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Southeast Asia Backs Independent Anti-Corruption Efforts

Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Conference.

Anti-corruption agencies, civil society groups, journalists, and NGOs from across Southeast Asia gathered on 29 April in Malaysia to strengthen their commitment to protecting the independence of anti-corruption bodies. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Putrajaya Declaration of Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Agencies, reinforcing regional cooperation against corruption.

Hong Kong Designers Association Design Summit cum BDA Brand Award 2025 & Global Design Awards 2025 Award Presentation Ceremony : Design Exploration : Envisioning the Future of Creativity

HONG KONG, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA) proudly hosted the Hong Kong Design Summit 2025 on April 25, 2025, at sky100, International Commerce Centre, bringing together over 1,200 participants from various design disciplines, corporates, and brands. Themed “Design Exploration : Envisioning the Future of Creativity“, the event provided an exceptional platform for collaboration, networking, and celebrating excellence in design.

BDA Brand Award Winners 2025
BDA Brand Award Winners 2025

The highly anticipated event also featured two prestigious award ceremonies: the BDA Brand Award 2025 and the Global Design Awards (GDA), recognizing outstanding achievements in branding and design from both local and international participants. The Summit proved to be a tremendous success, fostering connections across industries and solidifying Hong Kong’s reputation as a global hub for design innovation.

The Hong Kong Design Summit 2025 is honored to have the presence of Mr. Raistlin LAU, JP, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Dr. Thomas Garvey, President of World Design Organisation; Prof. Pradyumna Vyas, President-Elect of World Design Organisation; Dr.Kan Tai Keung, SBS,BBS, Former Chairman of HKDA and Mr. Henry Steiner, Former Chairman of HKDA.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Raistlin Lau, JP congratulated the winners of BDA Brand Award and reiterated the importance of the integration between design and business, emphasizing that design is not only an artistic expression but also a driving force for economic development. Ms. Mui Kinoshita, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA) also emphasized the importance of fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and showcasing local design excellence at her opening remarks.

Key Highlights of the Hong Kong Design Summit 2025

1. Envisioning the Future of Creativity

The Summit explored the transformative power of design in addressing global challenges, including Technology & Innovation in Design, Sustainability and Wellness in Design, Craftmanship and Cultural in Design. Through roundtable dialogues, participants engaged in meaningful discussions about the future of design and its role in shaping the world.

Renowned design leaders and award-winning professionals also exchanged insightful sharing, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with valuable insights to apply in their respective fields.

2. DesignMatch 2025: Networking Redefined

Building on the success of previous years, DesignMatch returns in 2025 with expanded opportunities for one-on-one business matching sessions. Participants got to pre-schedule meetings with corporates, brands, and fellow designers, fostering connections and unlocking collaboration opportunities. This initiative once again proved to be a game-changer, facilitating meaningful collaborations and projects.

BDA Brand Award 2025: Honouring Excellence in Branding

The BDA Brand Award continues to recognize brand designs that excel in innovation, market impact, and sustainability. This year’s competition attracted over 250 entries from diverse industries, further solidifying BDA’s authoritative position as one of Hong Kong’s top brand awards. The BDA Brand Award invites nominations from professional designers or organizations, with submissions evaluated by a panel of experts based on three aspects: brand story, development, and achievements. Additionally, five assessment criteria are considered: user experience, brand image, technology and innovation, sustainability, and market value.

The awards celebrated winners across multiple categories, including Best User Experience, Best Sustainability, Best Market Value, Best Innovation, Best Brand Image, Grand Award of the Year, and the prestigious Best of the Best Award. A professional jury panel comprised of esteemed first-round judges—Mr. Hong Ko (Partner, KL&K Design), Mr. Kirin Leung (Founder, Kirin+lab), Mr. Ron Leung (Founder/Creative Director, L.I.M. Design Work Ltd), Mr. Kenny Li (Founder, FM+ Concepts & FAVEbyKennyLi), and Mr. Gary Tam (Founding Director, GOODSS)—as well as final-round judges—Ms. Hilda Chan (Chief Marketing Officer, HKSTP), Mr. Donald Choi (Director, HKDC), Ms. Mui Kinoshita (Chairman, HKDA), Ms. Doris Luey (Co-founder & Director, Caring for Children Foundation & Healthy HK), and Mr. Erich Wong (Head of Growth (HK), The Sandbox). The judges meticulously assessed submissions through a rigorous process, including an initial online evaluation and live presentations.

From a pool of 39 exceptional winning entries, the jury evaluated each brand’s overall excellence, market impact, and alignment with the selection criteria in their respective fields. It is with great pleasure that we announce GREEN@COMMUNITY of the Environmental Protection Department, AIRSIDE, and ANTA as the winners of the Best of the Best Award. These brands have demonstrated unparalleled excellence, and their selection as winners is a testament to their outstanding achievements.

Additionally, 19 outstanding companies have been recognized with the BDA Grand Award of the Year, including:

1.    Aravia Design Limited

11. Quooker

2.    BeCandle

12. TamJai Mixian

3.    CityUHK Milk

13. SPARKLE by KAREN CHAN

4.    FungFitz

14. Spatial Concept

5.    Gold Peak Technology Group

15. SOULITE

6.    HAREODY HOME

16. TeamUnlock+

7.    Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation

17. The Spark

8.    Hong Kong Tramways

18. Tony Ip Green Architects

9.    IXDC (International eXperience Design Committee)

19.TriTerra & Dunwell

10.  Link Sustainability Lab

The full winner list of BDA Brand Award 2025 is listed on Appendix A.

Global Design Awards (GDA) 2025: Unleash Great Design on the Centre Stage for a Global Market

The Global Design Awards (GDA), one of HKDA’s flagship initiatives, celebrates outstanding achievements in design across graphics, fashion, product, interior, and digital media. The HKDA Global Design Awards aim to recognise the outstanding designers and to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as one of the major creative hubs in the Asia-Pacific region.This year’s competition received entries from over 33 countries, highlighting the global impact of Hong Kong’s design community

Themed on “Unleash Great Design on the Centre Stage for a Global Market”, the HKDA Global Design Awards 2025 attracted a record breaking number of entries as well as gathered 15 world-class top-tier designers from around the world to form the judging panel which selected the winning entries in digital, graphic, product, fashion and interior design.

The Awards Presentation Ceremony was officiated by the Ms. Mui Kinoshita, chairman of HKDA . GDA Gold, the biggest prizes of the evening, as well as the highest award that represents the highest honour in design, and GDA Global Top 10 were presented in the Awards Presentation Ceremony. The GDA Gold winners are:

Entry

Category

Company Name

Designer

Transforming Waste into Value: The Upcycling Revolution

Strategic Design

CycleCore

Mui Kinoshita

Ventete

Vehicle and Mobility

Ventete

Colin Herperger, Sam Davies, Patch Perez, Steven Pippin, Steven Davies

EH216-S Pilotless eVTOL

Vehicle and Mobility

Ehang

Ehang

Planar three-dimensions

Cultural Fashion

Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University

Li Yingjun

Indecision

Wearable & Accessories

FungFitz

FungFitz

“Stone Flow Glacier”

Wearable & Accessories

Kenny Li

Kenny Li

HUSH.RUSH

Virtual Reality (VR)

Choi Sai Ho

Choi Sai Ho

TSM Xiangtangshan XTS iDome Project

Virtual Reality (VR)

Tsz Shan Monastery Limited

Eddy Hui

EasyGo

Branding

Find Design Studio

Xingyue Deng

PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles

Branding

Toby Ng Design

Toby Ng Design

RegeneOffice

Commercial and Office Space

NOSIGNER

Eisuke Tachikawa / NOSIGNER

Hong Kong Palace Museum_The Quest for Originality

Exhibition

84000 Communications Limited

anothermountainman (stanley wong)  X collective studio

Galaxy Macau Kidz Edutainment Centre

Entertainment

Groundwork

Manfred Yuen, Fiona Bao, CY Lau

The full winner list of GDA 2025 is listed on Appendix B.

Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration through MOU signing with leading organisations

HKDA is also proud to announce new memorandums of understanding (MOU) with the World Design Organization (WDO) and the Dongguan Provincial Government, marking a significant milestone in fostering cross-border collaboration.

The MOU with WDO, a globally renowned organization dedicated to advancing industrial design, aims to promote international design exchange and support Hong Kong designers in showcasing their creativity on a global platform. This partnership underscores the shared commitment of HKDA and WDO to drive innovation and elevate the role of design in addressing global challenges.

Meanwhile, the collaboration with the Dongguan Government focuses on creating new opportunities for Hong Kong designers in the Greater Bay Area. The agreement includes initiatives to support the integration of Hong Kong’s design talent into Dongguan’s thriving manufacturing ecosystem, fostering innovation, and promoting design-driven economic development.

These partnerships reflect HKDA’s dedication to building a stronger, more connected design community, enabling local designers to expand their reach, explore new markets, and contribute to the global design landscape. 

Looking into the future

The success of the Hong Kong Design Summit 2025 reinforces the Hong Kong Designers Association’s commitment to fostering a thriving and collaborative design community. The event not only celebrated the achievements of designers but also inspired participants to push creative boundaries and drive meaningful change on a global scale.

For more information about the Hong Kong Designers Association and Hong Kong Design Summit 2025, please visit https://www.hkdesignsummit.com/   

For high res images of event, please download from google drive link below:
https://bit.ly/44eK2d7

About HKDA

Established in 1972, the Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA) was the first of its kind in Hong Kong and is a founding member of the Hong Kong Design Centre. Its core mission is to promote design’s public interest, cultivate young designers, and elevate the professional status of practising designers across sectors.

HKDA flagship programmes include of Global Design Awards, GDA (since 1975) – a well-recognised biennial awards that celebrate outstanding global designs; Hong Kong International Poster Triennial, HKIPT (since 2000) – a well-recognised annual awards that celebrate outstanding designs with Asian perspectives; Sponsorship for International Design Awards SIDA (since 2011) – A prestigious funding scheme for winners of international design awards.

With over a thousand individuals and corporations in its diverse membership base, HKDA offers a wide range of membership options for professionals, associates, affiliates, students, and corporations that cover six design disciplines: Graphics, Spatial, Product, Digital, Fashion, and Education. Prioritising design excellence, education, technology integration, sustainability, business support, diversity, and inclusivity, HKDA has established itself as a vital platform for its members, as well as designers, businesses, and organisations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Through its commitment to advancing these key areas, HKDA provides valuable resources, networking opportunities, and expert guidance to its members while also serving as a hub for innovation and collaboration in the design industry.

HKDA is committed to raising public awareness of the value and importance of design in society. It partners and collaborates with other design organisations and institutions worldwide, such as the International Council of Design (ico-D) and World Design Organization (WDO), to promote global design excellence, cultural diversity, and international design exchanges. By working with other design organisations on a global scale, HKDA aims to contribute to the development and advancement of the design industry, both locally and internationally.

Appendix A  – BDA Brand Awards 2025 Winners (*In Alphabetical order )

Best of the Best

Best of the Best 1

「安踏」(ANTA)

Best of the Best 2

AIRSIDE

Best of the Best 3

「環境保護署綠在區區」(GREEN@COMMUNITY of the Environmental Protection Department)

 

Grand Award of the Year 

Aravia Design Limited 睿凡設計有限公司

Quooker

BeCandle

SOULITE 浮雲生物

CityUHK Milk 城大牛奶

SPARKLE by

KAREN CHAN

FungFitz 馮韋

Spatial Concept 意空間室內設計

Gold Peak Technology Group 金山科技集團

TamJai Mixian 譚仔香港米線

HAREODY HOME 華諾狄家居

TeamUnlock+

Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation

香港科技園公司

The Spark

Hong Kong Tramways 香港電車

Tony Ip Green Architects 葉頌文環保建築師事務所

IXDC(International eXperience Design Committee)

國際體驗設計委員會

TriTerra & Dunwell

賽特立科技 & 正昌環保

Link Sustainability Lab 領展可持續未來館

 

Best Innovation Brand Award

Arti Studio Limited

Creato

Mr. Q Panda Workshop

 

Best Brand Image Award

CityUHK Milk

Hong Kong Tramways

Tin Ka Ping Centre of Chinese Culture, HKMU

Panda SME Consultancy Limited熊貓企業顧問有限公司

 

Best Sustainability Brand Award

Benjamin Moore

Dress Green

The Spark

 

Best User Experience Brand Award  

Glamstudio

Heep Hong Society

UAL MA Design Management (Hong Kong Cohort)

夢樂

 

Best Market Value Brand Award

Chill Play New Media

Gordon Parenting

TRICKSTER

 

Appendix B – Global Design Awards 2025 Winners

GDA 2025 – Gold Awards

1

PRODUCT  DESIGN

Transforming Waste into Value: The Upcycling Revolution

CycleCore

Mui Kinoshita

2

PRODUCT  DESIGN

Ventete

Ventete

Colin Herperger, Sam Davies, Patch Perez, Steven Pippin, Steven Davies

3

PRODUCT  DESIGN

EH216-S電動無人駕駛載人航空器

億航智慧型設備(廣州)有限公司

億航智能

4

FASHION DESIGN

Planar three-dimensions

Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University

Li Yingjun

5

FASHION DESIGN

Indecision

FungFitz

FungFitz

6

FASHION DESIGN

《石流冰川》”Stone Flow Glacier”

Kenny Li

Kenny Li

7

DIGITAL DESIGN

HUSH.RUSH  謐.衝

CHOI SAI HO

CHOI SAI HO

8

DIGITAL DESIGN

TSM Xiangtangshan XTS iDome Project

Tsz Shan Monastery Limited

Eddy Hui

9

GRAPHIC DESIGN

简单上下 EasyGo

成都觅方文化传播有限公司

Xingyue Deng

10

GRAPHIC DESIGN

PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles

Toby Ng Design

Toby Ng Design

11

INTERIOR DESIGN

RegeneOffice

NOSIGNER

Eisuke Tachikawa / NOSIGNER

12

INTERIOR DESIGN

hong kong palace museum_the quest for originality

84000 communications limited

anothermountainman (stanley wong)  X collective studio

13

INTERIOR DESIGN

Galaxy Macau Kidz Edutainment Centre

Groundwork

Manfred Yuen, Fiona Bao, CY Lau

 

GDA 2025 – Judges Choice

1

PRODUCT  DESIGN

Judge Choice
(Winnif Pang)

Transforming Waste into Value: The Upcycling Revolution

CycleCore

Mui Kinoshita

2

PRODUCT  DESIGN

Judge Choice
(王文東)

EH216-S電動無人駕駛載人航空器

億航智慧型設備(廣州)有限公司

億航智能

3

PRODUCT  DESIGN

Judge Choice
(Pradyumna Vyas)

COM-PLATES Ⅱ

KOUSHIN DIE & MOLD WORKS LTD.

HIROSHI TAKAHASHI

4

FASHION DESIGN

Judge Choice
(房瑩、Kay Kwok、Tony Vergara)

Planar three-dimensions

Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University

Li Yingjun

5

DIGITAL DESIGN

Judge Choice
(Bernd Kracke、Henry Chu)

HUSH.RUSH  謐.衝

CHOI SAI HO

CHOI SAI HO

6

DIGITAL DESIGN

Judge Choice
(Pavel Mrkus)

RESPIRA 2.0

Future Spaces Vision Lab, School of Design, SUSTech

Yong Zhao, Luwen Zhang, Mirna Zordan

7

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Judge Choice
(Vince Frost)

第六屆關中忙罷藝術節

Untitled Macao

Untitled Macao

8

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Judge Choice
(韓家英)

Typeface Design for Brand Design Awards Awardee Book 2023

Eric Chan Design Co Ltd

Eric Chan, Bai Chia Ping

9

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Judge Choice
(Norito Shinmura)

2024华语百佳海报邀请展

同济大学设计创意学院

孙大旺、潘惠

10

INTERIOR DESIGN

Judge Choice
(Thomas Kvan)

RegeneOffice

NOSIGNER

Eisuke Tachikawa / NOSIGNER

11

INTERIOR DESIGN

Judge Choice
(Thomas Garvey)

Through The Years, To Touch You

X-ARt

Tristan BRAUD, Brian LAU, Dominie CHAN Hoi Lam, Christopher CHAN

12

INTERIOR DESIGN

Judge Choice

(Horace Pan)

Jockey Club Project Well-being: Place-making at Schools

PolyU College of Professional and Continuing Education

PolyU College of Professional and Continuing Education, Architecture Commons, One Bite Design Studio, DOMAT, Groundwork, Littleurbanmountain Design, The Third Teacher, Kay Chan & Unite Unit

 

GDA 2025 – Global Top 10

1

PRODUCT  DESIGN

Transforming Waste into Value: The Upcycling Revolution

CycleCore

Mui Kinoshita

2

PRODUCT  DESIGN

Ventete

Ventete

Colin Herperger, Sam Davies, Patch Perez, Steven Pippin, Steven Davies

3

PRODUCT  DESIGN

EH216-S電動無人駕駛載人航空器

億航智慧型設備(廣州)有限公司

億航智能

4

PRODUCT  DESIGN

COM-PLATES Ⅱ

KOUSHIN DIE & MOLD WORKS LTD.

HIROSHI TAKAHASHI

5

PRODUCT  DESIGN

Exlicon Lock- Perspective Drafting Tools To Unlock Creativity

Ddiin Concept Limited

Sofia Lee Pik Shan/ Lee Yuk Shui

6

PRODUCT  DESIGN

Sakanakaruta

Chiba Print Co.,Ltd

Kyosuke Ishita, Seishiro Masutani, SANAGI design studio

7

PRODUCT  DESIGN

Exlicon L- Precision Golden Ratio Tools for Art and Geometry

Ddiin Concept Limited

Sofia Lee Pik Shan/ Lee Yuk Shui

8

PRODUCT  DESIGN

A Universal Charging post with CCS2 charging connectors and Type 2 sockets

Entrust Microgrid Ltd

Nan Jiang

9

PRODUCT  DESIGN

智能割草机

深圳市意臣工业设计有限公司

深圳市意臣工业设计有限公司

10

PRODUCT  DESIGN

VAAKA the Coffee and Tea Balance

Pong company ltd.

leo yiu

11

PRODUCT  DESIGN

Uphold Cutlery Compact

Uphold Living Limited

Eravolution Limited

12

FASHION DESIGN

Planar three-dimensions

Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University

Li Yingjun

13

FASHION DESIGN

Indecision

FungFitz

FungFitz

14

FASHION DESIGN

《石流冰川》”Stone Flow Glacier”

Kenny Li

Kenny Li

15

FASHION DESIGN

M.Wavecut

Double Black Company Limited

Brian Chan

16

FASHION DESIGN

M.Snowflake

Double Black Company Limited

Brian Chan

17

FASHION DESIGN

Evanesce Series: Fashionable and Functional Lingerie for Elderly Women

PolyU Design x Silver Innovation

Anthony Kong and Christie Ho

18

FASHION DESIGN

Stroke

MODE CREATION LIMITED

Sin Mei Yuk, Aries

19

FASHION DESIGN

Hang Onto The Present

FungFitz

FungFitz

20

FASHION DESIGN

QIPAO Capsule Series

FAVE BY KENNY LI

Kenny Li

21

FASHION DESIGN

ARTY:ACTIVE ECO OUTDOOR SPORTS COLLECTION

plant216

gary tsang

22

DIGITAL DESIGN

HUSH.RUSH  謐.衝

CHOI SAI HO

CHOI SAI HO

23

DIGITAL DESIGN

RESPIRA 2.0

Future Spaces Vision Lab, School of Design, SUSTech

Yong Zhao, Luwen Zhang, Mirna Zordan

24

DIGITAL DESIGN

TSM Xiangtangshan XTS iDome Project

Tsz Shan Monastery Limited

Eddy Hui

25

DIGITAL DESIGN

Whale Trails: Al-PoweredWhale Sightings

Zhijun Song/ Yi’nan Chen

Yinan Chen & Zhijun Song

26

DIGITAL DESIGN

Life through a window

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hillary KWAN

27

DIGITAL DESIGN

Feel in the blank: Weaving the story with phygital design

PolyU Design x 430

Anthony Kong

28

DIGITAL DESIGN

cineDESK

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Zurich University of the Arts

Dr. Terry Lam, Mr. Vincent Cheung, Mr. Norbert Kottmann, Mr. Manuel Flurin Hendry, Mr. Valentin Huber

29

DIGITAL DESIGN

University Copilot

Wow Internet Labz Pvt. Ltd

Vinayak Bhandare

30

DIGITAL DESIGN

Her View

个人

黎芊韵

31

DIGITAL DESIGN

High Sections / Low Leaps

Marcel Zaes Sagesser, Tristan Braud, Zhen Wu, Sylvia Gyuwon Lee

Marcel Zaes Sagesser, Tristan Braud, Zhen Wu, Sylvia Gyuwon Lee

32

DIGITAL DESIGN

Innovating Cultural IP Marketing & Appreciation with Digitalization & AI

Appreciator Innovation Company Limited

Appreciator Innovation Company Limited

33

GRAPHIC DESIGN

简单上下 EasyGo

成都觅方文化传播有限公司

Xingyue Deng

34

GRAPHIC DESIGN

PolyU School of Fashion and Textiles

Toby Ng Design

Toby Ng Design

35

GRAPHIC DESIGN

第六屆關中忙罷藝術節

Untitled Macao

Untitled Macao

36

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Typeface Design for Brand Design Awards Awardee Book 2023

Eric Chan Design Co Ltd

Eric Chan, Bai Chia Ping

37

GRAPHIC DESIGN

2024华语百佳海报邀请展

同济大学设计创意学院

孙大旺、潘惠

38

GRAPHIC DESIGN

seeing words in hong kong / redwhiteblue // words talking / self talking

84000 communications limited

anothermountainman (stanley wong) / 84000 communications

39

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Dino Kiddo

Untitled Macao

Untitled Macao

40

GRAPHIC DESIGN

world peace 天下太平

84000 communications limited

anothermountainman (Stanley Wong) / 84000 communications

41

GRAPHIC DESIGN

guangzhou design trienniel 2024 / section 4 / design : surviving : living : being

84000 communications limited

anothermountainman (stanley wong) / 84000 communications

42

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Osaka Poster Fest 2021 – CONTACT Series

Eric Chan

Eric Chan, Linda Wong

43

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Otera

Bake and Brew Limited

Tang Ho Pan, Alex

44

INTERIOR DESIGN

RegeneOffice

NOSIGNER

Eisuke Tachikawa / NOSIGNER

45

INTERIOR DESIGN

hong kong palace museum_the quest for originality

84000 communications limited

anothermountainman (stanley wong)  X collective studio

46

INTERIOR DESIGN

Galaxy Macau Kidz Edutainment Centre

Groundwork

Manfred Yuen, Fiona Bao, CY Lau

47

INTERIOR DESIGN

Through The Years, To Touch You

X-ARt

Tristan BRAUD, Brian LAU, Dominie CHAN Hoi Lam, Christopher CHAN

48

INTERIOR DESIGN

Transforming Waste into Value: The Upcycling Revolution

CycleCore

Mui Kinoshita

49

INTERIOR DESIGN

错位社区-東鸦

上海至所装饰设计工程有限公司(HOOOLD设计事务所)

韩磊

50

INTERIOR DESIGN

Haikou Goxingli Insun Cinema

ONE PLUS PARTNERSHIP LTD

AJAX LAW LING KIT & VIRGINIA LUNG

51

INTERIOR DESIGN

Nanyang Wanyue City Square

ONE PLUS PARTNERSHIP LTD

AJAX LAW LING KIT & VIRGINIA LUNG

52

INTERIOR DESIGN

Mirror Maze

Elsedesign + Department of Architecture Tunghai University

Philip Fung

53

INTERIOR DESIGN

Nanshan Cinesky Cinema

ONE PLUS PARTNERSHIP LTD

AJAX LAW LING KIT & VIRGINIA LUNG

Siemens Healthineers unveils MAMMOMAT B.brilliant, a revolutionary mammography system in Indonesia

SURABAYA, Indonesia, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Breast cancer remains one of the leading health concerns in Indonesia and ranks as the third deadliest cancer after lung and liver cancer. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, breast cancer accounts for 66,271 new cases (16.2%) out of a total of 408,661 new cancer cases reported in Indonesia and has claimed the lives of more than 22,000 individuals.1

[L-R]: Ms. Vivien Tan, XP Business Manager, Siemens Healthineers ASEAN; Prof. Dr. dr. Lina Choridah, Sp.Rad (K), Chairwoman Indonesian Woman Imaging Society; Hendya Perbangkara, Head of Diagnostic Imaging, Siemens Healthineers Indonesia
[L-R]: Ms. Vivien Tan, XP Business Manager, Siemens Healthineers ASEAN; Prof. Dr. dr. Lina Choridah, Sp.Rad (K), Chairwoman Indonesian Woman Imaging Society; Hendya Perbangkara, Head of Diagnostic Imaging, Siemens Healthineers Indonesia

The high mortality rate associated with breast cancer in Indonesia remains a significant public health concern, driven by multiple challenges. In addition to the prevalence of late-stage diagnoses, diagnostic accuracy is often compromised by suboptimal image quality. Healthcare institutions require powerful mammography solutions that can effectively phase out these uncertainties and provide patients reassurance through reliable and proven diagnostic capabilities.

At the annual event of Indonesian Women Imaging Society, Siemens Healthineers has unveiled the MAMMOMAT B.brilliant, a groundbreaking mammography system designed to transform breast imaging in Indonesia. Featuring a 50-degree tomosynthesis acquisition completed in under five seconds2, the system delivers exceptional diagnostic accuracy.  It is designed to support healthcare providers with enhanced precision, streamlined workflows, and efficient diagnostic processes—offering women greater clarity and confidence in their breast health checks.

“In a country where many breast cancer cases are diagnosed too late, this technology represents a tangible opportunity to shift the paradigm toward early detection. MAMMOMAT B.brilliant was developed with women’s wellbeing in mind. It enables radiologists a clearer view of complex cases and supports more confident clinical decisions—ultimately leading to faster diagnoses and better patient outcomes,” said Alfred Fahringer, President Director of Siemens Healthineers Indonesia.

MAMMOMAT B.brilliant sets a new standard in image quality for both Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Full-Field Digital Mammography (FFDM). PlatinumTomo also includes a new state-of-the-art detector next to 50° tomo, flying focal spot and PREMIA. This combination delivers exceptional depth resolution and outstanding in-plane clarity—offering diagnostic precision unmatched in the industry.

Designed with both radiographer ergonomics and patient comfort in mind, the MAMMOMAT B.brilliant features intelligent, efficient, and patient-centric designs. Its state-of-the-art technologies enable radiographers to tailor their workflow and positioning techniques to suit individual patient needs and clinical scenarios. By minimizing physical strain and allowing radiographers to fully concentrate on patient care, the system promotes a more comfortable working environment—while helping to alleviate anxiety for women during the examinations.

“The introduction of MAMMOMAT B.brilliant marks an important advancement in women’s health imaging in Indonesia. Its ability to support early, precise detection is aligned with our society’s mission to empower radiologists and improve breast cancer outcomes through innovation,” said Prof. Dr. dr. Lina Choridah, Sp.Rad (K), Chairwoman of Indonesian Women Imaging Society.

With the introduction of the MAMMOMAT B.brilliant, Siemens Healthineers reaffirms its commitment to advancing healthcare in Indonesia by introducing cutting-edge technology to address clinical demands and improve patient well-being. This innovation marks a significant step forward in supporting the nation’s efforts to enhance breast cancer detection and improve outcomes for women across the country.

Source and disclaimers:

1 WHO, Global Cancer Observatory
For average breast size of 50/50 glandular/adipose tissue and 5 cm thickness.

Contact: Evan Akira Zuraida evan.akira@siemens-healthineers.com

How latest genetic data on fertility may be an indicator of chronic disease onset and longevity

SINGAPORE, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Latest population studies have cast new light on genetic influences on women’s reproductive lifespans and possible markers for the onset of chronic diseases.

Evidence is growing that conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and neurodegenerative disorders are associated with reduced ovarian reserve, which refers to the number of healthy eggs remaining in a woman’s ovaries as she ages.

In contrast, extended ovarian function appears to correlate with general good health and the possibility that greater reproductive success is an indicator of longevity.

The complex genetic interplay between the onset of menstruation and menopause came into sharp focus today at the 2025 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) in Singapore.

In a keynote address to the Congress, Professor Joop Laven, a world expert in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, suggested reproductive lifespan was associated with “survival”.

He is the Professor of Reproductive Medicine at Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam in The Netherlands, Past President of the Dutch Society of Reproductive Medicine, and a lead figure in Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS).

The GWAS project has identified about 290 genetic determinants of reproductive ageing in a huge cohort of about 500,000 women of European ancestry.

In the project, Professor Laven has explored the genetic basis of hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), along with premature ovarian insufficiency, menarche and menopause.

At the ASPIRE Congress, Professor Laven said women with PCOS tended to have the most effective genetic variants for DNA repair providing a “genetic advantage” of fertility beyond the fourth decade of life, when most women have exhausted their natural supply of eggs.

“Studies show PCOS women have better DNA repair and therefore produce better embryos at a later age compared to controls, and they have an extended reproductive life span,” he explained.

“Women with PCOS have issues getting pregnant earlier in life. This may reduce the total number of children they have so they do not have a negative trade-off that a high number of children might have.

“Together with their longer lifespan this may represent an evolutionary advantage. Moreover, by having children later in life might reduce the incidence of PCOS in their offspring.”

Professor Laven said studies indicated that over time, the gradual accumulation of DNA damage results in the exhaustion of cell renewal capacity and dysfunction in affected organs, ultimately accelerating cell death, commonly referred to as ageing.

“A similar erosion of the genome occurs within the ovaries,” he said.

“The extent of DNA maintenance and repair also seems to have a determining effect on susceptibility to conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.”

Professor Laven said sub-fertility should be monitored as it serves as a sensitive marker for susceptibility to these conditions highlighting the importance of patient follow up among those presenting for assisted reproduction.

“This seems to be in contrast to what most assisted reproductive technology clinics do,” he added. “In general, clinics only report live birth rates as success.

“So, in many cases we are not following up our patients who may be susceptible to non-communicable diseases when we have the opportunity to develop preventive health strategies for them.”

The ASPIRE Congress at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore has brought together over 2,000 scientists, clinicians, nurses and counsellors for a program that will help shape the future of fertility health care in the region and around the world.

For further information, go to www.ASPIRE2025.com

Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2025 Winners Revealed

  • Advantage VIP Lounge in Brazil voted Global Lounge of the Year
  • Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport voted Asia Pacific Lounge of the Year
  • 781,000 member reviews and ratings between March 2024 and 2025 contributed to the overall results
  • Six further winners revealed for Pioneer of the Year and All Star of the Year categories

SINGAPORE, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Priority Pass™ – the original and market-leading lounge and airport experiences programme owned and operated by Collinson International – announces the winners of the Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2025. This year’s winners have set new benchmarks with exceptional service and technological innovation, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

The Priority Pass Excellence Awards are comprised of three categories, celebrating the full breadth and capabilities of the Priority Pass global network. These include Lounge of the Year, Pioneer of the Year, and All Star of the Year.

“The Priority Pass Excellence Awards celebrate the extraordinary efforts of our lounge and experience partners who continuously go above and beyond to make travellers’ journeys special,” says Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International.

“As demand for premium travel experiences continues to rise, more and more travellers are turning to airport experiences to elevate their journeys. This is testament to the many exceptional partners who are raising the bar across the airport ecosystem. Through these awards, we want to shine a light on our partners who continue to find ways to elevate customer experience. Congratulations to this year’s winners and those that were highly commended.”

“Through the Priority Pass Excellence Awards, we are proud to recognise our lounge partners’ efforts in creating notable moments for our members worldwide. This year’s award winners embody a collective dedication to enhancing every traveller’s experience through outstanding service and innovation,” says Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific Executive Chair at Collinson International.

“Alongside our worthy Asia Pacific Lounge of the Year winner, Kyra Lounge, we’re also pleased to see Asia Pacific-based lounges receive Pioneer of the Year awards: 080 Domestic & International Lounges in Bangalore, India; and Kepler Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In line with travel to and within Asia Pacific continuing to increase, and consumer demand for enhanced experiences evolving, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with new and existing partners to broaden and enrich our offerings.”  

LOUNGE OF THE YEAR 

This accolade goes to the highest-rated lounges across the Priority Pass global network, based on 781,000 member ratings and reviews across a wide range of criteria, including quality of facilities, customer service, food and beverage selection and overall satisfaction.

Overall Global Winner:

  • Advantage VIP Lounge, Terminal 1, Belo Horizonte Tancredo Neves International Airport, Brazil

Crowned as the global winner, the Advantage VIP Lounge was praised for being a true standout, described by Priority Pass members as a lounge with exceptionally kind staff and fantastic food, which all members should visit and experience.

The Advantage VIP lounge draws architectural inspiration from Brazilian heritage and culture, such as the Pampulha Church and the natural gemstones of Minas Gerais. The culinary offering celebrates regional flavours, with dishes such as chicken with okra, vaca atolada (Brazilian short rib stew), and the classic combination of cheese with guava for an authentic taste of Brazil.

The lounge experience is enhanced with a Fast-Track service, allowing guests to pass through a dedicated x-ray area and head straight into the lounge, cutting down on wait times and maximising opportunities to relax and recharge.

Rute Scheliga, CEO of Advantage VIP Lounge, said: “Being recognised as the Global Lounge of the Year winner for the Priority Pass Excellence Awards is the fulfilment of a dream that began in 2015, when I founded Advantage. Our purpose is to transform the concept of premium lounge experiences in Brazilian airports, and to see this work recognised globally – in the very year we celebrate our 10th anniversary – is incredibly moving.

“This award belongs to every team member who dedicates themselves each day with excellence and care, and also to our customers, who believed in our vision and voted for us. Today, with great joy, we celebrate this milestone together!”

Regional Winners:

  • Asia Pacific 
    • Winner: Kyra Lounge, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong (SAR)
    • Highly Commended: Oriental Club Lounge, Terminal 2, Taipei Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan
  • Europe 
    • Winner: Vienna Lounge, Terminal 1, Vienna Airport, Austria
    • Highly Commended: Marco Polo Club, Venice Marco Polo Airport, Italy
  • Latin America and the Caribbean 
    • Winner: Advantage VIP Lounge, Terminal 1, Belo Horizonte Tancredo Neves International Airport, Brazil
    • Highly Commended: VIP Lounge Punta Cana, Terminal B2 Domestic, Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic
  • Middle East and Africa 
    • Winner: Primeclass Lounge, Muscat International Airport, Oman
  • North America 
    • Winner: The Grand Lounge Elite, Terminal 1, Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport, Mexico
    • Highly Commended: Escape Lounges, Concourse A, Kansas City International Airport, United States

PIONEER OF THE YEAR 

Nominated by Priority Pass lounge and experience partners, these winners champion unique and innovative services and solutions that help to improve the overall traveller experience. 

This year, there were three winners crowned Pioneer of the Year:

  • The Infinity Lounge, Terminal 2 & The Library Lounge, Terminal 1, Nice Cote d’Azur Airport, France
    • These lounges have reinvented the VIP experience with a suite of smart, guest-focused innovations. A connected digital ecosystem delivers notifications and tailored offers, while “The Moment” gives travellers instant access to premium streaming and shopping content. Guests are greeted by Tony, a friendly “co-bot” who handles logistics so staff can focus on exceptional service. To top it off, a real-time vocal feedback system, powered by AI, listens and learns to anticipate needs and continuously elevate the experience.
  • 080 Domestic & International Lounges, Terminal 2, Kempegowda International Airport, India
    • Blending thoughtful design, curated dining, digital innovation and sustainability, the 080 Lounges elevated the guest journey in 2024–25. Through seasonal events, local sourcing and immersive guest experiences, they earned prestigious global awards, setting new standards for airport hospitality in India.
  • Kepler Hotel & Lounge, Riga International Airport, Ria, Latvia and Kepler Club, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
    • These facilities offer travellers a private and tech-enabled retreat with soundproof sleeping cabins, luxury showers, and smart features like self-service kiosks, delivery robots, and other automated systems.

ALL STAR OF THE YEAR 

Nominated by Priority Pass partners, these stand-out lounge and experience employees demonstrate an unwavering commitment to customer service excellence, every single day.  

This year, there were three winners of the All Star of the Year category:

  • Cristina Isabel Escobar Sánchez, Cumbia Lounge, Barranquilla Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, Colombia
  • Nanci Quintana, AMAE Lounge, International and Domestic Terminals, Rosario Islas Malvinas International Airport, Argentina
  • Guilherme Queiroz da Silva, BRT Lounge, Porto Seguro Airport, Brazil

For more details about our awards, winners and highly commended, please visit the Priority Pass Excellence Awards landing page.

Priority Pass is the original and market-leading airport experiences programme. We provide travellers with access to over 1,700 airport lounges and travel experiences in 725 airports in 145 countries. Members can access an ever-growing range of premium experiences – from spas to sleeping pods to dining – that help elevate every journey into something special. By building partnerships with other leading brands, we help to bring a better travel experience to the world. 

Priority Pass is operated by Collinson International, the global, privately-owned company dedicated to helping the world to travel with ease and confidence.

SMU Appoints Professor Zhang Liandong as New Dean of School of Accountancy

SINGAPORE, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Singapore Management University (SMU) has appointed Professor Zhang Liandong as the new Dean of its School of Accountancy (SOA), effective 1 July 2025. With over seven years of leadership experience at SOA, Professor Zhang will lead strategic initiatives to elevate the School’s academic reputation and impact.

Professor Zhang Liandong, Dean of SMU’s School of Accountancy
Professor Zhang Liandong, Dean of SMU’s School of Accountancy

The appointment follows an international search led by SMU’s previous Provost Professor Timothy Clark, which began in January 2024 and involved extensive evaluations. The appointment has the support of SMU’s Board of Trustees, faculty, and key stakeholders.

“Professor Zhang Liandong is an accomplished scholar, known internationally for his expertise in Financial Reporting, Corporate Governance, and Taxation. He is also a dedicated teacher, a proven academic leader and a respected colleague,” said Professor Alan Chan, SMU’s new Provost, “With Liandong at the helm, we are confident that SOA will continue to scale new heights.”

Experience and Achievements

Professor Zhang has been a key member of the SOA management team since 2017, serving as Associate Dean, Research from 2017 to 2023, and as Deputy Dean since 2023. In these roles, he has been pivotal in shaping and executing SOA’s education and research strategies, raising its international visibility and enhancing academic excellence. Under his leadership, the SOA achieved significant milestones, including the launch of its inaugural Ph.D. programme in 2017 and a dual-degree Ph.D. programme with Renmin University of China in 2019, both of which have bolstered the school’s academic standing. His efforts also contributed to SOA’s rise in the BYU rankings of Accounting Schools.

Accomplished Scholar

Professor Zhang is an internationally renowned academic whose research interests include Financial Reporting and Disclosure, Corporate Governance, and Taxation. He has an impressive publication record in leading journals such as Contemporary Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Economics, Review of Accounting Studies, The Accounting Review, and Journal of Financial Economics. His research has made a substantial scholarly and societal impact and has won numerous awards, including Honourable Mention at the 2024 Moskowitz Prize. He is also a sought-after speaker, having delivered keynote addresses at numerous top universities.

Beyond his research, Professor Zhang has held key editorial roles, including serving as Associate Editor of the Asia-Pacific Journal of Accounting and Economics since 2015, and the International Review of Finance since 2023. He has also been the Editor of Corporate Governance: An International Review since 2020. His deep expertise and editorial leadership have further cemented his reputation in the field.

On his appointment as the new Dean of SOA, Professor Zhang said, “I am deeply honoured to accept this role and grateful for the trust placed in me by the senior management and faculty. As Dean, I am committed to fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and research while enhancing our contributions to society. Together, we will build on our strengths and strive to make a meaningful impact in the accounting field and beyond.”

Professor Zhang’s appointment marks a new chapter for SOA, as he aims to strengthen both educational offerings and research output, working closely with SMU’s senior management, faculty, staff, and students to drive SOA’s growth.

About Professor Zhang Liandong

Professor Zhang received his Ph.D. in Accounting from Nanyang Technological University in 2008 and began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at the John Molson School of Business, Concordia University. He then became a Full Professor at City University of Hong Kong in 2016 before joining SMU in 2017. Known for his dedication to education, he has taught extensively at both undergraduate and graduate levels, mentoring numerous students throughout their academic journeys.

About Singapore Management University

A premier university in Asia, SMU is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU’s mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU’s education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning. Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU comprises of eight schools: School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems, Yong Pung How School of Law, School of Social Sciences, College of Integrative Studies, and College of Graduate Research Studies. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors’, masters’, and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas. SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU’s city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community. www.smu.edu.sg

SMU celebrates its 25 years of meaningful impact this year, and remains committed to its vision of driving innovation, transcending boundaries and transforming lives.

Celebrating 15 Years of Success: Nam Theun 2 Gala Dinner

Celebrating 15 Years of Success of Nam Theun 2.

On 30 April, Nam Theun 2 Power Company celebrated its 15th anniversary of operation with a grand gala dinner. 

Global Design Dialogues : Trends for Tomorrow

Empowering Business Value Through Design

HONG KONG, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Design Dialogues: Trends for Tomorrow, hosted by the Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA) and funded by the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, concluded with resounding success, bringing together some of the brightest minds in the global design community. Themed with “Empowering Business Value Through Design”, this highly anticipated event not only foster collaboration between Hong Kong’s professional services and international counterparts, elevate industry standards, and enhance global competitiveness through targeted publicity and knowledge exchange, but also served as a platform for forward-thinking discussions on the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of design across industries.

HKDA Global Design Dialogues
HKDA Global Design Dialogues

Held at sky100 on 25th April, 2025, the event featured an exciting lineup of speakers, thought leaders, and creative professionals who shared their insights, experiences, and visions for the future including Mr. Pavel Mrkus, Head curator of Signal Festival, Prof. Thomas Kvan, Dean, School of Design, Southern University of Science and Technology, Mr. Pradyumna Vyas, President-elect of World Design Organization, Mr. Tony Vergara, Founder of Tony Vergara and Mr. Norito Shinmura, Founder of garden inc. From cutting-edge design practices to sustainability and the integration of technology in creative processes, attendees explored a wide range of topics that are defining tomorrow’s design landscape.

Event Highlights

Inspiring Keynotes and Panel Discussions:

Esteemed speakers from across the globe led engaging sessions addressing the theme “Trends for Tomorrow.” Discussions delved into themes such as “Digital Future : Intersections of Art, Design and Advanced Technologies”, “Designing for Digital Transformation”, “Designing for a Sustainable Future : Global Perspectives and Local Applications”, “The Wisdom of Panamanian Stitching : Preserving Identity Through Craft” and “Preserving Craftsmanship in Modern Design : Techniques and Case Studies”, emerging design trends, the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries, and how designers can lead the charge in solving global challenges. Key discussions centered on how designers can contribute to a greener future by adopting eco-friendly solutions and innovative approaches.

Networking Opportunities:

The event provided a unique platform for professionals, students, and enthusiasts to connect, share ideas, and foster collaborations within Hong Kong’s vibrant design community and beyond.

A Vision for the Future

The Global Design Dialogues underscored the significance of design as a catalyst for change in an ever-evolving world. The event not only highlighted the latest trends but also inspired participants to think beyond traditional boundaries, encouraging them to address societal and environmental challenges with creativity and innovation.

For more information about the Hong Kong Designers Association, please visit https://www.hkda.hk/ 

For high res images of event, please download from google drive link below: https://bit.ly/3GwdWj9

About HKDA

Established in 1972, the Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA) was the first of its kind in Hong Kong and is a founding member of the Hong Kong Design Centre. Its core mission is to promote design’s public interest, cultivate young designers, and elevate the professional status of practising designers across sectors.

Our flagship programmes include of Global Design Awards, GDA (since 1975) – a well-recognised biennial awards that celebrate outstanding global designs; Hong Kong International Poster Triennial, HKIPT (since 2000) – a well-recognised annual awards that celebrate outstanding designs with Asian perspectives; Sponsorship for International Design Awards SIDA (since 2011) – A prestigious funding scheme for winners of international design awards.

With over a thousand individuals and corporations in its diverse membership base, HKDA offers a wide range of membership options for professionals, associates, affiliates, students, and corporations that cover six design disciplines: Graphics, Spatial, Product, Digital, Fashion, and Education. Prioritising design excellence, education, technology integration, sustainability, business support, diversity, and inclusivity, HKDA has established itself as a vital platform for its members, as well as designers, businesses, and organisations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Through its commitment to advancing these key areas, HKDA provides valuable resources, networking opportunities, and expert guidance to its members while also serving as a hub for innovation and collaboration in the design industry.

HKDA is committed to raising public awareness of the value and importance of design in society. It partners and collaborates with other design organisations and institutions worldwide, such as the International Council of Design (ico-D) and World Design Organization (WDO), to promote global design excellence, cultural diversity, and international design exchanges. By working with other design organisations on a global scale, HKDA aims to contribute to the development and advancement of the design industry, both locally and internationally.