racism, Structural Discrimination, and Global Health. He also served as consultant for various organizations including the Philippine Department of Health, World Bank, USAID, International Organization for Migration, and Wellcome Trust, etc.

Renzo contributed to the establishment of programs and policy frameworks, such the Migrant Health Program and the Philippine Migrant Health Network, National Tourism Development Plan, and National Climate Adaptation Plan – all in his home country, Philippines, as well as the World Bank’s Strategy for COVID-19 and Climate-Smart Healthcare and WHO’s Global Research Agenda on Health, Migration and Displacement, etc.

To promote planetary health in the Asia-Pacific and globally, Renzo pioneered innovations in planetary health education for basic, undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. He also led research projects ranging from universal health care to pandemic prevention, and served in editorial boards of several influential journals such as The Lancet Planetary Health.

Renzo also led and established committees, networks, and institutions – he served as chair of the Thematic Working Group on Climate Resilient and Sustainable Health Systems of Health Systems Global, chair of the Committee on Environmental Health and Ecology of the Philippine Medical Association, and convener of Planetary Health Philippines.

Renzo also has been a member of several advisory boards and committees – Climate Cares Centre at Imperial College London; Primary Care International; Health in Harmony; Child Family Health International; One Sustainable Health for All Forum; and Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians, among others.

Renzo obtained his Doctor of Public Health from Harvard University and Doctor of Medicine from the University of the Philippines Manila, and received further training from Oxford, LSHTM, Copenhagen, Western Cape, ITM Antwerp, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm School of Economics, and East-West Center in Hawaii. Currently, he also holds visiting appointments at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Philippines and the University of Cambridge.

One of the world’s most effective planetary health communicators, Renzo has traveled to and lectured in nearly 70 countries and 100 universities across the world; published more than 200 reports and articles in scientific journals, books, and popular media; and directed and produced short films that communicate the message of planetary healing to the world.

For his leadership and scholarship, Renzo has received numerous accolades. In 2019, he was named an Obama Asia-Pacific Leader, while in 2020, he was included by Tatler Magazine in its Gen.T List of 400 leaders of tomorrow who are shaping Asia’s future. In 2022, Renzo was named one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines and given the inaugural Planetary Health Innovation Award by the Consortium of Universities for Global Health in Washington, DC.

About HGPI:

Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) is a non-profit, independent, and non-partisan think tank established in 2004. Guided by its mission to achieve citizen-centered health policy, HGPI provides policy options through evidence-based, multi-stakeholder dialogue while maintaining independence from political parties and organizations. HGPI continues to contribute solutions to global healthcare challenges through collaboration and innovation.

For Inquiries:

Contact: Kawata / Sugawara / Okita
Email: info@hgpi.org

Announcement website: https://hgpi.org/en/news/kiyoshi_kurokawa_award_001.html

Hotel101 Global and JVSPAC Acquisition Corp. Announce Confidential Submission of F-4 Registration Statement Ahead of Planned Nasdaq Listing

SINGAPORE, Feb. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hotel101 Global Pte. Ltd (“Hotel101” or “HBNB”), an asset-light, prop-tech hospitality platform business designed for rapid global growth, and JVSPAC Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: JVSA) (“JVSPAC”), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced the submission of a confidential draft Registration Statement on Form F-4 to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in connection with their previously announced proposed business combination, following the signing of a definitive merger agreement between Hotel101 and JVSPAC on April 8, 2024.

Hotel101 is an asset-light, prop-tech hospitality platform pioneering a globally standardized “condotel” business model. Hotel101’s management believes that Hotel101 is poised to disrupt the hospitality industry by offering identical, standardized hotel rooms around the world, creating what it believes to be unbeatable efficiency, simplicity, and value.

Hotel101 is expected to have an equity value of over US$2.3 billion following completion of the transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of 2025 subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, and other customary closing conditions.

Upon closing, Hotel101, the hotel subsidiary of Philippine-listed DoubleDragon Corporation (PSE: DD), is expected to trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “HBNB.”

Hotel101 management believes that the Hotel101 platform is unlike anything available in any part of the world today: while it is similar to other short-term rental platforms because its inventory is generally owned by third-party individual condominium unit owners who can opt to list their unit on the Hotel101 platform, it is able to deliver consistency, security, and predictability for its guests, as well as arguably higher acceptance in the communities where it operates as all Hotel101 properties are purposely built as hospitality assets. The global opportunity that Hotel101 management sees in the hospitality space is that of standardization, which it believes brings efficiency, especially for the value segment. In addition, Hotel101’s proprietary app (which recently hit a milestone of 1 million registered users) adopts dynamic pricing for its room rates and plans to offer self-check in, simplified by the availability of just one type of room.

By building properties at scale – what Hotel101 management believes to be roughly five times the size of other branded 3-star hotel chains – Hotel101 management believes that it can offer its guests amenities that go well beyond what it believes to be the typical offering in the value segment. These amenities usually include in-room kitchenettes, pools, gyms, business centers, all-day dining, function rooms, 24/7 front desks, and children’s playgrounds – features that other mid-tier players do not typically provide.

Outside of the Philippines, Hotel101 has started construction in Madrid, Spain for its 680-room Hotel101-Madrid located in the Valdebebas area beside the IFEMA Convention Complex, the Real Madrid Complex and the upcoming new F1 Grand Prix Track. Another 482-room property, Hotel101-Niseko, is under construction in Hokkaido, Japan, and a site has been secured in Los Angeles, California to build the first Hotel101 in the U.S.

Hotel101’s long term vision is to have one million rooms, operating in over 100 countries worldwide, with an initial 25 identified priority countries for the medium term.

Important Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

The proposed Transaction will be submitted to shareholders of JVSPAC for their consideration and approval. JVSPAC and PubCo intend to jointly file a registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC which will include preliminary and definitive proxy statements to be distributed to JVSPAC’s shareholders in connection with JVSPAC’s solicitation for proxies for the vote by JVSPAC’s shareholders in connection with the proposed Transaction and other matters as described in the Registration Statement, as well as a prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to Hotel101’s shareholders in connection with the completion of the proposed Transaction. After the Registration Statement is filed and declared effective, JVSPAC will mail a definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents to its shareholders as of the record date established for voting on the proposed Transaction. JVSPAC’s shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read, once available, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and any amendments thereto and, once available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, in connection with JVSPAC’s solicitation of proxies for its special meeting of shareholders to be held to approve, among other things, the proposed Transaction, because these documents will contain important information about JVSPAC, Hotel101 and the proposed Transaction. Shareholders may also obtain a copy of the preliminary or definitive proxy statement, once available, as well as other documents filed with the SEC regarding the proposed Transaction and other documents filed with the SEC by JVSPAC, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to JVSPAC.

Participants in the Solicitation

JVSPAC, DoubleDragon Corporation, Hotel101, and their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from JVSPAC’s shareholders in connection with the proposed Transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of JVSPAC’s shareholders in connection with the proposed Transaction will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Transaction. You can find more information about JVSPAC’s directors and executive officers in JVSPAC’s final prospectus related to its initial public offering dated January 18, 2024. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

Contacts
Brunswick Group – Hotel101@brunswickgroup.com