YICHUN, China, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A group of five influencers and four young creators from around the world recently journeyed to central China’s Yichun city, sharing its unique charm globally.
China Matters’ Feature: Global Creators Unveil Yichun’s Allure
They kicked off with traditional Chinese wellness, trying acupuncture and cupping. The gentle insertion of needles and the soothing suction left them fascinated by ancient healing arts.
At a pottery studio, they got hands – on, shaping clay into beautiful pieces, connecting with Yichun’s artistic heritage. They also delved into local culture, playing the lively Desheng Drum and being mesmerized by the mysterious Nuo Dance, while a fireworks factory tour set the stage for a nighttime spectacle. In Wanzai, a dazzling fireworks show lit up the sky, blending tradition with modern entertainment.
The next day, climbing Mingyue Mountain, they were greeted by a breathtaking sea of clouds at the summit. This awe – inspiring sight marked a perfect end to their adventure.
All the real experience the influencers had would be presented in their videos that’ll take the world on a virtual tour of Yichun’s wonders, fostering global appreciation for this Chinese gem.
YICHUN, China, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A group of five influencers and four young creators from around the world recently journeyed to central China’s Yichun city, sharing its unique charm globally.
China Matters’ Feature: Global Creators Unveil Yichun’s Allure
They kicked off with traditional Chinese wellness, trying acupuncture and cupping. The gentle insertion of needles and the soothing suction left them fascinated by ancient healing arts.
At a pottery studio, they got hands – on, shaping clay into beautiful pieces, connecting with Yichun’s artistic heritage. They also delved into local culture, playing the lively Desheng Drum and being mesmerized by the mysterious Nuo Dance, while a fireworks factory tour set the stage for a nighttime spectacle. In Wanzai, a dazzling fireworks show lit up the sky, blending tradition with modern entertainment.
The next day, climbing Mingyue Mountain, they were greeted by a breathtaking sea of clouds at the summit. This awe – inspiring sight marked a perfect end to their adventure.
All the real experience the influencers had would be presented in their videos that’ll take the world on a virtual tour of Yichun’s wonders, fostering global appreciation for this Chinese gem.
11 Extraordinary Programmes Featuring Differently-Abled Local and International Artists Tickets Now Available at URBTIX
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – The eighth edition of “No Limits”, co-presented by the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, will open on 27 February 2026 (Friday), under the theme “All of Us, All Ways”. This year’s programme invites audiences to reimagine the value of diversity through inclusion, celebrating the extraordinary talent and creativity of local and international artists of varying abilities.
“No Limits” 2026 presents 11 groundbreaking works across music, theatre, dance and film, with a total of 29 performances and events. The season also features over 20 Jockey Club “No Limits” Education and Community Programmes, including school tours, workshops, public showcases and an international symposium. These events aim to foster greater understanding, creativity and connection across communities.
This year marks an important milestone for “No Limits” as it collaborates for the first time with two of Hong Kong’s flagship performing arts companies—the Hong Kong Dance Company and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra—to present multidisciplinary inclusive programmes. These trailblazing partnerships highlight the growing integration of inclusivity into Hong Kong’s mainstream cultural landscape.
Celebrating its eighth edition, the theme of this year’s “No Limits” – “All of Us, All Ways” – reflects its commitment to promoting diversity and connecting people through the arts. By embracing differences and fostering inclusive collaborations, “No Limits” seeks to inspire new perspectives and unlock the imaginative possibilities that diversity brings. Building on the success of the 2025 “No Limits”‘ International Symposium, the programme continues to promote the growth of an Asian network of inclusive arts partners. In this way, “No Limits” reaffirms its vision of becoming a transformative force both locally and regionally.
Tickets to all performances are now available at URBTIX. A limited early bird offer of a 20% discount on all standard price tickets will be available until 5 January 2026. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, people with disabilities and one companion, and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients. (Link: www.urbtix.hk/series/124?bannerCode=NL2026)
Community programmes, including public showcases and screenings, are free of charge and open to everyone. Selected online programmes can also be accessed for free on the official website, https://www.nolimits.hk.
In collaboration with the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong, “No Limits” will once again provide a range of accessibility services, including audio description, Hong Kong sign language interpretation, accessible captions, braille and audio booklets, and relaxed performances. Additional wheelchair seats may be available in some venues. Guide dogs are welcome.
To carry the spirit of inclusion beyond the stage, “No Limits” is launching a series of inclusive-themed plush toys. Purchasers of tickets worth HK$500 or more in a single transaction will receive a souvenir plush toy, while stocks last.
In-venue Programme
Opening Programme: The Nature of Why
The internationally acclaimed Paraorchestra, the world’s first professional inclusive orchestra, presents an immersive symphonic dance-theatre experience inspired by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman. Featuring live orchestral music, contemporary dance and audience interaction, this groundbreaking performance challenges perceptions of inclusion and art.
Dates: 27 February – 1 March 2026, Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre
Wayfaring Beyond
A unique outdoor performance co-produced by the Hong Kong Dance Company and the China Hong Kong Para Dance Sport Association. Drawing on Daoist philosophy, this powerful collaboration blends traditional Chinese dance and wheelchair dance sport, exploring the beauty of diverse physicality and the freedom that transcends the body.
Dates: 28 February – 1 March 2026, Parade Ground, Tai Kwun
Light and Shadow on Strings
The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, in collaboration with visually impaired erhu prodigy Yang Enhua, presents a mesmerising concert of traditional and contemporary Chinese string music. The programme also includes a newly commissioned work inspired by the experiences of visually impaired individuals.
Date: 28 March 2026, Auditorium, Tsuen Wan Town Hall
Two Blind Women in the Snowy Tokugawa Nights – Sleeping Fires
Commissioned by “No Limits”, director Kuro Tanino creates a poignant and visually stunning theatrical work inspired by the lives of blind massage therapists in ancient times. This world premiere reflects on themes of trust, independence and belonging.
Dates: 27–29 March 2026, Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Zer-Brech-Lich
Swiss choreographer Alessandro Schiattarella presents a witty and heartfelt musical theatre performance led by three disabled performers. Through original music and dance, the production transforms vulnerability into a celebration of strength and diversity.
Dates: 13–15 March 2026, Black Box Theatre, Kwai Tsing Theatre
Precarious Moves
Vienna-based artist Michael Turinsky performs a thought-provoking solo exploring the choreography of resistance and the relationship between body, time and space. This work challenges societal expectations surrounding disabled bodies.
Dates: 17–18 March 2026, The Box, Freespace, WestK
Harmonia
This award-winning dance work by Theatre Bremen and choreographer Adrienn Hód dismantles conventional notions of the body in dance. Featuring a diverse cast of performers with and without disabilities, the piece highlights the possibilities of inclusive choreography.
Dates: 21–22 March 2026, The Box, Freespace, WestK
Free Screenings and Online Programmes
“No Limits” 2026 offers an exciting selection of films and documentaries that highlight themes of inclusion, resilience and the human experience. These screenings are free of charge, with in-venue viewings at Tai Kwun Laundry Steps and online accessibility through the “No Limits” website*.
A Space in Time (Riccardo Servini and Nick Taussig)
A heartfelt documentary capturing the journey of a family raising two sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Through interviews and candid home videos, this film explores their resilience and the role of supportive communities.
Dates: 17 January (Sat) & 18 January (Sun), 3:20 PM Language: English with Chinese and English subtitles, Cantonese dubbing, and audio description in Cantonese.
Away from Her (Sarah Polley)
A poignant feature film about love, memory and loss, as a married couple of over 40 years faces the challenges of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Based on the short story The Bear Came Over the Mountain by Alice Munro.
Dates: 17 January (Sat) & 18 January (Sun), 4:50 PM Language: English with Chinese and English subtitles, Cantonese dubbing, and audio description in Cantonese.
Lapse (Caroline Cavalcanti)
A Brazilian short film about friendship and understanding, as two teenagers—one a deaf skateboarder, the other a rap enthusiast—form a connection through sign language and shared struggles.
Dates: 28 February (Sat) & 1 March (Sun), 5:45 PM; 7 March (Sat) & 8 March (Sun), 3:10 PM Language: Portuguese with Chinese and English subtitles, Cantonese dubbing, and audio description in Cantonese.
Fujiyama Cottonton (Taku Aoyagi)
A reflective Japanese documentary set at Mirai Farm, a facility for differently-abled individuals, exploring their daily lives, creativity and the beauty of community. Inspired by the French film On the Adamant.
Dates: 7 March (Sat) & 8 March (Sun), 3:35 PM Language: Japanese with Chinese and English subtitles, Cantonese dubbing, and audio description in Cantonese.
*From 30 March to 25 May 2026, all films will be available for free online viewing. Each film includes Chinese and English accessible subtitles, Cantonese and English dubbing, and audio description services in both languages.
Audiences can visit https://www.nolimits.hk to stream these films free of charge during the scheduled dates.
Jockey Club “No Limits” Education and Community Programme
The Jockey Club “No Limits” Education and Community Programme continues to promote inclusion and creativity through a range of impactful initiatives, including community showcases, a school touring programme, a creative training programme, an international symposium and an innovative research scheme.
Community Showcases and Live Screenings
Taking place on 17–18 January and 7–8 March 2026 at the Laundry Steps, Tai Kwun, these showcases feature performances co-created by participants of the Pilot Creative Training Programme and community organisations. The events also include live performances, post-show sharing sessions and film screenings. Accessibility features include audio description, sign language interpretation and subtitles in Chinese and English. Admission is free, with no registration required.
Pilot Creative Training Programme
Running from September to October 2025, this programme, in collaboration with Candoco Dance Company (UK), offers two pathways:
Fundamental Course: For teaching artists with 0–2 years’ experience, focusing on inclusive teaching methods.
Advanced Course: For experienced teaching artists, exploring reflective and innovative practices.
Participants will undertake three-month placements at community centres, co-creating workshops with individuals of all abilities. The results will be performed during the Community Showcases.
School Touring Programme: “The Ways We Move”
In March 2026, this a cappella concert will tour schools, featuring choirs of mixed abilities performing original and popular songs inspired by real-life stories. The performance explores how we express ourselves through our bodies and emotions, inviting students to participate in group singing and movement activities. Schools can enquire at outreach@nolimits.hk.
International Symposium: “The Way Forward: A Humanistic–Tech Framework for Inclusive Innovation”
To be held on 8 March 2026 at JC Cube, Tai Kwun, this symposium brings together experts from arts, technology, urban planning, healthcare and community advocacy to discuss how creativity and technology can drive inclusion. Topics include democratising access to the arts, sensory design in urban planning, and co-creation with disabled individuals. The event is free of charge with Cantonese and English interpretation provided.
Local Creative Research and Development Scheme
This nine-month initiative pairs local artists with individuals of different abilities to co-create new works exploring inclusive practices. Highlights include:
Jezrael Lucero and Daniel Chu: Exploring Lucero’s journey as a blind Filipino jazz musician.
Miu Law and Sham Chung-tat: Redefining mapmaking through sound and tactile experiences.
Amy Chan and Chu Po: Investigating creativity and societal norms through ceramics and light.
Tsz Wai-pun and Nathan Fong: Combining robotics and puppetry to innovate storytelling.
The results will be presented as part of “No Limits” 2026, showcasing the potential of inclusive arts to audiences.
Arts AccessibilityServices
“No Limits” continues its collaboration with the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong to offer a range of accessibility services, including audio description, Hong Kong sign language interpretation, accessible captions, braille and audio booklets, and relaxed performances; additional wheelchair seats may be available in some venues. Guide dogs are welcome.
Hong Kong Dance Company & China Hong Kong Para Dance Sport Association
Parade Ground,
Tai Kwun
13-15 Mar 2026
Zer-Brech-Lich
Alessandro Schiattarella and Ensemble
Black Box Theatre,
Kwai Tsing Theatre
17-18 Mar 2026
Precarious Moves
Michael Turinsky
The Box,
Freespace, WestK
21-22 Mar 2026
Harmonia
Unusual Symptoms / Theatre Bremen / Adrienn Hód
The Box,
Freespace, WestK
27-29 Mar 2026
Two Blind Women in the Snowy Tokugawa Nights – Sleeping Fires
Kuro Tanino
Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
28 Mar 2026
Light and Shadow on Strings
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (Chamber Ensemble)
Yang Enhua (Solo and Ensemble)
Auditorium,
Tsuen Wan Town Hall
“No Limits” International Symposium
8 Mar 2026
The Way Forward: A Humanistic–Tech Framework for Inclusive Innovation
JC Cube, Tai Kwun
Free Screenings and Online Programmes
In-venue Free Screening @Laundry Steps, Tai Kwun
Free screening available on “No Limits” website
Programme
Director
17-18 Jan 2026
30 Mar – 25 May 2026
A Space in Time
Riccardo Servini & Nick Taussig
17-18 Jan 2026
30 Mar – 25 May 2026
Away From Her
Sarah Polley
28 Feb – 1 Mar,
7 – 8 Mar 2026
30 Mar – 25 May 2026
Lapse
Caroline Cavalcanti
7 – 8 Mar 2026
30 Mar – 25 May 2026
Fujiyama Cottonton
Taku Aoyagi
Hashtag: #NoLimits
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Hong Kong Arts Festival
Launched in 1973, the Hong Kong Arts Festival is a major international arts festival committed to enriching the cultural life of the city. In February and March every year, the Festival presents leading local and international artists from all genres of the performing arts, giving equal importance to great traditions and contemporary creations. The Festival also commissions and produces work in theatre, music, chamber opera and contemporary dance by Hong Kong’s own creative talents and emerging artists, many of which have subsequently had successful runs in Hong Kong and overseas. Every year, the Festival also presents more than 250 “PLUS” and educational activities that offer diverse arts experiences to the community as well as tertiary, secondary and primary school students. In addition, through the “No Limits” project co-presented with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Festival strives to create an inclusive space for people of different abilities to share the joy of the arts together.
Launched in 2019 and co-presented by the Hong Kong Arts Festival and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, “No Limits” offers barrier-free performances and events, and explores and promotes inclusiveness and understanding through the arts.
In 2026, the eighth edition of “No Limits” showcases a series of fascinating programmes of music, dance, theatre and film by international and Hong Kong artists of different abilities.
“No Limits” 2026 presents accessible in-venue performances, free film screenings and a symposium, as well as education and community programmes for young people, highlighting creativity and talent in a variety of forms.
HONG KONG, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cerebro-cardiovascular conditions have continued to pose a public health burden. The convergence of population ageing and lifestyle risk factors has made “earlier detection, earlier intervention, and accessible and affordable prevention and management” a common challenge for global healthcare systems. Concurrently, the rapid development of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital health platforms, and medical imaging has brought new possibilities for related risk assessment, early screening, risk stratification, and precision therapy. However, bridging the gap between “Research—Clinic—Community” still relies on the joint development that is cross-disciplinary, cross-institutional, and cross-regional collaboration mechanisms, and an innovation ecosystem.
In this context, the 2nd International Cerebro-cardiovascular Medical Innovation Summit (ICMIS 2025), organised by the InnoHK Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), was successfully convened today at Hong Kong Science Park. As a flagship academic event in the cerebro-cardiovascular health, this year’s summit brought together distinguished experts and scholars from world-leading institutions, including the University of Oxford, Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University, the University of Hong Kong, and City University of Hong Kong, as well as leaders from the medical industry. The first day’s agenda focused on three core themes: digital health and AI-enabled healthcare technology, medical imaging and community healthcare, and translational clinical solutions. Academic leaders and industry pioneers from across the globe engaged in rigorous intellectual exchange, collectively exploring innovative strategies to address pressing global challenges in cerebro-cardiovascular health.
Deepening Cross-Sector Collaboration to Address Global Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Challenges
The summit’s opening ceremony was an esteemed gathering, uniting leading figures from government, academia, and industry, and setting a high-level international tone for the event. Several eminent guests delivered speeches, presenting a forward-looking blueprint for the future of cerebro-cardiovascular health engineering and medical innovation. Their insights spanned multiple dimensions, including policy support, clinical needs, industry development, and academic innovation, underscoring a collective commitment to driving progress in this critical field.
Prof. Dong SUN, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of HKSAR, stated that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, making this summit a vital platform for interdisciplinary exchange to address these critical challenges. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to develop Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. Highlighting InnoHK as a flagship initiative, he praised COCHE for its significant advancements in AI-powered imaging and biosensing through strategic partnerships with world-leading institutions. He also stated that the Government is expediting the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster which focus on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing, and materials to further improve the I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong.
Prof. Junbo GE, President of Chinese Medical Doctor Association Cardiovascular Society and Chinese Cardiovascular Alliance, emphasized that the greatest breakthroughs in cardiovascular medicine never happen in isolation but live at the intersection of clinicians, engineers, and industry partners. He underscored the fact that the summit is not just about sharing knowledge but about building a “common language” to create the future of Cerebral-Cardiovascular health, encouraging all scientists and entrepreneurs to “reach across the aisle” for innovation.
Mr Terry WONG, CEO of Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), expressed his great pleasure in co-hosting the summit with the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE). He acknowledged COCHE’s visionary leadership in bridging the gap between medical research and real-world application, noting that their efforts are essential for empowering the next generation of health tech innovators to deliver tangible clinical and commercial impact. Describing ICMIS 2025 as a landmark event, he highlighted how the summit has brought together global communities in a shared mission to build a healthier world. Mr Wong also emphasised that HKSTP offers a comprehensive innovation and technology ecosystem, home to over 300 life and health technology companies, all working to build a strong pipeline from deep research to commercialisation. He looks forward to continuing close collaboration with partners across sectors to help innovation-driven companies thrive at HKSTP.
Prof. Michael Yang Mengsu, Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise) of CityUHK, highlighted that the summit focuses on the latest advancements in digital health, AI-enabled technologies, and medical imaging. He emphasized that COCHE is at the center of this revolution by combining engineering, life sciences, and data science to develop innovative solutions that make healthcare more effective and accessible.
At the end of the opening ceremony, Ir. Prof. Kannie W.Y. CHAN, Director, Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE) , Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong , Adjunct Professor, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, delivered the opening address for the summit. She announced a flagship initiative for 2026, the C2 Health Guardian Program, which aims to serve 5,000 participants in public housing through a collaboration with Yan Chai Hospital Board. She emphasized that the vision of COCHE is to connect community care, hospital care, and home care through an integrated database to prioritize prevention and accessible healthcare.
Forging Strategic Partnerships, Building an International Collaborative Network, and Integrating Industry, Academia, Research, and Medicine
During the opening ceremony, COCHE held The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremonies with Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and Corporate-M, officially announcing closer international collaboration in the field of cerebro-cardiovascular health engineering.
COCHE will partner with Corporate M to launch a large-scale longitudinal community study on preventive care for cerebro-cardiovascular conditions and early Alzheimer’s detection, while joining forces with Ruijin Hospital to co-develop innovative medical products and establish a joint Shanghai–Hong Kong international innovation medical center.
The signing of the MOUs not only further consolidated Hong Kong’s substantive collaboration with top mainland and international medical institutions in cerebro-cardiovascular research and medical innovation, but also highlighted Hong Kong’s important role as a key hub connecting China’s medical technology ecosystem with the world. By combining Ruijin Hospital’s clinical strengths, Corporate-M ‘s experience in medical imaging and commercialisation, along with local innovation resources and policy support, COCHE is expected to accelerate the translation of a series of cutting-edge research results from the laboratory to clinical and community applications.
Converging Wisdom to Navigate the Future: Three Frontier Topics Define the New Landscape of Cerebro-cardiovascular Healthcare
The first day’s main forum centered on three main sessions: “Digital Health and AI-enabled Healthcare Technology,” “Medical Imaging and Community Healthcare for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Management,” and “Navigating Global Innovation Pathways. From Scientific Discovery to Clinical Study,” collectively presenting the complete pathway for cerebro-cardiovascular medical innovation from early detection – risk prevention – clinical care – to large-scale implementation.
Digital Health and AI Technology: Driving Early Detection and Precision Prevention
Breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence and multi-modal data analytic technologies are leading the healthcare model to shift from passive treatment to active prevention. Through AI-enabled ultrasound detection and digital health solutions, the accuracy of early screening for high-risk diseases such as congenital heart disease and stroke has significantly improved, effectively advancing healthcare and laying the technical foundation for a front-loaded, intelligent, active health management system.
Advanced Medical Imaging and Community Health Management: Transforming “Visible” into “Manageable”
The evolution of Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and theranostic imaging technologies is dedicated to transforming highly sophisticated imaging methods into widely accessible tools for community health protection. By establishing effective pathways from clinical guidelines to community implementation, advanced imaging technologies are breaking down hospital walls, achieving “seeing is believing” precision screening, and becoming the key visual support for the full-cycle management of public cerebro-cardiovascular health.
From Research to Clinic: Accelerating the Application of Innovative Technologies
Addressing the translational challenge of moving “from bench to bedside,” regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and AI imaging technologies are rapidly integrating into actual clinical workflows. By deepening cross-sector collaboration across industry, academia, research, and medicine, non-invasive technologies and innovative therapies are overcoming R&D barriers, effectively shortening the translation cycle, and promoting the widespread application and commercialisation of global frontier medical achievements in clinical settings.
The first day of ICMIS 2025 successfully concluded in a vibrant atmosphere of academic exchange. From macro-level strategic cooperation signings to micro-level imaging technology breakthroughs, from AI algorithms for precision screening to the clinical practice of regenerative medicine, the forum not only fully showcased the latest technological achievements in the cerebro-cardiovascular field but also built a high-level platform for dialogue and collaboration for global experts, transcending disciplinary and geographical boundaries. On the agenda for the second day, the summit further focused on the commercialisation and ecosystem-building of medical innovation, providing a platform for promising cerebro-cardiovascular research projects to present their findings and connect with international experts and investors.
HONG KONG, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cerebro-cardiovascular conditions have continued to pose a public health burden. The convergence of population ageing and lifestyle risk factors has made “earlier detection, earlier intervention, and accessible and affordable prevention and management” a common challenge for global healthcare systems. Concurrently, the rapid development of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital health platforms, and medical imaging has brought new possibilities for related risk assessment, early screening, risk stratification, and precision therapy. However, bridging the gap between “Research—Clinic—Community” still relies on the joint development that is cross-disciplinary, cross-institutional, and cross-regional collaboration mechanisms, and an innovation ecosystem.
In this context, the 2nd International Cerebro-cardiovascular Medical Innovation Summit (ICMIS 2025), organised by the InnoHK Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), was successfully convened today at Hong Kong Science Park. As a flagship academic event in the cerebro-cardiovascular health, this year’s summit brought together distinguished experts and scholars from world-leading institutions, including the University of Oxford, Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University, the University of Hong Kong, and City University of Hong Kong, as well as leaders from the medical industry. The first day’s agenda focused on three core themes: digital health and AI-enabled healthcare technology, medical imaging and community healthcare, and translational clinical solutions. Academic leaders and industry pioneers from across the globe engaged in rigorous intellectual exchange, collectively exploring innovative strategies to address pressing global challenges in cerebro-cardiovascular health.
Deepening Cross-Sector Collaboration to Address Global Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Challenges
The summit’s opening ceremony was an esteemed gathering, uniting leading figures from government, academia, and industry, and setting a high-level international tone for the event. Several eminent guests delivered speeches, presenting a forward-looking blueprint for the future of cerebro-cardiovascular health engineering and medical innovation. Their insights spanned multiple dimensions, including policy support, clinical needs, industry development, and academic innovation, underscoring a collective commitment to driving progress in this critical field.
Prof. Dong SUN, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of HKSAR, stated that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, making this summit a vital platform for interdisciplinary exchange to address these critical challenges. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to develop Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. Highlighting InnoHK as a flagship initiative, he praised COCHE for its significant advancements in AI-powered imaging and biosensing through strategic partnerships with world-leading institutions. He also stated that the Government is expediting the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster which focus on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing, and materials to further improve the I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong.
Prof. Junbo GE, President of Chinese Medical Doctor Association Cardiovascular Society and Chinese Cardiovascular Alliance, emphasized that the greatest breakthroughs in cardiovascular medicine never happen in isolation but live at the intersection of clinicians, engineers, and industry partners. He underscored the fact that the summit is not just about sharing knowledge but about building a “common language” to create the future of Cerebral-Cardiovascular health, encouraging all scientists and entrepreneurs to “reach across the aisle” for innovation.
Mr Terry WONG, CEO of Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), expressed his great pleasure in co-hosting the summit with the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE). He acknowledged COCHE’s visionary leadership in bridging the gap between medical research and real-world application, noting that their efforts are essential for empowering the next generation of health tech innovators to deliver tangible clinical and commercial impact. Describing ICMIS 2025 as a landmark event, he highlighted how the summit has brought together global communities in a shared mission to build a healthier world. Mr Wong also emphasised that HKSTP offers a comprehensive innovation and technology ecosystem, home to over 300 life and health technology companies, all working to build a strong pipeline from deep research to commercialisation. He looks forward to continuing close collaboration with partners across sectors to help innovation-driven companies thrive at HKSTP.
Prof. Michael Yang Mengsu, Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise) of CityUHK, highlighted that the summit focuses on the latest advancements in digital health, AI-enabled technologies, and medical imaging. He emphasized that COCHE is at the center of this revolution by combining engineering, life sciences, and data science to develop innovative solutions that make healthcare more effective and accessible.
At the end of the opening ceremony, Ir. Prof. Kannie W.Y. CHAN, Director, Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE) , Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong , Adjunct Professor, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, delivered the opening address for the summit. She announced a flagship initiative for 2026, the C2 Health Guardian Program, which aims to serve 5,000 participants in public housing through a collaboration with Yan Chai Hospital Board. She emphasized that the vision of COCHE is to connect community care, hospital care, and home care through an integrated database to prioritize prevention and accessible healthcare.
Forging Strategic Partnerships, Building an International Collaborative Network, and Integrating Industry, Academia, Research, and Medicine
During the opening ceremony, COCHE held The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremonies with Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and Corporate-M, officially announcing closer international collaboration in the field of cerebro-cardiovascular health engineering.
COCHE will partner with Corporate M to launch a large-scale longitudinal community study on preventive care for cerebro-cardiovascular conditions and early Alzheimer’s detection, while joining forces with Ruijin Hospital to co-develop innovative medical products and establish a joint Shanghai–Hong Kong international innovation medical center.
The signing of the MOUs not only further consolidated Hong Kong’s substantive collaboration with top mainland and international medical institutions in cerebro-cardiovascular research and medical innovation, but also highlighted Hong Kong’s important role as a key hub connecting China’s medical technology ecosystem with the world. By combining Ruijin Hospital’s clinical strengths, Corporate-M ‘s experience in medical imaging and commercialisation, along with local innovation resources and policy support, COCHE is expected to accelerate the translation of a series of cutting-edge research results from the laboratory to clinical and community applications.
Converging Wisdom to Navigate the Future: Three Frontier Topics Define the New Landscape of Cerebro-cardiovascular Healthcare
The first day’s main forum centered on three main sessions: “Digital Health and AI-enabled Healthcare Technology,” “Medical Imaging and Community Healthcare for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Management,” and “Navigating Global Innovation Pathways. From Scientific Discovery to Clinical Study,” collectively presenting the complete pathway for cerebro-cardiovascular medical innovation from early detection – risk prevention – clinical care – to large-scale implementation.
Digital Health and AI Technology: Driving Early Detection and Precision Prevention
Breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence and multi-modal data analytic technologies are leading the healthcare model to shift from passive treatment to active prevention. Through AI-enabled ultrasound detection and digital health solutions, the accuracy of early screening for high-risk diseases such as congenital heart disease and stroke has significantly improved, effectively advancing healthcare and laying the technical foundation for a front-loaded, intelligent, active health management system.
Advanced Medical Imaging and Community Health Management: Transforming “Visible” into “Manageable”
The evolution of Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and theranostic imaging technologies is dedicated to transforming highly sophisticated imaging methods into widely accessible tools for community health protection. By establishing effective pathways from clinical guidelines to community implementation, advanced imaging technologies are breaking down hospital walls, achieving “seeing is believing” precision screening, and becoming the key visual support for the full-cycle management of public cerebro-cardiovascular health.
From Research to Clinic: Accelerating the Application of Innovative Technologies
Addressing the translational challenge of moving “from bench to bedside,” regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and AI imaging technologies are rapidly integrating into actual clinical workflows. By deepening cross-sector collaboration across industry, academia, research, and medicine, non-invasive technologies and innovative therapies are overcoming R&D barriers, effectively shortening the translation cycle, and promoting the widespread application and commercialisation of global frontier medical achievements in clinical settings.
The first day of ICMIS 2025 successfully concluded in a vibrant atmosphere of academic exchange. From macro-level strategic cooperation signings to micro-level imaging technology breakthroughs, from AI algorithms for precision screening to the clinical practice of regenerative medicine, the forum not only fully showcased the latest technological achievements in the cerebro-cardiovascular field but also built a high-level platform for dialogue and collaboration for global experts, transcending disciplinary and geographical boundaries. On the agenda for the second day, the summit further focused on the commercialisation and ecosystem-building of medical innovation, providing a platform for promising cerebro-cardiovascular research projects to present their findings and connect with international experts and investors.
Collaboration to advance knowledge exchange, nurture talent and to strengthen Prudential’s AI Centre of Excellence
HONG KONG, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Prudential Hong Kong Limited (“Prudential”) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (“Cyberport”), forming a strategic partnership to expedite the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in Hong Kong, positioning the city as a leading regional hub for innovation.
Prudential signed a MoU with Cyberport to expedite the advancement of AI in Hong Kong. The guests at the signing ceremony included (from right to left): Lawrence Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Hong Kong; Clement Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Authority; Stephen Yiu, Chairman of the Insurance Authority; Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer Cyberport; and Sam Lim, Regional Chief Information Technology Officer Greater China, Prudential plc
Prudential and Cyberport will collaborate under the MoU to strengthen Prudential’s AI Centre of Excellence (AICOE) as part of the Insurance Authority’s AI Cohort Programme. The partnership will drive knowledge exchange across sectors, nurture specialised AI talent, and leverage Cyberport’s robust ecosystem and the advanced computing power of its AI Supercomputing Centre (AISC) to identify high-impact AI use cases. Together, these efforts aim to create an AI-driven environment that accelerates innovation and supports sustainable growth in the insurance industry.
The MoU signing ceremony, held at the “Insurtech Insight Asia 2025” event, was attended by Stephen Yiu, Chairman, and Clement Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Authority, together with Lawrence Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Hong Kong, and Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport. The MoU was formalised by Sam Lim, Regional Chief Information Technology Officer Greater China, Prudential plc, alongside Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport .
Lawrence Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Hong Kong, remarked: “We are honoured to join forces with Cyberport to enhance AI adoption and innovation in the insurance industry. At Prudential, our ambition is clear – to become an AI-first insurer with a human touch. AI will help reshape how we work, from enhancing agency productivity and customer engagement to improving operational efficiency and smarter decision-making. Together with Cyberport, we will harness technology to create a better future for our clients and the wider community.”
Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, said, “Cyberport is pleased to partner with Prudential, a long‑standing member of our Cyberport Enterprise Network, to advance digital innovation in insurance. Leveraging Hong Kong’s largest FinTech cluster of more than 400 companies at Cyberport, including leading Insurtech companies, we continue to connect insurers with innovators to drive practical AI applications in insurance management. With our AI Supercomputing Centre now fully operational, delivering 3,000 petaFLOPS of computing power, and the digital infrastructure of Cyberport 5 soon to come, we are supporting the industry in adopting AI technologies to unlock new opportunities and accelerate intelligent transformation. Together, we are further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international financial and FinTech centre.”
In accordance with the MoU, Prudential and Cyberport will collaborate on curated networking events and meetings to drive solution sourcing and proof-of-concept initiatives. They will also co-host AI challenges and innovation competitions to develop cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, the partnership will explore training collaborations to foster talent development and promote innovation and service excellence within the insurance sector.
Sam Lim, Regional Chief Information Technology Officer Greater China, Prudential plc, noted: “Prudential has significantly enhanced productivity and service excellence through innovative digital and AI solutions, fostering a strong digital‑and AI‑driven culture. This MoU with Cyberport marks a key milestone in scaling AI adoption across our organisation and the wider industry. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to strengthen Prudential’s Centre of Excellence, deepen cross‑sector knowledge exchange in AI, nurture specialised talent, and identify high‑impact AI use cases. Collectively, these efforts will help build a dynamic AI ecosystem that underpins the sustainable growth of the insurance industry.”
About Prudential Hong Kong Limited Prudential has been serving the people of Hong Kong since 1964. Through Prudential Hong Kong Limited and Prudential General Insurance Hong Kong Limited, we provide a range of financial planning services and products including individual life insurance, investment-linked insurance, retirement solutions, health and medical protection, general insurance, and employee benefits to protect over 1.4 million customers in Hong Kong. In 2023, Prudential established its Macau branch to offer health insurance and financial solutions for the Macau community, completing its footprint in the Greater Bay Area. Please visit www.prudential.com.hk for more information.
About Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited Wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Cyberport is Hong Kong’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator, with a vision to empower industry digitalisation and intelligent transformation, to promote digital economy and AI development, and to foster Hong Kong to be an international AI, innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Cyberport gathers over 2,300 companies, including 13 listed companies and 10 unicorns. One-third of onsite companies’ founders come from 27 countries and regions, while Cyberport companies have expanded to over 35 global markets.
Cyberport, with Hong Kong’s largest AI Supercomputing Centre and AI Lab as the engine, has been building the AI ecosystem with industry-leading AI companies and over 500 AI and data science start-ups. Through development of tech clusters, namely AI, data science, blockchain and cybersecurity, Cyberport empowers industries across smart city and government, banking and finance, digital entertainment, culture and tourism, healthcare, education and training, property management, construction, transportation and logistics, green environment and more, while hosting Hong Kong’s largest FinTech community.
Commissioned by the HKSAR Government, Cyberport has implemented proof-of-concept and sandbox schemes, subsidisation for digital tech adoption, industry tech training and start-up incubation, to drive technology R&D, translation and commercialisation, thus propelling digital transformation and intelligent upgrade across industry and society. Also as “State-level Scientific and Technological Enterprise Incubator” and Hong Kong’s key incubator, Cyberport supports entrepreneurs with funding and office space, extensive networks of enterprises, investors, technology corporations and professional services for business growth and expansion to Chinese Mainland and overseas markets, all-round facilitation for landing in Hong Kong, talent attraction and cultivation, ready as a launchpad to take start-ups in any stages of development to the next level.
Earth Intelligence Platform Selected to Advance Dual-Use AI Technology for Alliance Security and Resilience
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SkyFi, the leading Earth observation platform, today announced that it was selected to participate in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) 2026 Challenge Programme.
SkyFi was selected as one of 150 companies from 3,600 applications across 24 NATO countries through a rigorous evaluation process. SkyFi’s intuitive, user-friendly web platform and mobile app enables businesses, governments, and individuals to access geospatial imagery and analysis from more than 50 commercial partners providing optical, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), hyperspectral, and aerial imagery, as well as maritime Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and analytics. Users are able to access actionable insights that enable informed decisions without the need for specialized expertise.
SkyFi will refine and expand its geospatial decision-support platform through the DIANA program, integrating additional data sources, enhanced AI analytics, and operator-focused workflows to improve mobility planning in contested and austere environments. This effort will prepare the system for validation at NATO test centers and position it for broader coalition interoperability.
“We are honored and excited to be selected for the NATO DIANA 2026 Cohort,” said Kate van Dam, SkyFi’s Head of Government. “This is a pivotal moment for SkyFi, affirming our technology’s ability to bolster the security and resilience of NATO’s 32-member states while also demonstrating its commercial viability. We look forward to collaborating with NATO teams and gaining real operational insight to support NATO missions in all climes and places.”
DIANA engages companies working on solutions in key areas identified by the Alliance, connecting them with military end-users, mentors, and investors. The program is designed to accelerate the development, validation, and adoption of innovations to help NATO address operational challenges and maintain a technological advantage.
SkyFi will participate in one of ten challenge areas defined by the program – Data Assisted Decision Making – by further developing its AI-enhanced geospatial platform designed to analyze multi-modal data for decision support in contested or crisis environments.
“DIANA’s mission is to find the most innovative companies, help them advance their solutions and grow their business, and get the technologies we need into the hands of NATO operators. Over the next year, these innovators will accelerate breakthrough technologies that can help to transform how the Alliance defends against current and emerging threats,” said James Appathurai, Managing Director of NATO DIANA.
Starting in January 2026, the selected companies will receive contractual funding and gain access to DIANA’s expanding network of 16 accelerator sites and more than 200 test centres across the 32 NATO nations.
SkyFi’s selection for NATO DIANA follows the company’s recent partnership announcements with leading commercial satellite imagery providers, Vantor, ICEYE US, and Planet.
More information about the NATO challenges can be found at DIANA | Challenges.
About SkyFi
SkyFi is a self-service Earth Intelligence Platform that allows users to run built-in geospatial analytics, task satellites, and access archived imagery. The dual-use platform supports both civilian and defense use cases, with flexible ordering options, transparent pricing, and API access for large-scale workflows.
Customers can use SkyFi’s web platform, mobile app, or developer APIs to manage Earth observation projects without needing contracts or in-house GIS teams.
NATO DIANA finds and accelerates cutting-edge technologies to deliver battle- winning defence and security solutions for the Alliance, while fostering deep-tech innovation. As a cornerstone of NATO’s innovation and technology strategy, DIANA brings together world-class talent and the latest advancements to maintain the Alliance’s technological edge. Leveraging a network of leading accelerator sites, test centres, expert mentors, and Allied expertise across 32 nations, DIANA empowers innovators working at the intersection of defence readiness, commercial potential, and technological breakthroughs.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Leong Bank Vietnam (“HLB” or the “Bank”), following its strategic partnership with So Ban Hang, has launched a new initiative to assist Vietnamese entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (“mSMEs”) with timely preparation for upcoming tax reforms including the abolition of the presumptive tax system and the mandatory transition to formal tax declaration and e-invoicing.
HLB, via the So Ban Hang app, enables businesses to open accounts, make tax-compliant QR payments, automate records, and issue e-invoices to streamline workflows and meet upcoming tax reforms
HLB recently announced that it would offer businesses essential features such as HLB account opening, tax-compliant QR payments, automatic record-keeping, and instant e-invoice issuances directly within the So Ban Hang app. This integrated solution is designed to streamline workflows, improve business efficiencies, and help entrepreneurs stay compliant with tax reforms taking effect early next year.
Fred Lim, HLB’s Chief Digital Commercialization Officer said, “Our Bank has a 120-year entrepreneurial history and we are acutely aware of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. The already difficult task of running a business becomes even more daunting when compliance requirements for managing tax and invoices are added to the mix. Our partnership with So Ban Hang is designed to simplify banking and compliance, freeing up entrepreneurs to fully focus on growing their business and generating income.”
The new initiative offers exclusive discounts and bundled offers valued at up to VND 3 million per customer. New HLB customers accessing the integrated solution will receive complimentary benefits, including a free So Ban Hang Pro account for the first three months, followed by a 35% discount on the subsequent one-year renewal. Furthermore, to support regulatory compliance, customers in their first year can leverage the e-Signature feature and issue up to 10,000 e-Invoices for a special one-time discounted price of just VND 250,000.
Bùi Hải Nam, CEO of So Ban Hang, added, “HLB’s vision to simplify business management for small enterprises aligns fully with our mission at SoBanHang – making it easier for millions of Vietnamese merchants to operate and grow. We are building an all-in-one platform that unifies sales, payments, accounting, tax, and modern banking into a single seamless experience. Through this partnership and the new incentive program, we believe more entrepreneurs will accelerate their growth with greater confidence and simplicity. “
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