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Russia to Begin Preliminary Studies for Nuclear Power Plant in Laos

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A picture of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (on the left) and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin (on the right) during the meeting at Moscow, Russia on 15 June. (Photo by The Russian Government)

Laos and Russia agreed to begin preliminary studies to set up a nuclear power plant in Laos with the initial phase aim to identify potential locations for development and assess how a future plant integrates into Laos’ energy system.  

The decision came on 15 June, during the meeting between Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow, where both countries agreed on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The agreement forms part of broader efforts to support joint projects in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and high-tech sectors.

During the meeting, Mishustin described Laos as one of Russia’s key partners in Southeast Asia and emphasized the need to expand bilateral trade and investment, noting that current trade volumes do not yet reflect the economic potential of both countries. 

Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said trade between the two countries nearly doubled last year, reaching almost USD 50 million. He added that Russia wants to sell more food products, fertilizers, and machinery to Laos, while buying more Lao textiles, natural rubber, and coffee. 

He said Russia was ready to share expertise in the digital economy, autonomous electronic systems, and artificial intelligence as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic and technological ties.

Mishustin also encouraged Laos to make greater use of Russian digital trading platforms to access markets in Russia and the wider Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a regional economic bloc comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan with a combined market of more than 180 million consumers.

Beyond that, Mishustin noted that more than 8,000 Lao specialists have been trained in Russia and welcomed the recent increase in tourism exchanges, with visits between the two countries rising by one and a half times last year.

In the coming days, Laos and Russia plan to further deepen cooperation through the Russia-ASEAN meeting in Kazan from 17 to 19 June. 

Regional leaders, including Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, representatives from the other 10 ASEAN nations, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the summit. Discussions will focus on economic and business cooperation and strengthening the ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership.

Laos, Russia Pledge Closer Economic and Technology Cooperation Ahead of Russia-ASEAN Summit

By
Public Diplomacy
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Russia and Laos pledged deeper cooperation in trade, technology, energy, and tourism ahead of the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan. (Photo: TASS)

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across trade, technology, energy, and tourism ahead of the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan.

The two leaders met during Sonexay’s visit to Russia, where he is participating in the Russia-ASEAN Summit, to discuss trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation.

Mishustin described Laos as Russia’s leading partner in Southeast Asia, saying bilateral relations are built on “friendship, mutual respect, and consideration of each other’s interests.”

He noted that Russia and Laos marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year and said both governments are working to implement agreements reached by their leaders.

According to Mishustin, the two countries continue to expand bilateral trade while diversifying its structure. He said both sides are also committed to creating favorable conditions for joint projects in industry, energy, transport infrastructure, and agriculture.

Russia is prepared to share expertise in the digital economy, autonomous electronic systems, and artificial intelligence, he added.

Mishustin also encouraged Lao exporters to make greater use of Russian electronic trading platforms through the Russia-Laos Intergovernmental Commission, saying the platforms would provide access not only to the Russian market but also to the wider Eurasian Economic Union.

The Russian prime minister said tourism between the two countries has also grown significantly, with mutual travel increasing by 1.5 times last year as visitors from both countries seek to explore each other’s history, culture, and spiritual traditions.

Sonexay said his visit would help strengthen bilateral ties, friendship, and cooperation across all sectors.

He also noted that relations had deepened following recent talks between the leaders of Laos and Russia during celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Sonexay said the upcoming Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan, scheduled for 17–19 June, would provide another opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Russia and ASEAN member states.

Laos Joins East-West Rail Corridor Stretching from Southeast Asia to Europe

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Laos-China Railway (LCR)). (Photo: Laos - China Railway Company Limited)

Laos joined an international railway corridor stretching from Southeast Asia to the Baltic coast of Europe, in what officials describe as a historic milestone for the country’s rail sector.

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CSTS Secures Inaugural Formula 1 Madrid Grand Prix 2026 Hospitality Programme for Greater China

By
Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CSTS today announced its appointment as Official Hospitality Partner in Greater China for the new Spanish Grand Prix 2026 in Madrid, further strengthening its position in global sports hospitality through its integrated relationship with Connexus Travel.

Connexus, wholly-owned subsidiary of CSTS, has been appointed exclusive sales agent for the Official Hospitality Programme of the Spanish Grand Prix. Together, the two companies will lead marketing and delivery of packages across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan – including premium trackside access, exclusive VIP spaces, and curated guest services.

The approach combines CSTS’ reach and expertise in premium Hospitality with Connexus’ travel management credentials, creating a seamless, end-to-end platform to bring premium F1 experiences to Greater China.

Landmark Moment for Formula 1

The Madrid Grand Prix is a landmark addition to the F1 calendar for 2026, and introduces an exciting new host city and circuit – the MADRING – to the event. The MADRING is a unique, semi-urban hybrid street-permanent circuit, and the only one of its kind in Europe.

Strengthening CSTS’ Sports Hospitality Leadership

The appointment also reinforces CSTS’ growing presence in global sports hospitality. Through its integrated model with Connexus Travel, the group is uniquely positioned to connect audiences across Asia with unparalleled access to global sports events, delivering the highest standards of service, scale, and execution.

Abel Zhao, CEO and Executive Director, CSTS said, “We are delighted to be bringing the Official Hospitality Programme for the Madrid Grand Prix to Greater China. This appointment reflects the continued strength of our partnerships, and the rising demand for premium sports experiences across Asia. Formula 1 is a global platform that resonates with our clients, and we are proud to support one of the most exciting additions to the F1 calendar.”


About CSTS Enterprises

CSTS Enterprises is an integrated media, entertainment, sports, and travel technology group. The company develops and partners with intellectual properties and brands to deliver compelling experiences that connect with local and regional audiences across the world. In addition to its own initiatives, including Generation C and PremierX, it collaborates with international IPs such as the FIFA World Cup, Formula 1, and Waterbomb.

CSTS integrates experiential marketing, tourism, data, and technology to deliver connected audience experiences. The company engages consumers across physical events and digital channels, working with clients to execute at scale across markets, turning complex activations into co-ordinated, measurable outcomes.

foodpanda launches Sheng Siong partnership with S$280,000 in total giveaways

By
Advertorial Desk
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Shoppers can stand to win S$10,000 daily exclusively on foodpanda when ordering from Sheng Siong, while enjoying islandwide delivery within an hour


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – foodpanda, Singapore’s leading food and grocery delivery platform, today announced a partnership with Sheng Siong, bringing one of the nation’s largest supermarket chains exclusively onto its platform for on-demand grocery delivery.

(From left) Peter Tan, Senior System Architect, Sheng Siong Group; Lin Zi Kai, Director of Customer and Operations, Sheng Siong Group; Lin Ruiwen, Executive Director, Sheng Siong Group; Bhavani Mishra, Managing Director, foodpanda Singapore; Ricky Davda, Head of Marketplace, foodpanda Singapore; and Yingchun Li, Head of Marketing & Growth, foodpanda Singapore, at the launch of foodpanda's partnership with Sheng Siong
(From left) Peter Tan, Senior System Architect, Sheng Siong Group; Lin Zi Kai, Director of Customer and Operations, Sheng Siong Group; Lin Ruiwen, Executive Director, Sheng Siong Group; Bhavani Mishra, Managing Director, foodpanda Singapore; Ricky Davda, Head of Marketplace, foodpanda Singapore; and Yingchun Li, Head of Marketing & Growth, foodpanda Singapore, at the launch of foodpanda’s partnership with Sheng Siong

From 22 June 2026, consumers can order more than 12,000 grocery products and household essentials from 43 Sheng Siong outlets islandwide, with plans to progressively onboard more outlets. Orders can be delivered in an hour, bringing Sheng Siong’s signature value and budget-friendly savings straight to the doorstep.

“As grocery delivery becomes part of everyday life for more Singapore households, consumers are looking for trusted brands, competitive prices and the convenience of shopping on their own terms,” said Bhavani Mishra, Managing Director of foodpanda Singapore. “Sheng Siong has earned the trust of generations of Singaporeans, and we are excited to welcome this beloved household brand onto foodpanda. By bringing together Sheng Siong’s trusted value with foodpanda’s convenience, we are making everyday grocery shopping even more accessible for consumers across Singapore.”

The partnership comes as demand for quick-commerce continues to grow in Singapore. foodpanda has seen grocery order frequency increase by 7% since 2023, while the average number of items per order has risen by 8%. This points to a broader shift in shopping habits, with more consumers relying on on-demand delivery not just for last-minute top-ups, but for their regular weekly grocery runs.

Strengthening foodpanda’s grocery ecosystem

Complementing foodpanda’s network of pandamart stores and existing grocery partners, Sheng Siong further strengthens the platform’s grocery offering and expands access to affordable options for Singapore households.

As grocery baskets continue to grow, foodpanda is also investing in fulfilment capabilities to support larger and bulkier orders. This includes a three-wheeler delivery fleet with increased carrying capacity to improve fulfilment efficiency, helping customers receive their weekly essentials quickly and reliably.

Through the partnership, consumers can look forward to:

  • Access to over 12,000 grocery and household products from Sheng Siong
  • On-demand doorstep delivery in an hour
  • Additional perks for pandapro subscribers, including free delivery on applicable orders

Lin Ruiwen, Executive Director, Sheng Siong Group, said,”At Sheng Siong, our focus has always been on providing quality products at competitive prices for Singapore households. As more consumers embrace the convenience of online grocery shopping, partnering with foodpanda allows us to extend that value proposition beyond our physical stores and better serve our consumer’s needs.”

Celebrating the launch with daily S$10,000 giveaways and exclusive savings

To celebrate the partnership, foodpanda and Sheng Siong are rolling out one of foodpanda’s biggest grocery campaigns to date, with S$280,000 total in cash prizes to be won.

From 22 June to 19 July 2026, customers who order from Sheng Siong on foodpanda will stand a chance to win S$10,000 in cash awarded to one winner each day throughout the campaign (terms and conditions apply).

Shoppers can also enjoy exclusive launch discounts on foodpanda, including:

  • Up to 40% off selected Sheng Siong products
  • Additional rewards and promotions throughout the campaign period

Hashtag: #foodpanda #grocery #shengsiong #partnership #singapore

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

About foodpanda Singapore

foodpanda is a leading on-demand delivery platform in Asia dedicated to bringing consumers a wide range of food, groceries and more, quickly and conveniently. Powered by technology and operational excellence, foodpanda is spearheading the growth of quick-commerce (q-commerce) across the region with its network of retail partners, as well as pandamart cloud stores to provide more on-demand options beyond the millions of food delivery options. foodpanda operates across 10 markets in Asia Pacific – Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. foodpanda is a subsidiary of Delivery Hero, a global leader of the food delivery industry. For more information, visit .

Arcfra Releases AKE 1.6 to Enhance Production Kubernetes Operations and Network Management

By
Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Arcfra announces the release of Arcfra Kubernetes Engine (AKE) version 1.6, the latest version of its production-grade container management and service platform.

This release improves Kubernetes operational efficiency and strengthens production network management. AKE 1.6 introduces form-based visual management for Kubernetes resources, enabling users to deploy and manage applications without writing complex YAML files. It also supports separation of workload cluster management networks from service networks and multiple network interfaces for Pods, helping enterprises address security isolation, compliance, and high-performance networking requirements.

Form-Based Visual Management for Kubernetes Resources

AKE 1.6 introduces form-based deployment and management for Kubernetes resources, allowing users to complete common application operations through the UI instead of manually writing and maintaining YAML files.

This capability brings infrastructure, Kubernetes clusters, and business applications into a unified visual management experience. Users can view related resources in a single interface, access frequent operations more directly, and reduce the complexity of managing containerized applications.

Separated Management and Service Networks for Workload Clusters

To prevent management traffic and service traffic from affecting each other, AKE 1.6 supports separating the management network from the service network for workload clusters.

In this architecture, management traffic and business service traffic are isolated into separate network planes. The container service network cannot directly route to control plane components such as the Kubernetes apiserver. Even if a container is compromised, control plane operations remain isolated, improving platform security and helping enterprises meet network isolation and compliance requirements.

Multiple Pod NICs for High-Performance and Isolated Network Access

AKE 1.6 also introduces support for configuring multiple network interfaces for Pods. This capability supports scenarios where applications need access to multiple network planes for security isolation, direct connectivity, or higher network performance.

Compared with Overlay networking, direct flat network access can reduce network overhead and deliver higher throughput and lower latency, with an approximately 20% performance improvement in applicable scenarios.

AKE: Proven in Production

AKE powers mission-critical systems for enterprises in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, e-commerce, and other sectors, including ConnectWave and Foxconn.

Informa Markets and Thailand’s Health Ministry Join Forces To Deliver a Successful Edition of International Healthcare Week 2026 in Bangkok

By
Advertorial Desk
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BANGKOK, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Informa Markets joins forces with Thailand’s Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) to unveil International Healthcare Week 2026, a transformative regional healthcare platform that will elevate Thailand’s position as a world-leading medical and wellness hub and catalyze new waves of investment, innovation, and international partnerships across the healthcare industry.

The event will take place July 8-10, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, bringing together four major healthcare exhibitions under one umbrella: CPHI South East Asia, World Health Expo (WHX) Bangkok, Medtec Southeast Asia, and Thailand Medical and Wellness Expo 2026.

The integrated platform will connect stakeholders across the healthcare value chain, from pharmaceutical and medical device industries to healthcare services, wellness, and emerging health technologies.

The event comes as the global wellness economy continues to expand rapidly. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the sector has reached a record value of US$6.8 trillion worldwide, while Thailand has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing wellness markets. The Thai government has identified healthcare and wellness as strategic growth industries under its long-term economic development agenda.

Key industry leaders joined the International Healthcare Week 2026 Press Conference (from left to right): Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat — Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN, Informa Markets; Asst. Prof. Dr. Korpong Rookkapan, M.D. - Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Praram 9 Hospital; Mr. Chatuphon Charoenkitpaiboon PhD. — Deputy Managing Director, Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO); Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng — Executive Director, National Innovation Agency (NIA); Dr. Phuwadech Surakhot — Director-General, Department of Health Service Support (DHSS); Dr. Pasu Sirisalee — Research Group Director, Biofunctional Materials and Devices Research Group, National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Ms. Wongkot Yuprathanporn — Deputy Director, Sukavet Hospital & Director, Bangkok Inter-Care College; Dr. Kanyarat Kuisuwan — Director, Bureau of Integrated Medical Industry Promotion, DHSS shared their insights in a panel discussion on
Key industry leaders joined the International Healthcare Week 2026 Press Conference (from left to right): Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat — Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN, Informa Markets; Asst. Prof. Dr. Korpong Rookkapan, M.D. – Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Praram 9 Hospital; Mr. Chatuphon Charoenkitpaiboon PhD. — Deputy Managing Director, Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO); Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng — Executive Director, National Innovation Agency (NIA); Dr. Phuwadech Surakhot — Director-General, Department of Health Service Support (DHSS); Dr. Pasu Sirisalee — Research Group Director, Biofunctional Materials and Devices Research Group, National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Ms. Wongkot Yuprathanporn — Deputy Director, Sukavet Hospital & Director, Bangkok Inter-Care College; Dr. Kanyarat Kuisuwan — Director, Bureau of Integrated Medical Industry Promotion, DHSS shared their insights in a panel discussion on “Thailand’s Readiness to Drive the Country Toward a Global Health Hub in Terms of Public Health Services and Industry.”

“Health security has become one of the most important pillars of global stability,” said Dr. Phuwadech Surakhot, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS). “Thailand has earned international recognition for the quality of its healthcare system, and we are committed to advancing our position as a global Medical Hub through high standards, innovation and international collaboration.”

DHSS is pursuing that goal through regulatory modernization, digital licensing systems, support for advanced healthcare technologies such as precision medicine, genomic medicine and telemedicine, and initiatives aimed at strengthening Thailand’s wellness sector as a premium global destination.

“Strong standards are not simply regulatory requirements; they are a foundation for trust, investment and sustainable growth,” Dr. Phuwadech said.

Dr. Phuwadech Surakhot, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), emphasized Thailand's commitment to becoming a global Medical Hub through high standards, innovation, and international collaboration.
Dr. Phuwadech Surakhot, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), emphasized Thailand’s commitment to becoming a global Medical Hub through high standards, innovation, and international collaboration.

For Informa Markets, International Healthcare Week 2026 addresses one of the healthcare industry’s longstanding challenges: a fragmented supply chain.

“Healthcare stakeholders often operate in separate ecosystems,” said Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN at Informa Markets. “By bringing together pharmaceuticals, medical technology, healthcare providers, investors and innovators in one place, International Healthcare Week creates opportunities for partnerships, investment and business expansion across Southeast Asia.”

Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN, Informa Markets, spoke about the readiness to host International Healthcare Week 2026, highlighting how the event bridges the gap between fragmented healthcare ecosystems and creates new opportunities for partnerships, investment, and business expansion across Southeast Asia.
Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN, Informa Markets, spoke about the readiness to host International Healthcare Week 2026, highlighting how the event bridges the gap between fragmented healthcare ecosystems and creates new opportunities for partnerships, investment, and business expansion across Southeast Asia.

The event is expected to serve as a strategic gateway for companies seeking access to one of the world’s fastest-growing healthcare markets. It will also support Thai manufacturers looking to diversify into medical technology production and upgrade operations to international standards, including ISO 13485.

A major consumer-focused component of the event will be Thailand Medical and Wellness Expo 2026, jointly organized by DHSS and Informa Markets. The exhibition will showcase healthcare, wellness and aesthetic innovations from more than 250 companies and is expected to attract approximately 18,000 visitors.

The broader International Healthcare Week platform will feature 1,200 exhibitors, more than 200 conference sessions and an exhibition area spanning 35,000 square meters. Industry programs will include business matching, innovation showcases, expert-led conferences and knowledge-sharing initiatives such as the Innovation Stage, Pharma Quest, Consultancy Clinic and Scientific Poster Competition.

Organizers said the event aims to strengthen regional healthcare supply chains, attract investment, accelerate innovation and support the development of a more sustainable healthcare ecosystem across Southeast Asia.

International Healthcare Week 2026 will be held July 8-10, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.

For more information, visit www.inthealthcareweek.com.

About International Healthcare Week 2026

International Healthcare Week 2026 is Southeast Asia’s integrated platform for pharmaceuticals, medical technology, healthcare services, wellness and healthcare innovation. The event brings together CPHI South East Asia, World Health Expo Bangkok, Medtec Southeast Asia and Thailand Medical and Wellness Expo 2026, creating a comprehensive marketplace for industry collaboration, investment and knowledge exchange.

U.S. News Unveils 2026-2027 Best Global Universities Rankings

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Advertorial Desk
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Universities in more than 100 countries are evaluated in the newest edition.

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in education rankings and consumer advice, today published the 2026-2027 Best Global Universities rankings, which evaluate more than 2,250 schools on academic research and reputation.

The latest edition includes universities from more than 100 countries. The following countries have the most schools in the overall rankings:

  • China: 409
  • United States: 275
  • India: 123
  • United Kingdom: 93
  • Japan: 86

“For students seeking universities with strong academic excellence and global recognition, the Best Global Universities rankings offer an essential comparative resource,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “Our methodology focuses on a school’s research mission and scholarly impact, helping students identify institutions that are truly at the forefront of global knowledge creation.”

Of the 51 subject rankings, four will have more schools ranked this year, including: water resources; chemical engineering; energy and fuels; and clinical medicine.

Powered by data and metrics from the Web of Science Core Collection and InCites Benchmarking & Analytics provided by Clarivate, a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, the Best Global Universities methodology weighs factors that measure a university’s global and regional research reputation and academic research performance.

For the overall ranking, this includes bibliometric indicators such as publications, citations and international collaboration. Each of the 51 subject rankings has its own weighting based on academic research performance in that specific area.

2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities
*See the full rankings here.

Overall Best Global Universities – Top 10

  1. Harvard University
  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  3. Stanford University
  4. University of Oxford
  5. University of Cambridge
  6. Tsinghua University
  7. University of California Berkeley
  8. Yale University
  9. University College London
  10. Columbia University

Africa – Top 3

  1. University of Cape Town (South Africa)
  2. Cairo University (Egypt)
  3. University of Witwatersrand (South Africa)

Asia – Top 3

  1. Tsinghua University (China)
  2. National University of Singapore (Singapore)
  3. Peking University (China)

Australia/New Zealand – Top 3

  1. University of Melbourne (Australia)
  2. University of Sydney (Australia)
  3. University of New South Wales Sydney (Australia)

Europe – Top 3

  1. University of Oxford (United Kingdom)
  2. University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)
  3. University College London (United Kingdom)

Latin America – Top 3

  1. Universidade de Sao Paulo (Brazil)
  2. Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (Chile)
  3. University of Buenos Aires (Argentina)

The Best Global Universities rankings serve the broader U.S. News mission of providing trusted information and rankings – such as Best High Schools, Best Colleges and Best Online Programs – to empower all students in making informed choices about their education.

For more information on the Best Global Universities, visit X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram using #BestGlobal.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

About Clarivate

Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com.

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