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Nanyang Polytechnic introduces Singapore’s First Common Programme in Business, IT and Engineering

  First-of-its-kind in Singapore, it allows learners articulation into diplomas in three Schools. 
 Programme is one of five new NYP options for the 2025 Early Admissions Exercise.

SINGAPORE, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time, learners can opt for and enrol in the new Common Business & Technology Programme (CBTP) offered by Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). Approved by the Ministry of Education, the new programme will be offered for the first time at the upcoming Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) next month.

The CBTP has innovatively structured the first semester so that entrants can articulate to diplomas in three separate NYP Schools: Business Management, IT and Engineering (or BITE).  Learners will take interdisciplinary modules like Applied Business Fundamentals & Communication, Programming, and UX Design in Web Development in the first semester. After a taster of all three disciplines, they can make informed choices and select their preferred diploma in the three Schools to pursue.

“We believe in empowering learners with the choice to shape their own polytechnic journey,” said Mr Russell Chan, Principal and CEO of NYP. “We call it our ‘programme with bite!’ Why? It’s powerful: it gives learners room to explore their interests in three distinctively different disciplines, discover their strengths, and make confident choices about their future.”

“We’re proud to be the first polytechnic in Singapore to offer this cross-school programme, and we’re excited to see how it opens new doors for a new generation of learners.”

Navigating post-secondary education can be challenging for learners who are still unsure about their pathways. This is perhaps why Common Entry Programmes (CEPs) have gained popularity since their introduction in 2017. Today, 30 per cent of the cohort enrolling into Polytechnics choose CEPs to start their polytechnic life. These Programmes allow learners to spend one or two semesters learning fundamental modules before deciding on their specialised diplomas.  

However, all previous CEPs in local polytechnics have been School-based. This means that learners would go on to specialise in their chosen academic School’s disciplines. For example, a learner who enrols in NYP’s Common Engineering Programme would then choose among the School of Engineering’s diplomas, such as Aerospace Engineering, AI & Data Engineering, or Sustainability in Engineering with Business.

NYP’s new Programme becomes the 26th Common Entry Programme to be offered across the five polytechnics in Singapore. It is one of five new options that NYP is offering for learners starting polytechnic next year in AY2026. Applications for all these courses will be open at the upcoming EAE.

The other new courses are:

1.    Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics

With data being critical in the decision-making process, particularly for the healthcare sector where time is of essence, the demand for professionals who can bridge science and analytics is ever increasing. The new Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics combines biomedical fundamentals with applied data skills, enabling learners to analyse complex biological datasets to support research, diagnostics, and innovation in healthcare.

Beyond equipping learners with skills in diagnostic and clinical research, graduates will also be equipped with practical skills in AI and data analytics, bioinformatics and biomedical research to put them at the forefront of the biomedical industry.

Through partnerships with leading healthcare institutions and research facilities in Singapore, learners will gain hands-on experience working with real-world biological datasets and analytical tools.

2.    Diploma in Cloud Engineering

The cloud engineering industry is estimated to grow more than 14 per cent annually, and be worth US$1,066 billion globally by 2031[1]. With cloud platforms now underpinning everything from e-commerce to entertainment, the demand for cloud engineers continues to surge.

NYP’s new Diploma in Cloud Engineering is the only polytechnic course in Singapore that integrates both hardware and software knowledge and skills, preparing tomorrow’s cloud engineers with the skills to design, build and manage the infrastructure that powers digital transformation across various industries.

Learners will gain hands-on experience through projects and internships with industry leaders in cloud technology like GovTech and Singtel-Nxera, and be equipped with industry-recognised certifications from AI Singapore.

3.    Diploma in Media & Communication Management

In a media landscape driven by digital platforms and rapid content cycles, communicators must be strategic, agile, and tech-savvy. The Diploma in Media & Communication Management will train learners at thinking holistically about strategic communication, craft compelling messages, manage brand narratives, and execute integrated campaigns across multiple channels.

Learners will gain practical experience not just in the aspect of media and communications like content creation, public relations, and communications strategy, but also business management fundamentals, preparing them for dynamic roles in branding, media, corporate communications and beyond. They will be able to put these skills into practice through internships and projects with the likes of Mediacorp, SGAG, and Mothership.

4.    Diploma in Business Management: New Specialisations in AI, Psychology

A McKinsey report in 2025[2] found that while nearly all companies invest in AI, only one per cent consider themselves mature in AI integration – not due to a lack of technology or talent, but a shortfall in strategic leadership and human-centred thinking.

To equip our learners with future-ready skills needed to thrive in the everchanging landscape, NYP’s Diploma in Business Management will offer two new specialisations from academic year 2026 (commencing Apr 2026) – AI & Business Digitalisation and Business Psychology.

The only business diploma in Singapore that allows learners to start specialising from year two, the diploma also boasts the largest number of specialisations – seven – among local polytechnics. Beyond the two new specialisations, learners can choose from existing specialisations like International Business, Human Capital Management, E-Commerce & Retail, Supply Chain & Logistics Management, and Marketing.

More information on all five new course offerings is found in the Annexes.

Enrolment into these new programmes starts in June 2025, through the EAE. For more information, visit NYP’s EAE Festival on campus on 30 and 31 May 2025, or www.nyp.edu.sg/eae

FACT SHEETS

ANNEX A

All of NYP’s new diploma offerings are taught under its unique Professional Competency Model – as its name suggests, it is about ensuring that graduates emerge with skills that address real world needs alongside theoretical knowledge.

This integrated approach means that subjects are not taught in isolation but are combined in practical, real-world scenarios. For instance, when learners work on assignments and projects, they simultaneously apply technical knowledge, data analysis skills, and business communication as they develop solutions and present recommendations.

Through partnerships with industry leaders, learners will undergo curriculum that is co-developed and co-taught by experts in their field. They will also receive industry-recognised co-certificates that put them a step ahead of their peers.

Common Business & Technology Programme (CBTP)

School of Business Management, School of Engineering, School of Information Technology

This new cross-disciplinary common entry programme helps address a common challenge faced by post-secondary learners who are uncertain about their preferred diploma. Many O-Level graduates, while possessing strong academic foundations, often find it challenging to choose between business, engineering, or technology pathways. The CBTP provides these learners with the unique opportunity to experience all three disciplines firsthand, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their academic and career trajectories based on actual experience rather than preconceptions.

Learners who enrol in the CBTP will learn the fundamentals for all three disciplines in their first semester, before selecting one discipline to pursue. Those who choose the business discipline will pursue a Diploma in Business Management, while learners with interest in engineering or technology will be posted to the Common Engineering Programme or the Common ICT Programme respectively. This group of learners will undergo another semester in the common entry programme and take on more domain-specific modules, before deciding on their preferred Engineering or IT diploma to pursue from Year 2.

As part of the programme, learners will also go through a series of education and career guidance (ECG) activities, including school immersion activities, career profiling, and mentorship, to guide them in making confident and informed choices about their learning path.

ANNEX B

Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics (DBMSA)

School of Applied Science

With hands-on experience in analysing datasets and leveraging analytical tools, DBMSA learners are skilled in handling both laboratory and analytical work. The programme’s industry-aligned curriculum ensures graduates are ready to contribute in clinical research organisations, pharmaceutical companies, or healthcare technology firms. They will be equipped to support data-driven decision-making in healthcare, contribute to biomedical lab research, and drive innovation in diagnostic technologies.

Graduates of the Diploma programme can sit for the International Medical Laboratory Technician MLT(ASCPi) certification examinations offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). This internationally recognised qualification is highly valued, being a benchmark of excellence for laboratory professionals across more than 30 nations. Having this certification enhances one’s prospects for both job opportunities and career growth within the healthcare sector.

ANNEX C

Diploma in Cloud Engineering (DCE)

School of Engineering

Cloud engineers are the brains that power the tech behind the likes of Netflix and Spotify. Additionally, businesses and government agencies are also moving operations and data to the cloud for scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, bringing about an increasing need for skilled and versatile individuals.

DCE prepares learners for more than just data centre management. In addition to key domain skillsets in cloud engineering such as cloud architecture, automation and cybersecurity, it also equips them with significant transferrable skills in innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and AI, which aligns with broader digital sustainability efforts in Singapore.

As Singapore continues its Smart Nation journey, DCE graduates will be well-positioned to support various sectors in their cloud adoption and digital transformation efforts, contributing effectively to Singapore’s growing digital economy.

ANNEX D

Diploma in Media & Communication Management (DMCM)

School of Business Management

DMCM equips learners with competencies in the likes of business communication and innovation, business intelligence and data science, digital media communication, on top of hard skills in media design and production. Learners graduate as all-rounders in media, communications and business – opening doors for hybrid roles and multiple pathways for further studies.

Through partnerships with prominent media organisations, the public sector, and businesses, learners can hone their ability to produce compelling content that educates, amuses, and motivates audiences. They also gain hands-on experience through industry-based projects, learn from seasoned professionals during guest sessions, and build valuable connections whilst staying current with emerging media trends.

For example, year one learners can enhance their presentation abilities through workshops with SPH Radio, with the opportunity to work alongside evening radio presenters.

ANNEX E

Diploma in Business Management (DBM)

School of Business Management

The dual specialisation structure in a business management diploma addresses a growing industry need for hybrid talent – professionals who are agile, adaptable, and able to work across disciplines. As the business landscape evolves, graduates will need more than technical knowledge. They will need the ability to think creatively, analyse trends, and understand people.

The new AI & Business Digitalisation specialisation offers learners hands-on learning opportunities with low-code digital tools, empowering them to create business apps and digital solutions with ease. By demystifying technologies like predictive analytics and automation, learners gain the confidence to apply digital strategies in real-world settings – with no technical background required.

In the new Business Psychology specialisation, learners explore areas such as consumer behaviour, user experience (UX), and organisational psychology – skills that are increasingly vital for companies seeking to enhance customer experience and manage workplace change.

[1] Source: Verified Market Research, “Cloud Engineering Market Size And Forecast,”

https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/cloud-engineering-market/               

[2] Source: McKinsey, “Superagency in the workplace: Empowering people to unlock AI’s full potential,”
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/superagency-in-the-workplace-empowering-people-to-unlock-ais-full-potential-at-work

 

Star Living’s New Electronic Product Line Debuts Across Showrooms in May


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 May 2025 – Star Living, a home furnishing brand in Singapore, is proud to announce its expansion into the electronic product category this May. With a curated selection of everyday appliances and smart home essentials, the move marks a strategic step towards becoming a comprehensive, one-stop destination for modern homeowners.

Electronics Range at Star Living Sungei Kadut Showroom
Electronics Range at Star Living Sungei Kadut Showroom

This milestone is part of Star Living’s broader vision to go beyond furniture and address the evolving lifestyle needs of customers. “We saw a growing need among new homeowners for a convenient shopping experience. Many are furnishing their homes and buying electronic products at the same time. Expanding our offerings was a natural step,” reveals Koh Hong Jie, Group Retail Manager at Star Living.

Smart Living, All in One Place

Launching across Star Living showrooms at Sungei Kadut, Tampines, and Serangoon North, the initial electronics lineup includes:

  • Wells water and air purifiers
  • Roborock robot vacuums
  • Deerma appliances such as dehumidifiers, air fryers, kettles, and hair dryers
  • Standing fans
  • Other everyday smart essentials
The range reflects Star Living’s commitment to quality and purposeful selection, not an overwhelming choice. These electronic products are chosen based on functionality, design synergy, and trusted brand reputation.

Meanwhile, an in-store experience allows customers to test robot vacuums under actual furniture or see how small appliances complement different room layouts. This offers a practical and immersive shopping experience. For Well’s products, upon receiving an order, Star Living will liaise directly with Wells to manage fulfilment and installation, providing a seamless, end-to-end experience for the customer.

On the other hand, Roborock and Deerma products are part of Star Living’s in-house inventory. They are available for immediate cash-and-carry. As such, customers can enjoy instant gratification and trusted after-sales service.

A Glimpse Into the Future

This electronic product launch is just the beginning of Star Living’s journey into broader lifestyle categories. With custom carpentry services already in the pipeline, the brand is exploring new ways to integrate smart living and furniture design— including future possibilities like tech-integrated furniture and smart home systems.

“This expansion reflects a shift in how Singaporeans shop for their homes. By curating electronics that seamlessly integrate into real living spaces, we are hoping to redefine what a modern home store can be,” Koh Hong Jie, Group Retail Manager at Star Living says.

Star Living will evaluate the initiative based on showroom engagement, sales metrics, and customer feedback, particularly the attach rate of electronics purchased alongside furniture.

The brand welcomes media and customers to explore the new electronics range in person at its showrooms, where furniture meets functionality and style meets smart living.
Hashtag: #starliving



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

About Star Living

Star International is a vertically integrated company involved in the design, manufacturing, retail, and export of household furniture and accessories. Their furniture range such as , sofa and caters to urban dwellers seeking practical home living solutions. The brand covers a retail presence of 5 retail points in Singapore, 9 in Taiwan, and 1 in Malaysia.

Trump Organization Eyes New Tower in Vietnam, Local Authorities say

Trump Organization Eyes New Tower in Vietnam. (Photo: Jon Tyson on Unsplash)

AFP – United States President Donald Trump’s real estate company is seeking to build a tower in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese officials said on Tuesday, with his son due to scout locations this week.

Authorities in Vietnam’s southern business hub said in a statement that they met with a representative of the Trump Organization and its local partner, the Kinh Bac City Development Corporation (KBC).

The statement said authorities had already conducted a field survey of two potential locations in the eastern part of the city on Monday and are scheduled to meet leaders of the Trump Organization on Thursday.

The company, which builds luxury developments around the world, has come under scrutiny, with critics accusing Trump of leveraging his political position for personal financial gain.

The state-controlled Tuoi Tre newspaper said the organisation’s senior vice-president, Eric Trump, the US president’s second son, would lead the visit.

It also said the delegation would visit a proposed location for “Trump Tower”.

The Trump Organization did not respond immediately to AFP’s request for comment.

Tuoi Tre said Eric Trump would also attend a ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday for a USD 1.5 billion luxury resort and golf course developed by the Trump Organization and KBC.

The 990-hectare golf complex in northern Hung Yen province outside Hanoi will feature a 54-hole course and residential villas, the newspaper said.

Project director Charles Boyd-Bowman said in a meeting with Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in March that his group aimed to finish the golf resort in March 2027, before Vietnam hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Vietnam and the United States are engaged in trade talks after President Trump threatened a 46 percent levy on Vietnamese goods as part of his global tariff blitz.

Trump visited the Vietnamese capital in 2019 for his abortive second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

He described Hanoi at the time as an “incredible city” and praised Vietnam for “the job they’ve done, economic development.”


© Agence France-Presse

Info-Tech Research Group Expands Annual Awards Program to Spotlight IT Leadership, Excellence, and Innovation

Reflecting the evolving role of IT in driving business success, Info-Tech Research Group, a global IT research and advisory firm, has announced the launch of its expanded Info-Tech Awards program to celebrate exceptional leaders and organisations across five new categories to celebrate both organisational impact and individuals in the industry. Nominations are now open for the 2025 program, with winners set to be announced in November.

SYDNEY, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Info-Tech Research Group, a global IT research and advisory firm, has officially launched its newly expanded Info-Tech Awards for 2025. The reimagined program now includes two distinct streams, Leader of the Year and Innovator of the Year, to honour both individual excellence and organisational impact in the field of IT.

Info-Tech Research Group has announced the launch of its expanded Info-Tech Awards program to celebrate exceptional leaders and organisations across five new categories to celebrate both organisational impact and individuals in the industry. Nominations are now open for the 2025 program, with winners set to be announced in November.
Info-Tech Research Group has announced the launch of its expanded Info-Tech Awards program to celebrate exceptional leaders and organisations across five new categories to celebrate both organisational impact and individuals in the industry. Nominations are now open for the 2025 program, with winners set to be announced in November.

With five new award categories, the Info-Tech Awards program celebrates leaders and teams who have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and strategic alignment across their IT initiatives. Nominations are now open and will be accepted until July 31, 2025, with winners announced in November 2025.

“Across the Asia-Pacific region, IT leaders are playing an increasingly central role in driving business growth and innovation,” says George Khreish, Managing Partner at Info-Tech Research Group, APAC. “With the expanded Info-Tech Awards program, we’re proud to recognise not only technical excellence but also the vision and leadership required to deliver lasting impact in an exponentially evolving landscape.”

Info-Tech Awards 2025 Categories and Criteria
With expanded criteria and new categories, the Info-Tech Awards 2025 recognises both individual technology leaders and innovative organisations that have driven measurable impact through strategy, execution, and alignment with business priorities. The Info-Tech Awards categories and descriptions are as follows:

  • IT Impact Award This award recognises Info-Tech members who have delivered top-ranking stakeholder satisfaction by aligning IT services with strategic goals, measured through the CIO Business Vision diagnostic. This survey-based program captures stakeholder perspectives on IT performance, priorities, and impact to drive a successful IT strategy that focuses on what matters most to the organisation.
  • IT Excellence Award This category honours leaders who have taken clear, measurable steps to improve IT processes and operational performance using Info-Tech’s IT Management & Governance Program. This survey-based diagnostic is designed to identify strengths and weaknesses across 50 IT processes and guide improvement in the areas that are most important to the organisation.
  • IT Transformation Award – This award spotlights members who have implemented strategic initiatives that drive alignment between IT and broader business goals, guided by Info-Tech’s CIO Playbook, which is a structured, 12-step framework designed to help CIOs systematically improve and transform IT performance.
  • Women Leading IT Award – This recognition celebrates women in IT who exemplify innovation, inclusive leadership, and mentorship within their organisations and the broader industry, inspiring the next generation of leaders. Nominations from the public are welcomed for this category.
  • Innovator of the Year Award – This distinction highlights any organisation that has implemented groundbreaking IT initiatives that drive organisational success. This award honours those who have leveraged technology in innovative ways to solve challenges, enhance efficiency, or set new industry standards, shaping the future of IT and delivering exceptional value. Applications are accepted from both Info-Tech members and other organisations across the globe.

Key Dates and Application Process

  • Nomination Deadline: Nominations for all categories will close on July 31, 2025.
  • Selection Process: Winners will be selected through a combination of diagnostic data, nomination forms, and interviews, with additional evaluations as required.
  • Announcement & Recognition: Awards will be publicly announced in November 2025, with winners receiving a trophy and certificate to recognise their achievements.

For full eligibility criteria and submission details, as well as detailed information about each of the awards, please visit the Info-Tech Awards 2025 page.

To stay up to date with all further announcements, please follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X.

Media Passes for Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Las Vegas
Media professionals, including journalists, podcasters, and influencers, are invited to attend Info-Tech LIVE 2025 to gain exclusive access to research, content, and interviews with industry leaders. For those unable to attend in person, Info-Tech offers a digital pass option, providing access to live-streamed keynotes, select sessions, and exclusive virtual interviews with speakers and analysts.

Media professionals looking to apply for in-person or digital passes can contact pr@infotech.com to secure their spot and cover the latest advancements in IT for their audiences.

Exhibitors are also invited to be part of Info-Tech LIVE and showcase their products and services to a highly engaged audience of IT decision-makers. For more information about becoming an Info-Tech LIVE exhibitor, please contact events@infotech.com

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organisations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights.

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.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/info_tech_research_group_info_tech_research_group_expands_annual-1.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/info_tech_research_group_info_tech_research_group_expands_annual.jpg

Thailand Ranks Among Top 10 Countries with Highest LGBTQ+ Population, Laos Data Unavailable

Thailand Ranks Among Top 10 Countries with Highest LGBTQ+ Population, Laos Data Unavailable
Same-sex couples walk on a rainbow carpet at a marriage registration event at Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok on January 23, 2025. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

Thailand has been ranked among the top 10 countries with the largest percentage of individuals identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community, according to the latest data from the World Population Review (WPR). 

Altair and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Sign MoU to Advance Eco-Friendly Marine Engine Development Technologies with AI and Simulation

Accelerating innovation in eco-friendly marine engine development with AI-powered engineering

TROY, Mich., May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Altair, a global leader in computational intelligence, has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Engine Research Institute at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to enhance the performance of eco-friendly marine engines and power AI-driven development initiatives.

(Right) Pietro Cervellera, senior vice president of Altair, and (Left) Sungchan An, head of engine research center, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (PRNewsFoto/Altair)
(Right) Pietro Cervellera, senior vice president of Altair, and (Left) Sungchan An, head of engine research center, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (PRNewsFoto/Altair)

“This collaboration goes beyond technology development—it is a strategic partnership to shape the future of marine engine development,” said Pietro Cervellera, senior vice president of aerospace and defense, Altair. “By combining Altair’s global technological capabilities with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ expertise in eco-friendly marine engines, we aim to set a new standard for sustainable engine and machinery business.”

Altair was recently acquired by Siemens, a global leader in industrial software, to extend its leadership in simulation and industrial artificial intelligence. Altair technology is being integrated with the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio.  

Sungchan An, Ph.D., vice president and head of the Engine Research Institute, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, stated, “HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Altair have continuously collaborated on the development of simulation technologies for high-quality HiMSEN engine designs. With Altair now part of Siemens, the development of next-generation engine design technologies—such as virtual product development and AI-based engine simulation—is expected to further accelerate.”

This partnership comes in response to increasingly stringent environmental regulations in the global shipping industry. As digital transformation and technology advancement become critical in shipbuilding, Altair and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will work together to strengthen innovation through simulation and AI technologies for eco-friendly marine engine development.

Under the agreement, Altair and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will collaborate to:

  • Develop simulation platforms for eco-friendly marine engine design and optimization
  • Utilize AI-powered technologies for improving engine performance
  • Conduct predictive maintenance and diagnostics capabilities
  • Enhance engine safety through AI-based visualization technologies

Altair has proven its technological expertise in simulation-driven design and AI-powered predictive analytics through collaborations with major shipbuilders worldwide. With this collaboration, Altair will actively support HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in advancing eco-friendly marine engines and delivering tangible results in areas such as design efficiency, reduced development cycles, and performance enhancement. Altair is expected to contribute meaningfully to improvements in design efficiency, shorter development cycles, and enhanced performance by leveraging synergies with Siemens’ industrial software technologies.

Altair continues to expand the application of its solutions across various industries by combining its AI and simulation expertise with Siemens’ industrial software technologies following the acquisition.

To learn more about Altair, visit https://altair.com. To learn more about HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, visit https://english.hhi.co.kr/.

About Altair

Altair is a global leader in computational intelligence that provides software and cloud solutions in simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), data analytics, and AI. Altair is part of Siemens Digital Industries Software. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com or sw.siemens.com.

About HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI)
Under its parent company HD Hyundai, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is leading the global shipbuilding and offshore engineering industry, delivering sustainable and efficient products that meet the world-class standards. Owning the world single largest shipyard and world’s largest marine engine maker, HHI has built a strong reputation over its 50-year history for delivering world-leading commercial and naval vessels, along with complex EPC projects that require precision and reliability. To learn more, please visit http://english.hhi.co.kr/ or https://www.hd.com/en/main.

Media contacts

Altair Corporate

Bridget Hagan

+1.216.769.2658

corp-newsroom@altair.com

Altair Europe/The Middle East/Africa 

Altair Asia-Pacific

Louise Wilce

Man Wang

+44 (0)7392 437 635

86-21-5016635,825

emea-newsroom@altair.com

apac-newsroom@altair.com

 

 

 

 

1 in 4 Malaysians at Risk: Alpro Pharmacy Leads National Movement to Reverse Prediabetes


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 May 2025 – With one in four Malaysian adults unknowingly living with prediabetes, the country is facing a silent but escalating health crisis. Research shows that one in ten individuals with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within a year, and up to 70% will progress within a decade if no action is taken (Sources: National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019; International Diabetes Federation).

(From left: Dietitian Chua Kai Jia (Professional Care & Development Manager cum Dietitian, Alpro Pharmacy); Pharmacist Anson Tan (Category Manager, Alpro Pharmacy); Mr. Yan Xiangrong (Country Manager, Yuwell Malaysia); Mr. Nicholas Tham (Commercial Director, Ethos Healthcare); Professor Dr. Hasniza (Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & International), University of Malaya); Ms. Pixie Yee (Managing Director, Merck Malaysia & General Manager, Merck Healthcare Malaysia and Singapore); Ms. Elsie Low (General Manager, Powerlife Malaysia); Pharmacist Ng Yi Ling (Professional Care & Development Manager, Alpro Pharmacy))
(From left: Dietitian Chua Kai Jia (Professional Care & Development Manager cum Dietitian, Alpro Pharmacy); Pharmacist Anson Tan (Category Manager, Alpro Pharmacy); Mr. Yan Xiangrong (Country Manager, Yuwell Malaysia); Mr. Nicholas Tham (Commercial Director, Ethos Healthcare); Professor Dr. Hasniza (Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & International), University of Malaya); Ms. Pixie Yee (Managing Director, Merck Malaysia & General Manager, Merck Healthcare Malaysia and Singapore); Ms. Elsie Low (General Manager, Powerlife Malaysia); Pharmacist Ng Yi Ling (Professional Care & Development Manager, Alpro Pharmacy))

In response to this urgent need, Alpro Pharmacy has launched the ASAP Programme (Alpro Stand Against Prediabetes) a nationwide health campaign that began in April 2025. This initiative is designed to raise early awareness, promote timely screening, and provide accessible, professional care to help Malaysians reverse prediabetes before it becomes a lifelong condition.

As part of this commitment, Alpro is offering 10,000 free HbA1c tests to high-risk individuals across more than 300 Alpro touchpoints nationwide, from April through June 2025.

With a focus on those with a family history of diabetes and those at higher risk due to age or weight, the ASAP Programme empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards better health. Through early detection and pharmacist-led counseling, nutrition guidance, and lifestyle modifications, participants can potentially reverse their condition.

Beyond individual action, the programme also reinforces the vital role that primary care providers—including community pharmacists, community nutritionists and dietitians, and general practitioners—play in delivering preventive healthcare directly to the public. By bringing early intervention into the heart of the community, the programme ensures that help is accessible, timely, and coordinated.

This national effort is made possible through a strong multidisciplinary collaboration between Alpro Pharmacy, Merck Sdn. Bhd., University of Malaya, Yuwell Malaysia, Ethos Healthcare, and Powerlife Malaysia. United by a shared vision for preventive healthcare, these partners bring together medical innovation, digital health tools, academic research, and nutritional science to combat one of Malaysia’s most pressing chronic health challenges. “Prediabetes is not a life sentence—it’s a second chance,” said Ph. Lim En Ni, Chief Pharmacist and Engagement Director of Alpro Pharmacy. “Through the ASAP Programme, we’re reaching people before diabetes does—offering them the tests, intervention, and ongoing support they need to make lasting changes. Our aim is to stop diabetes before it starts.”

For Merck Sdn. Bhd., the programme aligns with its commitment to early intervention in chronic disease.“The ASAP Programme puts prevention into action—on the ground, led by pharmacists,” said Ms. Pixie Yee, Managing Director of Merck Malaysia and General Manager of Merck Healthcare Malaysia and Singapore. “It’s meaningful because it reaches people before complications begin. As healthcare leaders, we must shift the focus from delayed treatment to early empowerment.”

A core component of the campaign is a research collaboration with the University of Malaya to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led interventions in identifying and managing prediabetes. The study explores how HbA1c screening, paired with pharmacological and lifestyle guidance, can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Findings are expected to help shape future national healthcare strategies and support the standardisation of pharmacy-based chronic disease prevention in Malaysia. “This campaign is more than awareness—it’s a chance to validate the impact of pharmacists in chronic disease prevention,” said Professor Dr. Hasniza, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Malaya.

The ASAP Programme aims to amplify a clear and urgent public health message: prediabetes is reversible, early action matters, and no one should wait for symptoms before seeking help. With professional support and free screening made easily available across the country, this campaign proves that diabetes can be stopped—before it starts.

Malaysians are encouraged to participate by visiting any Alpro Pharmacy outlet during the campaign period. For full campaign details, eligibility information, and outlet locations, please visit: https://bit.ly/AlproASAP

Let’s act ASAP — because the best way to fight diabetes is to stop it before it starts.
Hashtag: #alpro

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

Alpro Pharmacy

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

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

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Turning U.S. Tax Hurdles into Opportunities for Chinese Brands with Affiliate Marketing

DUBAI, UAE, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Recent U.S. tax policy changes present significant challenges for Chinese brands in the American market, demanding strategic adaptation for sustainable growth. The end of the De Minimis Exemption means that shipments under $800 from China are no longer duty-free. Coupled with massive tariff hikes of up to 54% on imports and a 10% universal baseline tariff affecting Chinese goods, these shifts threaten profit margins and market competitiveness.

This evolving tax landscape has heightened administrative demands and financial strains, challenging profitability and competitiveness. Products like fast fashion or gadgets, once cheap and competitive, now face increased costs. For instance, a $5 T-shirt could now incur $1.50 in duties, squeezing profit margins and raising retail prices.

To navigate these challenges, Chinese brands are embracing agility and innovation. Brands like SHEIN are diversifying into booming markets such as India and the Middle East, leveraging local partnerships to sidestep tariffs. Hybrid pricing strategies, where part of the tariff cost is absorbed initially to offset expenses, are proving effective. Affiliate partnerships offer a cost-effective and flexible way to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Despite rising tariffs, some Chinese brands are thriving by partnering with Admitad and using innovative affiliate marketing. Vevor saw a remarkable increase in sales in a year, while SHEIN generated millions of orders through Admitad partners, expanding into markets like Poland, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. DHgate maintained a robust annual growth by leveraging Admitad’s global publisher network, illustrating how strategic partnerships and innovative marketing solutions can drive growth despite external pressures.

Since 2013, Admitad has helped Chinese retailers generate over $7 billion in cross-border sales, adeptly navigating regulatory changes and market volatility. Its performance-based approach ensures brands remain resilient, competitive, and poised to seize new opportunities worldwide. The U.S. tax shake-up presents a challenge but also an opportunity for innovation and growth. With Admitad’s affiliate marketing solutions, Chinese brands can minimize risk, maximize ROI, and thrive in America and beyond.

Media contacts: press@admitad.com