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Saddle Up for a Renewed Lunar New Year as iShopChangi Reimagines Festive Rituals for 2026

Saddle up for the Year of the Horse with iShopChangi as it brings curated festive finds together to refresh your Lunar New Year rituals for 2026. From festive gifting and beauty glow-ups to home essentials, wines and spirits, and gourmet treats, skip the festive rush with carefully selected picks made for the season as you start the new year feeling renewed. Alongside these Lunar New Year favourites, take home the exclusive iShopChangi x Good Addition Prosperity Tile Set, a collaboration with Andrea Chong.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From now to 28 February 2026, travellers and non-travellers can get into the Lunar New Year spirit and refresh festive rituals with iShopChangi, offering curated festive finds and first-to-launch exclusives across fashion, beauty, wine and spirits, and lifestyle essentials at tax- and GST-absorbed prices, flying or not. Also featured this season is the exclusive iShopChangi x Good Addition Prosperity Tile Collectible, created in collaboration with local style icon Andrea Chong. Alongside curated selections, breeze through festive prep with on-demand delivery and gift-wrapping services.


Curated Lunar New Year Finds with an Exclusive Festive Touch

From standout gifts to party-ready picks, iShopChangi’s Lunar New Year curation has every celebration covered. Shop by mood and mission with collections made for Thoughtful Gifters picking out luxury beauty deluxe sets, fashion finds, and the latest tech from names like SK-II, Goldheart, and Sony. Efficient Hosts can stock up on wines, spirits, candles, and gourmet snacks, including festive favourites like cognac from Hennessy. And for the Glam Squad, go all out with beauty sets, fashion accessories, and health picks from brands like Kinohimitsu.

In addition to festive finds, mark the season with the exclusive iShopChangi x Good Addition Prosperity Tile Set, created in collaboration with local style icon Andrea Chong and her fashion brand Good Addition. Designed with Good Addition’s brocade motifs, festive yet calm colours, iShopChangi’s travel-inspired details, and a playful Otter design, the set puts a modern spin on a timeless ritual. Available for purchase at S$228 with a minimum spend of S$120.

Ring in the New Year with Festive Perks

Get festive-ready with curated selections made for the moments that matter most during the New Year. Whether it’s choosing thoughtful gifts, setting the mood for hosting, or dialling up your festive glam, iShopChangi brings together handpicked finds across beauty, fashion, wine and spirits, and home essentials. Indulge in exclusive finds and savings of up to 60% across Lunar New Year favourites from brands like SK-II, Hennessy, Sony, Kinohimitsu, Goldheart, and more.

Secure these festive promo codes and enjoy Lunar New Year savings.*

Lunar New Year Sale (For Non-Travellers and Travellers)

From now to 28 February 2026

Code

Description

LNY12

12%* off with no min. spend, capped at S$50

LNY15

15%* off with min. spend S$500, capped at S$120

Exclusive Lunar New Year Beauty Sale (For Travellers – Beauty Only)

LNY25B

25%* off with min. spend S$700, capped at S$300

*T&Cs and product exclusions apply. Refer to https://www.ishopchangi.com/en/campaigns/rituals2026 for full terms and conditions.

To round things off, make festive prep even easier with premium gift-wrapping services* for just S$5, and take advantage of On-Demand Delivery when time is tight. Place your order by 5PM (Monday–Saturday) and receive it within 2 hours for S$10, or enjoy complimentary 2-Hour On-Demand Delivery with a minimum spend of S$200*.

*Visit iShopChangi’s website for more details.

Celebrate New Beginnings with Festive Rewards

This New Year, enjoy more than festive finds on iShopChangi as celebrations come with extra rewards. Explore curated seasonal collections to celebrate the new season in style.

And there’s more for newcomers! For new iShopChangi shoppers, the rewards start immediately. Use the promo code [ISCNEW20] at checkout with a minimum spend of S$79 to enjoy an extra S$20 off your first purchase. New to Changi Pay? Enjoy S$10 off your first purchase of S$50 or more when you use Changi Pay at checkout.

Worried about delivery? As a non-traveller, you can cart out at tax-absorbed prices on iShopChangi and have your items delivered to you for free when you spend at least S$59 and provide a Singapore residential address for delivery. Alternatively, pick up selected products from the T2 Arrival (Public Area) iShopChangi Counter.

Travelling around the world? Enjoy the ultimate convenience and flexibility by shopping for your favourite items up to 30 days in advance and as close as 12 hours before your flight. Collect your order at the various Departure and Arrival Collection Centres. Alternatively, have it conveniently delivered to a local residential address for free with a minimum spend of S$59; an S$8 delivery fee applies for orders below S$59.

About iShopChangi 

iShopChangi was launched in 2013 as an extension of Changi Airport’s promise to deliver greater comfort and convenience to travellers in its suite of airport retail offerings. Passengers can browse and purchase tax- and duty-free products across all terminals between 30 days to 12 hours pre-flight on the e-store – and choose to collect their items at Collection Centres within departure, upon arrival or have them delivered free in Singapore. Providing easy access to over 30,000 products across 900 brands and exclusives such as Changi First product launches, the site has since received global recognition with its award for Best Website – Retail Customer Facing at The Moodies: the Airport and Travel Retail Digital Media Awards 2018. In early 2020, the e-commerce store started to retail a selection tax- and duty-absorbed products to Singapore-based residents without the need to fly.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iShopChangi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ishopchangi
X: https://x.com/changiairport
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/changiairport

Xinhua Silk Road: 2026 Global Youth Spring Festival Gala Vietnam sub-venue events held in Hanoi, Hai Phong to boost youth exchanges

BEIJING, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Vietnam sub-venue events of the 2026 Global Youth Spring Festival Gala co-organized by relevant authorities in Vietnam and south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were held successively in Hanoi and Hai Phong from January 28 to 29.

The events vividly showcased the profound cultural integration between China and Vietnam through various forms such as cultural performances, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and street flash mobs, promoting emotional resonance between the youth of the two countries and injecting new vitality into the traditional friendship of the two sides in the new era.

The gala held in Hanoi on January 28 included 12 cultural and artistic programs that blend traditional and modern, Chinese and Vietnamese characteristics. Actors from both China and Vietnam performed on the same stage, weaving a cross-border youth symphony together.

An intangible cultural heritage fair was also set up at the gala site, and the audience could participate in interactive activities such as calligraphy writing and intangible cultural heritage painting, experiencing both Chinese and Vietnamese cultures.

Rich cultural interactive activities were held in the central park of Hai Phong City on January 29, with Chinese and Vietnamese young artists and volunteers extending the festive atmosphere to the streets of the city.

In the flash mob performance segment, Chinese and Vietnamese calligraphers wrote auspicious Chinese characters as well as Vietnamese blessings, conveying best wishes crossing languages. Young singers and dancers performed songs and dances that blended Chinese and Vietnamese characteristics, driving the audience to move with the music and attracting waves of applause.

Touhu, a traditional Chinese game also known as pitch-pot, and blessing wall check-in among other interactive activities held on the site lured many local residents and tourists to participate in, with many of them sharing the wonderful moments through social media, achieving offline and online resonance.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/349441.html 

Total Investment of Approx. USD 8.8 Million in Malaria, Tuberculosis, and NTD R&D Projects with Partners Including Mahidol University, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, and Eisai

TOKYO, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced today a total investment of approximately JPY 1.39 billion (USD 8.8 million1) in six R&D projects for the development of drugs, diagnostics and vaccines for malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).2 

Investment of JPY 648 million (approx. USD 4.1 million1) for development of an mRNA vaccine to reduce infection and transmission of vivax malaria
Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax remains a major challenge to malaria elimination efforts due to the parasite’s ability to form dormant liver-stage hypnozoites. These dormant parasites may reactivate months or even years after the initial infection, causing recurrent episodes of malaria. In addition to triggering repeated blood infections, reactivation enables transmission back to mosquitoes, allowing the disease to persist within communities. To address this problem, the GHIT Fund is investing JPY 648 million (USD 4.1 million1) in a global partnership aimed at developing an mRNA vaccine to reduce infection and transmission of vivax malaria. This project is being led by Mahidol University and Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, and Ehime University in Japan. The investment builds on a prior GHIT-supported project3 that received approximately JPY 70 million (USD 0.4 million1) between 2023 and 2025.

Investment of JPY 93 million (approx. USD 0.6 million1) in diagnostic registration and JPY 183 million (USD 1.1 million1) in drug development for Chagas disease
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection primarily transmitted through the bite of triatomine bugs. It is estimated that more than seven million people worldwide are infected, with the majority of cases occurring in Latin America.4 Mother-to-child transmission also poses a significant public health challenge, making early diagnosis and prompt treatment essential. For the control of congenital Chagas disease, the GHIT Fund is investing JPY 93 million (USD 0.6 million1) in the registration of a point-of-care diagnostic test in Argentina and Bolivia. This project is led by ISGlobal (the Barcelona Institute for Global Health), a research institute in Spain, and Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd. in Japan. The GHIT Fund is also investing approximately JPY 183 million (USD 1.1 million1) in lead identification, which represents an early-stage step in the development of new drugs for Chagas disease being led by Eisai Co., Ltd. and others.

In addition, the GHIT Fund will invest a total of approximately JPY 466 million (approx. USD 2.9 million1) in the following three R&D projects:

  1. Facilitating local universal TB testing with Lung Flute ECO (FLUTTE): Validation in children, health care workers, and people living with HIV(PLHIV) with robust comparators for TB testing by the Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Acoustic Innovations Co., Ltd., Institute of Tropical Medicine, the Aurum Institute, Stellenbosch University, Instituto Nacional de Saúde and World Alliance for Lung and Intensive Care Medicine in Uganda.
  2. Development of a novel P. falciparum multistage vaccine by Ehime University, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., PATH, Statens Serum Institut and University of Copenhagen.
  3. AI-guided approaches for schistosomiasis drug discovery by Aberystwyth University and University of Dundee in the UK and BrightCore, Inc. in Japan.

Please refer to Appendix 1 for detailed descriptions on these projects and their development stages.

The six projects funded in this round bring together partners from a total of 13 countries. Since its inception, the GHIT Fund has worked with more than 210 research and development partners, including more than 140 overseas institutions. The GHIT Fund serves as a bridge connecting pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research institutes in Japan with their counterparts around the world.

As of December 31, 2025, there are 43 ongoing projects, including 19 discovery projects, 12 preclinical projects, and 12 clinical trials5 in the GHIT Fund’s portfolio. The total amount of investments since 2013 is JPY 42.5 billion (USD 271 million1) (Appendix 2).

1 USD 1 = JPY 156.53, the approximate exchange rate on December 30, 2025.
2 These awarded projects were selected and approved as new investments from among proposals to RFP2024-002 and RFP2025-001 for the Product Development Platform, the Target Research Platform, and the Hit-to-Lead Platform, which were open for applications from June 2024 to July 2025.
3 Project details: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/207/en
4
 WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chagas-disease-(american-trypanosomiasis)
5 This number includes projects in the registration phase.

The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world’s vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.
https://www.ghitfund.org/

Appendix 1. Project Details  

ID: G2025-112

Project Title

Development of a highly efficacious multistage mRNA vaccine formulation to prevent P. vivax infection and transmission

Collaboration

Partners

1. Mahidol University (Thailand)

2. Ehime University (Japan)

3. Chulalongkorn University (Thailand)

Disease

Malaria

Intervention

Vaccines

Stage

Lead Optimization

Awarded Amount

JPY 648,081,450 (USD 4.1 million)

Status

Continued project

Summary

[Project objective]

This project aims to develop a multistage mRNA vaccine capable of reducing both infection and transmission of P. vivax

 

[Project design]

Researchers from Mahidol, Chulalongkorn, and Ehime Universities are teaming up to develop a new mRNA vaccine that can both prevent infection and stop the spread of P. vivax. The vaccine will target two key proteins: PvCSP, which is involved in the early stages of infection, and Pvs230, which helps the parasite spread from humans to mosquitoes. The team will first test different versions of the PvCSP mRNA to find the most promising one, then fine-tune the best combination of PvCSP and Pvs230. Promising vaccine formulas will be tested in non-human primates to identify the most effective option. Once a lead candidate is selected, they will produce a high-quality vaccine suitable for human trials. All vaccine versions will use a clinically proven lipid nanoparticle (LNP) system to deliver the mRNA. Success will be evaluated by the vaccine’s ability to generate antibodies that block the parasite from infecting liver cells and prevent its transmission to mosquitoes.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/251/en

ID: G2025-121

Project Title

Trypanosoma cruzi-LAMP: A molecular point-of-care test for the control of congenital Chagas disease – from prototype to product

Collaboration

Partners

1. Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal/Spain)

2. Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd. (EIKEN/Japan)

3. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres” (CONICET-INGEBI/Argentina)

4. Fundación Salud Naturaleza Integral (SANIT/Bolivia)

5. Wiener lab (WIENER/Argentina)

Disease

Chagas disease

Intervention

Diagnostic

Stage

Registration

Awarded Amount

JPY 93,142,925 (USD 0.6 million)

Status

Continued project

Summary

[Project objective]

To license the T. cruzi-LAMP in Argentina and Bolivia, respectively in front of ANMAT and AGEMED regulatory agencies. Additionally, both industrial partners involved (EIKEN and WIENER) will reach a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that provides the context for the subsequent commercialization of the technology. At the same time, we will promote the use of the LAMP for improved diagnosis of congenital Chagas disease. Enabling the adoption of this tool will increase access, aligning to the WHO 2030 roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases, and contributing to the PAHO Elimination of Mother-To-Child Transmission (EMTCT) of infections initiative.

 

[Project design]In G2025-121, coordinated again by ISGlobal, we will extend the data of former project G2020-203 on the use of heparinized and dried blood spots (DBS) newborns samples in the study site of Yacuiba (Gran Chaco province, department of Tarija, Bolivia) operated by SANIT. These new data will complement the existing body of evidence, including prior analytical performance results generated by Eiken and CONICET-INGEBI, as well as the G2020–2023 clinical validation studies. In addition, performance data produced by Wiener using the T. cruzi-LAMP kits assembled at its manufacturing facility in Argentina will be incorporated. Together, this comprehensive dataset will underpin the preparation of the regulatory dossier and facilitate formal interactions with ANMAT and AGEMED, advancing the licensing and market authorization of the T. cruzi-LAMP diagnostic prototype in Argentina and Bolivia. The newly generated results will play a key role to respond the regulatory agencies requests, which include the analytical validation work conducted within the T. cruzi-LAMP verification studies led by Wiener.

Moreover, with the goal of recommending a change in the diagnosis policy to generalize a timely access to diagnosis (and treatment), we will advocate towards the adoptability of the technology through regular meetings with the competent health care authorities at both regional and national levels, as well as internationally to the PAHO and WHO.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/256/en  

ID: H2025-101

Project Title

Hit-to-Lead Optimization of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Chagas Disease

Collaboration

Partners

1. Eisai Co., Ltd. (Japan)

2. Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiatives (DNDi/Switzerland)

3. Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP/Argentina)

4. Fundación Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (Fundación INGEBI/Argentina)

5. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM/Argentina)

Disease

Chagas disease

Intervention

Drug

Stage

Lead Identification

Awarded Amount

JPY 183,021,439 (USD 1.1 million)

Status

Continued project

Summary

[Project objective]

We propose to conduct a hit-to-lead campaign of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors for Chagas disease. We will leverage findings from a previous GHIT-funded project for the generation of structure-activity relationship (SAR) data to advance a medicinal chemistry campaign. We aim to identify compounds with favorable profiles and in vivo efficacy using an acute model of Chagas disease. This work represents a crucial contribution to the drug discovery pipeline as the endpoint for this proposal is the identification of leads that are primed for further optimization, bringing us closer to delivering an urgently needed, novel mechanism-of-action drug candidate for Chagas disease.

 

[Project design]New compounds will be subjected to iterative cycles of design, synthesis, and profiling in in vitro potency, selectivity, and DMPK assays, followed by in vivo PK studies. Structure-activity and structure-property relationships gleaned from these activities will be used to continually refine our analog design hypotheses. Potent analogs with acceptable in vitro and in vivo profiles will be progressed for in vivo efficacy testing using the Chagas acute model.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/252/en  

ID: G2024-105

Project Title

Facilitating Local Universal TB Testing with Lung Flute ECO (FLUTTE):
Validation in Children, Health Care Workers, and People Living with HIV(PLHIV) with Robust Comparators

Collaboration

Partners

1. The Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association
(RIT-JATA/Japan)

2. Acoustic Innovations Co., Ltd (Japan)

3. Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM/Belgium)

4. The Aurum Institute (Republic of South Africa and Republic of Mozambique)

5. Stellenbosch University (Republic of South Africa)

6. Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS/Republic of Mozambique)

7. World Alliance for Lung and Intensive Care Medicine in Uganda
(WALIMU/Republic of Uganda)

Disease

Tuberculosis

Intervention

Diagnostics

Stage

Product Validation

Awarded Amount

JPY 281,985,836 (USD 1.8 million)

Status

Continued project

Summary

[Project objective]

The goal is to generate robust scientific evidence for WHO endorsement of the Lung Flute ECO by 2027. The project will assess LFE performance in:

  1. Targeted Universal TB Testing (TUTT) among health-care workers and PLHIV unable to expectorate.
  2. Paediatric TB diagnosis comparing LFE with saline induction, nasopharyngeal aspirates, and tongue swabs; and
  3. Community screening combined with digital chest X-ray and computer-aided detection (CAD).
    The project also aims to establish sustainable local manufacturing in Africa and Asia.

 

[Project design]

A network of clinical trials in South Africa, Mozambique, and Uganda will enroll over 8,000 participants using randomized or crossover designs with molecular and culture-based TB diagnostics as references. Data on diagnostic yield, safety, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness will be harmonized for pooled analysis to meet WHO guideline review criteria. Parallel activities include technology transfer, manufacturer training, and market-entry preparation for LMICs.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/253/en

ID: T2025-157

Project Title

Development of a novel P. falciparum multistage vaccine candidate based on PfCSP and PfRipr5

Collaboration

Partners

1.PATH (USA)

2. Ehime University (Japan)

3. Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. (Japan)

4. Statens Serum Institut (SSI/Denmark)

5. University of Copenhagen (UCPH/Denmark)

 

Disease

Malaria

Intervention

Vaccine

Stage

Antigen Identification

Awarded Amount

JPY 99,989,845 (USD 0.6 million)

Status

New project

Summary

[Project objective]

The objective of this project is to generate robust preclinical data to support the advancement of a multistage (CS + BS) particle-based malaria vaccine candidate formulated with a potent adjuvant. Under our central hypothesis, a vaccine targeting both pre-erythrocytic (CS) and erythrocytic (BS) stages will provide additive and/or synergistic protection against P. falciparum by interrupting two sequential lifecycle stages. This dual-targeting strategy is designed to reduce progression to clinical disease in individuals not achieving full protection with current CS-based vaccines (RTS,S/AS01, R21/Matrix-M). Milestones for this project include:

  1. Generation and testing of potent CS and BS immunogens on a proven particle delivery platform in in vivo efficacy models.
  2. Testing admixed combinations of CS and BS particle-based immunogens in in vivo efficacy models.
  3. Generation of a single particle displaying both CS and BS immunogens.

 

[Project design]This project is built on the successful completion of the following activities: 

  1. A reliable system for preclinical efficacy testing of CS vaccine candidates; 
  2. Evidence that particle delivery is preferred for efficacy of CS immunogens; 
  3. Access to a robust, Phase 3 clinically validated particle delivery platform for preclinical and clinical testing; 
  4. Identification of a potent BS immunogen; 
  5. Down-selection of the most potent region of PfRipr; and 
  6. Access to potent TLR-7 agonist adjuvants. 

The project will be initiated by generating and evaluating potent CS and BS immunogens displayed on the clinically validated AP205 particle platform and assessing their functional efficacy in vivo. After completing the individual antigen testing, we will proceed to evaluate the admixed combination of CS and BS immunogens presented on AP205 particles in vivo. This phase will determine whether co-administration preserves—or even enhances—the immunogenicity of each antigen, will identify potential immune interference or synergistic effects, and will define the optimal CS to BS ratio to be administered.

Once the admixed administration has been evaluated and ratios of CS to BS have been defined, a single, co-displayed particle that presents both CS and BS antigens on the AP205 platform will be constructed and characterized. This co-display approach on a single, easy-to-manufacture nanoparticle aligns with the project goal of simplified, cost-effective, multistage vaccine delivery.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/254/en  

ID: T2025-151

Project Title

AIH2L: Artificial Intelligence Guided Strategies to Identify New Anti-Schistosomal Hit to Lead Candidates.

Collaboration

Partners

1. Aberystwyth University (UK)

2. BrightCore, Inc. (Japan)

3. University of Dundee (UK)

Disease

Schistosomiasis

Intervention

Drug

Stage

Target Identification

Awarded Amount

JPY 84,482,057 (USD 0.5 million)

Status

New project

Summary

[Project objective]

The primary goal of this project is to deliver a small number of multi-lifecycle stage (schistosomula, juveniles and adults) active chemical series ready to enter the hit-to-lead phase of anti-schistosomal drug discovery. To achieve this goal, we will combine AI-guided approaches for drug discovery with high-throughput, whole-organism imaging platforms to phenotype schistosomes and expertise in early-stage drug discovery for schistosomiasis including medicinal chemistry and DMPK. The compounds developed here will be carried forward in subsequent projects as putative replacement drugs for praziquantel.

 

[Project design]Using existing phenotypic datasets, AI models will first be built to identify chemical features associated with anti-schistosomal activity and run these trained models on large chemical libraries to identify new compounds predicted to display potential anti-schistosomal activity.

 

Using high-throughput phenotyping platforms, approximately 100 of the prioritized compounds will first be co-cultured with S. mansoni schistosomula (10 µM final concentration) for 72 h. Active molecules will be subjected to dose response titrations and those displaying EC50s less than 10 µM will subsequently be tested against 7-week adult male and female worms (20 µM final concentration) for 72 h. Actives will subsequently be tested in dose response titrations for EC50 determinations. Compounds with adult worm EC50s less than 20 µM will subsequently be tested against 3-week juvenile worms in dose response assays. Compounds demonstrating EC50s less than 10 µM in schistosomula, 20 µM in adult worms and 20 µM juvenile worms will be progressed as hits.  

 

Confirmed hits will be tested for cytotoxicity, metabolic stability, aqueous solubility and lipophilicity. Focused hit expansion plans for the most promising actives will aim to assess the potential to improve potency and DMPK profile, explore synthetic tractability and identify key areas for further optimization. Commercial analogs or, if available, analogs in our existing compound collection will also be tested. Series that meet Compound Progression Criteria for a Validated Hit Series will be screened against S. mansoni parasites during ex vivo co-culture. Compounds demonstrating EC50s less than 3 µM in schistosomula, 3 µM in adult worms and 3 µM juvenile worms will be identified as H2L candidates.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/255/en  

*All amounts are listed at an exchange rate of USD 1 = JPY 156.53, the approximate exchange rate on December 30, 2025.

Appendix 2. Investment Overview (as of December 31, 2025)

Investments to date
Total investments: JPY 42.5 billion (USD 271 million1)
Total invested projects: 144 (43 active projects and 101 completed projects)

To learn more about the GHIT Fund’s investments, please visit
Investment Overview: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/overview/en
Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfolio/en
Advancing Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/advancingportfolio/en
Clinical Candidates: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/clinicalcandidates/en

For more information, contact:
Nancy Moss at +1-908-606-8940 or nmoss@burness.com
Eriko Mugitani at +81-36441-2032 or eriko.mugitani@ghitfund.org

Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators 2026 – APAC Officially Kicks Off – empowering startups across Japan, Singapore, and South Korea to lead the AI innovation

Highlights

  • Qualcomm launches Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators (QAIPI) 2026 – APAC, supporting startups in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea to develop innovative edge AI solutions across industries
  • Startups gain comprehensive support and resources, including access to Qualcomm Dragonwing™ and Snapdragon® platforms, the Arduino® UNO Q development board, technical guidance and mentorship, a grant of up to US$10,000, and eligibility for up to US$5,000 in patent filing incentives, accelerating AI product development and deployment.
  • Applications are open now through April 30, 2026.

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today announced the official launch of the Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators (QAIPI) 2026 – APAC, a regional startup incubation initiative that supports startups across Japan, Singapore, and South Korea in advancing the development and commercialization of innovative edge AI solutions.

Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators 2026 – APAC Officially Kicks Off
Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators 2026 – APAC Officially Kicks Off

Building on Qualcomm’s commitment to edge AI innovation, the second edition of QAIPI-APAC invites startups to develop intelligent solutions across a broad range of edge-AI applications using Qualcomm Dragonwing™ and Snapdragon® platforms, together with the new Arduino® UNO Q development board, strengthening their pathway toward global commercialization. The program supports startups building end-to-end AI use cases in sectors including consumer devices, healthcare, smart industry, smart cities, education, and industrial IoT, with a strong focus on scalability, deployment, and commercial readiness. Participating startups will also benefit from Qualcomm’s extensive global ecosystem, accessing technologies, technical guidance, and mentorship to move efficiently from concept to deployable products.

The Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators (QAIPI) empowers startups to develop and deploy scalable edge AI solutions, bringing intelligence closer to the edge across diverse real-world applications.
The Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators (QAIPI) empowers startups to develop and deploy scalable edge AI solutions, bringing intelligence closer to the edge across diverse real-world applications.

Applications for QAIPI 2026 – APAC are open until April 30, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PST) and will be evaluated based on innovation, technical feasibility, potential societal impact, and commercial relevance. The program will be implemented in two phases. The application phase is open to eligible startups incorporated and registered in Japan, Singapore, or South Korea. Shortlisted startups will enter the mentorship phase, receiving one-on-one guidance, online training, technical support, and access to Qualcomm-powered hardware platforms and development kits for product development. They will also receive a shortlist grant of up to US$10,000 and may be eligible for a patent filing incentive of up to US$5,000. At the conclusion of the program, shortlisted startups may be invited to showcase their innovations at a signature Demo Day in late 2026, engaging with industry leaders, investors, and potential collaborators across the APAC innovation ecosystem.

QAIPI-APAC shortlisted startups showcase their edge AI innovations at the 2025 Demo Day, engaging with industry leaders, investors, and ecosystem partners.
QAIPI-APAC shortlisted startups showcase their edge AI innovations at the 2025 Demo Day, engaging with industry leaders, investors, and ecosystem partners.

In addition to technical and product development support, Qualcomm continues to help QAIPI-APAC startups connect with global markets and international innovation ecosystems. In 2025, Qualcomm has supported QAIPI-APAC shortlisted startups through participation in major industry events, including the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2025 and a signature Demo Day in Seoul, enabling them to engage with global customers, partners, and investors. Building on this momentum, shortlisted startups are also invited to participate in the 2026 Smart City Summit & Expo (SCSE) this March in Taiwan, further accelerating real-world validation, cross-market collaboration, and pathways toward global commercialization.

Qualcomm leads QAIPI-APAC startups in connecting with global innovation ecosystems, including participation in the SWITCH 2025 event in Singapore, to expand cross-border collaboration and market opportunities.
Qualcomm leads QAIPI-APAC startups in connecting with global innovation ecosystems, including participation in the SWITCH 2025 event in Singapore, to expand cross-border collaboration and market opportunities.

Following its acquisition of Arduino, a leading open-source hardware and software provider, Qualcomm has expanded the tools and developer ecosystem available to innovators. The new Arduino UNO Q open-source development board, powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing, supports Linux applications, real-time control, and lightweight AI inferencing, enabling startups to accelerate edge-intelligent applications. To speed up the development of edge AI solutions across diverse use cases, startup teams can leverage the Qualcomm® AI Hub, a developer-focused platform offering a growing catalog of pre-optimized AI models, alongside Edge Impulse, a leading platform for building and deploying tinyML and edge-AI models from real-world sensor data, the Arduino Project Hub, and curated GitHub® repositories with optimized models and end to end demos.  These resources help reduce time and effort, enabling faster development, deployment, and iteration cycles.

The Arduino® UNO Q development board, powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing™, provides startups with a scalable platform for developing and deploying edge AI solutions.
The Arduino® UNO Q development board, powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing™, provides startups with a scalable platform for developing and deploying edge AI solutions.

“The rapid shift toward edge AI is unlocking new opportunities for innovation, productivity, and economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region,” said O.H. Kwon, Senior Vice President and President, Qualcomm APAC. “Through the Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators, we are helping startups transform ideas into scalable solutions and supporting innovators in leveraging hybrid and edge AI to create intelligent products with lower power consumption, higher efficiency, and enhanced privacy. By fostering a strong edge-AI ecosystem, we aim to empower the next generation of technology leaders and accelerate meaningful impact across industries and communities.”

“The first year of QAIPI in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea showcased AI’s leap from novel optics and healthcare to retail and humanoid robotics,” said Sudeepto Roy, Vice President of Engineering, Qualcomm Incorporated, and Lead of Qualcomm’s Global Ecosystem Development Program. “We are empowering startups with advanced platforms and vital IP protection to transform these breakthrough ideas into secure, patented, and deployable products. As we enter this new phase of edge AI, I am eager to see this year’s cohort accelerate real-world adoption and fortify the global innovation ecosystem.”

Applications for the Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators 2026 – APAC are open through April 30, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PST) and will be evaluated based on innovation, technical feasibility, potential societal impact and commercial relevance. Additional information, including eligibility requirements and official rules, is available on the program website: www.qualcomm.com/ai-program-for-innovators/apac.

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm relentlessly innovates to deliver intelligent computing everywhere, helping the world tackle some of its most important challenges. Our proven solutions drive transformation across major industries, and our Snapdragon® branded platforms power extraordinary consumer experiences. Building on our nearly 40-year leadership in setting industry standards and creating era-defining technology breakthroughs, we deliver leading edge AI, high-performance, low-power computing, and unrivaled connectivity. Together with our ecosystem partners, we enable next-generation digital transformation to enrich lives, improve businesses, and advance societies. At Qualcomm, we are engineering human progress.

Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of our engineering and research and development functions and substantially all of our products and services businesses, including our QCT semiconductor business. Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patents are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated.

Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

Snapdragon, Qualcomm and Qualcomm Dragonwing are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorprated.

Arduino and other Arduino marks and logos are trademarks of Arduino S.r.L.

Media Contact: qaipi_apac@qualcomm.com

Luyuan Group Participates in Key Event Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of China–Thailand Diplomatic Relations, Promoting Youth Exchange


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 February 2026 – Since January 14, the two-week “Boundless Creativity, Youth Connection” China–Thailand Youth Cultural Exchange Series officially kicked off in Bangkok. Over 500 representatives from various sectors and university students in both countries gathered for this cross-border cultural engagement. Jointly organized by China’s Intercontinental communication center (CICC) and Chulalongkorn University, and supported by Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Interior, and the Office of the Prime Minister, the event serves as a robust platform for deepening youth exchange between the two nations. Luyuan Group, together with its global brand LYVA, was invited to participate, showcasing innovative products to foster cross-cultural youth engagement.

Luyuan Group Participates in Key Event Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of China–Thailand Diplomatic Relations, Promoting Youth Exchange

As part of the program, Luyuan Group co-launched the “Ride with Panda, Toward the Future Together” China–Thailand Youth Friendship Ride. Young participants from both countries rode Luyuan motorbike featuring the panda mascot “A Pu” through iconic Bangkok landmarks, symbolizing the vitality and enduring friendship between China and Thailand.

As an invited corporate representative, Luyuan Group donated a panda-themed motorbike to Dhurakij Pundit University, encouraging youth to document cultural and exchange stories through action. This appearance highlighted Luyuan’s commitment to social responsibility and cultural influence, while also showcasing the Group’s progress in accelerating global expansion through its brand LYVA. Currently, Luyuan’s business footprint spans over 80 countries and regions.

Looking ahead, Luyuan Group will continue to collaborate with global partners to explore new paths in green mobility and contribute to sustainable development worldwide.

In addition, the event also featured the “Gifts from China” exhibition, themed around the 50th anniversary of China–Thailand friendship. Organized with the support of the China National Arts and Crafts Society’s Pattern R&D Center, the Pattern Museum, and Qilin Co-creation, the exhibition brought together numerous Chinese heritage brands, attracting significant interest from young attendees from both countries.

Among the highlights was the debut of the “The Eight Horses of Contemporary Prosperitye” — a horse-themed pattern co-created by the Pattern Museum and artist ZHENG CHONG in celebration of the Year of the Horse — adding rich cultural depth to the event. Contemporary artworks by Xu Shanxun from Mogu Gallery, along with leading Chinese brands such as GELASIGE, Beyond Home Textiles, and Youji Jewelry, further embodied the vibrant reach of Chinese culture abroad.
Hashtag: #LuyuanGroup

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

CIOs to Address Data Strategy and Decision Execution at Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane

As organisations rely more heavily on data to guide strategy, the ability to make consistent, repeatable decisions has become a defining challenge for IT leaders. While data volumes continue to grow, many leadership teams struggle to align on what data matters, how it should be interpreted, and how it translates into action. At Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane, March 17 – 18, 2026, data-driven sessions will focus on helping CIOs and senior IT leaders build the structures and literacy required to support confident decision-making across the enterprise.

SYDNEY, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Decision quality has emerged as a critical differentiator for IT organisations under increasing scrutiny to deliver measurable outcomes. Without shared understanding and clear frameworks, even well-funded data initiatives can stall at the point of execution. Taking place March 17 – 18, 2026, at W Brisbane, Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane will feature a dedicated set of data-driven sessions designed to help IT leaders strengthen how decisions are governed and carried through in practice.

At Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane, March 17 – 18, 2026, data-driven sessions will focus on helping CIOs and senior IT leaders build the structures and literacy required to support confident decision-making across the enterprise.
At Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane, March 17 – 18, 2026, data-driven sessions will focus on helping CIOs and senior IT leaders build the structures and literacy required to support confident decision-making across the enterprise.

Now in its second annual APAC edition, Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane will deliver a hands-on strategy conference for CIOs, senior directors, and IT executives focused on translating research into execution. The data-driven sessions are designed to help leaders connect data strategy directly to leadership decisions, improve data literacy across teams, and apply structured approaches that support consistent outcomes in complex environments.

“Data only becomes valuable when leaders can consistently act on it and make choices they’re willing to stand behind,” says George Khreish, Managing Partner at Info-Tech Research Group, APAC. “Across many APAC organisations, we’re seeing that the main challenge is not so much access to data, but more the lack of shared understanding around how it should inform decisions. At Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane, our data-driven sessions will help CIOs understand how to better strengthen data literacy and execution so data reliably supports better outcomes.”

Featured Data-Driven Sessions at Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane
The following data-driven sessions at Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane bring together strategic guidance, execution frameworks, and region-specific insights to help IT leaders strengthen decision outcomes across their organisations:

  • Build a Robust and Comprehensive Data Strategy
    This session examines how data strategy should directly support critical decisions and business outcomes. Attendees will gain clarity on how to position data as a decision-enabling capability rather than a reporting function, helping leadership teams align on what data matters most.
  • The Data and Analytics Playbook: Secrets and Steps to Systematically Achieve IT Excellence 
    This interactive workshop explores the 12-step Data and Analytics Playbook and how to apply it within real-world environments. Participants will leave with a prioritised roadmap to move data and analytics from reactive firefighting to forward-driving delivery.
  • Info-Tech’s Data Digest: Insights From Our APAC Members’ Experiences 
    Grounded in insights from Info-Tech’s APAC member base, this session highlights how regional technology, regulatory, and cultural dynamics are shaping IT decisions. Attendees will gain evidence-based perspectives to benchmark priorities and inform leadership discussions.

These sessions align with findings from Info-Tech’s recently published Data Priorities 2026 report, which shows that as organisations accelerate AI adoption and digital initiatives, gaps in data quality, governance, and literacy increasingly limit their ability to execute with confidence. Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane extends this research by providing leaders with practical frameworks, peer context, and actionable guidance they can apply immediately.

Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane will bring together CIOs, senior IT executives, and technology leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region for two days of research-driven programming. The conference will feature mainstage sessions, interactive breakouts, peer discussions, and one-on-one analyst meetings designed to help IT leaders move from strategy to execution in complex and fast-moving environments.

Additional sessions and speaker announcements will be released in the coming weeks. For more information about the event, please visit the Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane page.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts and full access to the Data Priorities 2026 report, please contact pr@infotech.com.

Media Passes for Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane
Media professionals, including journalists, podcasters, and influencers, are invited to attend Info-Tech LIVE 2026 in Brisbane to gain exclusive access to research, content, and interviews with industry leaders and analysts for their audiences. 

Media professionals can apply for complimentary in-person passes by contacting pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading and fastest-growing research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing professionals around the globe. As a trusted product and service leader, the company delivers unbiased, highly relevant research and industry-leading advisory support to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to expert guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organisations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.  

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

 

Vantage Data Centers Appoints Fitri Abdullah as Country Managing Director to Accelerate Growth in Malaysia

A seasoned business leader with deep market insight to drive strategic initiatives and business outcomes

DENVER, USA and SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 February 2026 – Vantage Data Centers, a leading global provider of hyperscale data center campuses, today announced the appointment of Fitri Abdullah as country managing director, Malaysia. In this newly created role, Abdullah will oversee Vantage’s business in Malaysia, leading strategies that strengthen stakeholder engagement and market leadership. Abdullah will be part of Vantage APAC’s leadership team and report directly to Jeremy Deutsch, the region’s president.

Fitri Abdullah, Country Managing Director, Malaysia, Vantage Data Centers
Fitri Abdullah, Country Managing Director, Malaysia, Vantage Data Centers

With more than 30 years of experience across the technology and communication industries, Abdullah brings a wealth of expertise in navigating complex business landscapes, fostering strong stakeholder relationships and building high-performing teams from both local and regional perspectives. Most recently, he served as managing director of Oracle Corporation Malaysia for the last nine years, where he led the business strategy and execution plan to transform the company into a leading cloud service provider in Malaysia.

Prior to Oracle, Abdullah was managing director of Mesiniaga Berhad, a publicly listed IT services company, and senior vice president for the enterprise business of Maxis Berhad, a leading communication service provider in Malaysia. In these roles, he orchestrated teams to drive substantial business growth through differentiated offerings, enhanced customer engagements and streamlined business operations. Earlier in his career, he held various leadership roles in consulting and systems integration at Hewlett Packard across the Asia-Pacific region.

“I am delighted to welcome Fitri to Vantage’s APAC business as our new managing director for Malaysia. Fitri’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth for us. His strategic vision and extensive experience will be instrumental as we pursue new opportunities and deepen our commitment to innovation and sustainability to keep pace with customer demand in such a dynamic market,” said Deutsch.

“Malaysia is a strategically important market to Vantage and our customers. I am honored and excited to take on this new role in advancing Vantage’s APAC growth journey and supporting Malaysia’s digital economy,” said Abdullah. “I look forward to collaborating with teams across the company, customers, investors, government, policymakers and other stakeholders to deliver long-term value and a positive impact.”

Vantage’s portfolio in Malaysia encompasses three hyperscale campuses across Kuala Lumpur and Johor. The company’s ongoing expansion in Malaysia underscores its commitment to driving the country’s cloud and AI transformation. For more information on Vantage’s APAC platform, please visit https://vantage-dc.com/data-center-locations/apac/.

Hashtag: #VantageDataCenters

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

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers is a global leader in digital infrastructure serving the world’s most influential AI and cloud providers. With operations spanning North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage delivers capacity at unrivaled speed and scale, driven by a relentless commitment to operational excellence and customer success. Vantage is empowering transformative companies to shape the future.
For more information, visit.

DeepL Launches Voice API for Real-Time Speech Transcription and Translation enabling instant multilingual communication

COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DeepL, a global AI product and research company, today announced the general availability of DeepL Voice API. This innovative product empowers developers to integrate real-time voice transcription and translation capabilities into their applications, significantly enhancing multilingual support for businesses.

The DeepL Voice API allows businesses to stream audio and receive transcriptions in the source language, along with translations into up to five target languages. The API provides a seamless experience for users, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder effective communication.

DeepL Voice API will be widely available for customers with spoken communication at their core, with contact centres and business process outsourcing (BPOs) providers being the earliest adopters of this solution.

Transforming Multilingual Support

The DeepL Voice API turns language support from a staffing problem many contact centers face, into an easy-to-use solution that fits well with current systems. By adding real-time transcription and translation to how agents work, supervisors can handle issues better, and agents can assist customers in different languages without needing to pass them on to a colleague or revert to written communication to allow for translation.

On the operational side, the Voice API provides clear transcripts and translations that help with quality checks and training of customer service teams. This allows for quicker reviews, fairer evaluations across different locations, and clearer feedback on agent performance and gaps in knowledge. By minimizing issues caused by language barriers, like longer calls, repeated contacts, and expensive misunderstandings, the DeepL Voice API changes the overall experience for the end user.

“When interacting with a customer service representative, the end user is often trying to resolve an important issue, so facing communication barriers often leads to a negative experience. By equipping contact center teams with tools that enable real-time communication in any language, we can turn what is often perceived as a cost center for a business, into a revenue generating one through customer excellence. This also makes the work of contact center agents smoother, reducing the need to pass tasks to others or seek workaround solutions,” said Gonçalo Gaiolas, Chief Product Officer at DeepL.

The DeepL API will enable the following for users:

  • Hire for expertise, not language coverage
    DeepL Voice API lets contact centers staff agents who understand the customer issue and the business context, even when they do not speak the customer’s language. 
  • Expand talent pools while managing costs
    By reducing the need for language specific staffing, teams can centralize or distribute support more flexibly, which can lower operating costs and improve coverage planning. 
  • Provide reliable coverage in urgent moments
    Real time translation helps teams maintain service levels during nights, weekends, and holidays, when fewer specialized language agents are available. 
  • Two way understanding, not just text on screen
    Agents can follow the conversation through live translated audio, alongside on screen transcription and translation, so they can respond naturally and confidently in the moment.

Business Value and Operational Resilience

For leaders in the industry, the business value is multifold. Organizations can expand language coverage without overhauling their hiring models, add new geographies quickly, and support more client programs with the same core team. This control over customer experience, compliance, and cost becomes increasingly important as operations grow.

The launch also includes a six week early access program for voice-to-voice capabilities, set to run from mid-February. This feature will allow agents to hear translated audio while communicating with customers in their preferred languages in real-time, further streamlining the customer experience.

Availability

The DeepL Voice API will be available to all DeepL API Pro customers starting February 2. Interested businesses can get started by accessing the DeepL API documentation or contacting sales for Voice API access.

For more information on DeepL Voice API, including supported languages, please visit the website here.

About DeepL:

DeepL is a global AI product and research company focused on building secure, intelligent solutions to complex business problems. Over 200,000 business customers and millions of individuals across 228 global markets today trust DeepL’s Language AI platform for human-like translation, improved writing and real-time voice translation. Building on a history of innovation, quality and security, DeepL continues to expand its offerings beyond the field of Language, including DeepL Agent – an autonomous AI assistant designed to transform the way businesses and knowledge workers get work done. Founded in 2017 by CEO Jarek Kutylowski, DeepL now has over 1,000 passionate employees and is supported by world-renowned investors including Benchmark, IVP, and Index Ventures. For more information on DeepL, visit www.deepl.com.

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