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RightShip Seeks New Competencies to Remain Leaders in Maritime AI

SINGAPORE, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — RightShip’s mission is to enable our customers to achieve Zero Harm in the global maritime value chain – zero harm to vessels, to people, and to environment – through unique data and actionable insights. We do this by constantly strengthening our market and product relevance and augmenting our data and technology capabilities.

As the need for safety in the global supply chain increases and the development of data and technology accelerates, so does the potential and the pace of RightShip’s growth. To support our growth ambition, we are currently exploring strategic options to bring in a new minority investor who shares the same mission, purpose and values as RightShip and its current shareholders. The existing investors, BHP, Cargill and Rio Tinto, will remain as shareholders and continue to fully support RightShip through its next phase of growth. This consideration is driven by our commitment to delivering long-term value to our customers, employees, shareholders, and the global maritime industry.

Our primary goal is to partner with an investor who brings not only capital but also significant expertise in data and technology and transformational growth. We will seek a partner with the ability to provide valuable insights, resources, and track records that will support RightShip to accelerate our growth initiatives. Together, we will innovate our product offerings, supercharge our data, technology and AI capabilities and deliver delightful customer experiences – all with the intention of working to achieve zero harm in the maritime industry. To this end, RightShip has engaged Rothschild C Co as the financial advisor acting on behalf of RightShip and its shareholders.

Our decision to explore this opportunity is rooted in our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and integrity. We are early in the process and committed to conducting this process with the utmost confidentiality and discretion to prevent any market speculation or disruption. We will keep our stakeholders informed as we progress and ensure that any decisions made are in the best interests of our valued customers, the company, its employees and our future.

We appreciate the continued support and trust of our shareholders, customers, and employees as we navigate this exciting phase of our company’s journey.

About RightShip

Established in 2001, RightShip is a leading global ESG-focused digital maritime platform, providing expertise in global safety, sustainability and social responsibility practices. Founded with the mission to drive operational improvements in the global shipping industry, more than 850 customers use RightShip’s due diligence, environmental and inspections services to help them manage risk and improve overall maritime safety standards.

For Any Media Queries: 
Deepti Pathak
Head of Marketing and Communications, RightShip
Deepti.Pathak@rightship.com 

England’s NICE recommends FILSPARI® (sparsentan) as a treatment option for IgA nephropathy

First non-immunosuppressive dual-action therapy recommended by NICE for eligible patients with IgA nephropathy, a leading cause of kidney failure 1-3

NICE’s recommendation is based on clinically meaningful results from the phase-III PROTECT trial 4

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CSL Vifor is pleased to announce that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published final draft guidance recommending that sparsentan can be used in the NHS in England as an option to treat primary IgA nephropathy in adults with a urine protein excretion of 1.0 g/day or more, or a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio of 0.75 g/g or more.3 NICE has provided guidance to ensure that only patients responding to treatment continue.3 The decision follows authorisation from the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in April 2025.5

What this means in practice is that there is enough evidence to show that sparsentan provides benefits and value for money, so it can be used routinely if it is considered the most suitable treatment option in this population.3 Sparsentan must be funded in England within 90 days of final publication of this guidance3 which is expected to be 27 June 2025.

Professor Jonathan Barratt, Professor of Renal Medicine at University Leicester, UK, welcomed the NICE decision as a major advancement in the treatment of IgA nephropathy in the UK. “IgA nephropathy is a condition with an average age at diagnosis of around 40 years.6 Due to disease progression, a patient’s kidneys may fail. Treatments, such as sparsentan, that have been developed for IgA nephropathy are urgently needed, our goal being to improve outcomes for these patients.”

IgA nephropathy is characterised by the buildup of a faulty version of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which accumulates in clusters in small blood vessels in the kidney, called glomeruli, that filter the blood. These clumps damage the glomeruli causing leakage of blood (haematuria) and protein (proteinuria) into the urine resulting in a progressive loss of kidney function. Proteinuria is a major risk factor for IgA nephropathy progression, increasing the risk of kidney failure.6-8 Despite current treatments, some patients with IgA nephropathy do not achieve adequate proteinuria reduction and remain at risk of progression.9

Although classified as rare, IgA nephropathy is the most common type of primary glomerular disease worldwide, with over 22,000 adults estimated to have the condition in England.10 Patients generally face a poor prognosis if the condition is not appropriately controlled, with approximately 30-40% of patients developing kidney failure within 10 years of diagnosis.11

Current medical treatment guidelines by KDIGO (Kidney Disease, Improving Global Outcomes) state that patients who are at high risk of progressive chronic kidney disease, despite maximal supportive care, are those with persistent urine protein excretion >1 g/day.12

Underscoring the importance of the NICE recommendation for IgA nephropathy patients and their communities, Dr. Vinicius Gomes De Lima, Head of Global Medical Affairs at CSL Vifor said: “We are very pleased that NICE recognised the value of our innovative therapy which helps to address a clear unmet medical need in patients with IgA nephropathy. We look forward to working with the National Health Service to ensure access to this important medicine as soon as possible as we continue to deliver on our promise to patients.”

CSL Vifor expects to launch sparsentan in the UK in the second half of 2025; commercial stock will be available from July 2025.

Notes to Editors

On 15th April 2025, the MHRA granted the marketing authorisation for sparsentan based on the final results of the Phase 3 PROTECT double blind study.

About CSL Vifor

CSL Vifor is a global partner of choice for pharmaceuticals and innovative, leading therapies in iron deficiency and nephrology. We specialise in strategic global partnering, in-licensing and developing, manufacturing and marketing pharmaceutical products for precision healthcare, aiming to help patients around the world lead better, healthier lives. Headquartered in St. Gallen, Switzerland, CSL Vifor also includes the joint company Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma (with Fresenius Medical Care). The parent company, CSL (ASX: CSL; USOTC: CSLLY), headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, employs 32,000 people and delivers its lifesaving therapies to people in more than 100 countries. For more information about CSL Vifor visit, cslvifor.com.

About IgA nephropathy

Primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgA nephropathy) is a rare, progressive type of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that is often diagnosed in adults before the age of 40 years.6 CKD is characterised by abnormalities of kidney function or structure that have been present for more than three months and can be categorised into five stages dependent on functionality of the kidney.13 Dialysis (a medical treatment used to artificially filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function adequately)14 or kidney transplantation is recommended for patients whose kidneys have reached an advanced stage (typically, stage 5).15  More than 60 per cent of adult patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy are in CKD stage 3 or higher.6 Patients with this condition may experience blood in the urine (red or dark brown urine), foamy urine from protein leaking into the urine, flank pain, swelling (oedema), high blood pressure, and fatigue.16

About FILSPARI® (sparsentan)

Sparsentan was developed by Travere Therapeutics and has been granted Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of IgA nephropathy in the UK, Europe and the U.S. Sparsentan is currently available in the U.S. and first markets in Europe. CSL Vifor has been granted exclusive commercialisation rights for sparsentan in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Sparsentan is anticipated to be available to patients in the UK in the second half of 2025.

Sparsentan is the first and only non-immunosuppressive treatment for IgA nephropathy that has two modes of action.1 This single molecule functions as a high affinity, dual-acting antagonist of both the endothelin A receptor (ETAR) and the angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor (AT1R).4 Sparsentan inhibits activation of both ETAR and AT1R, both of which play a role in regulating processes in the kidney, such as inflammation, that lead to progression of kidney damage.4

About PROTECT  

NICE’s recommendation is based on data from the pivotal Phase 3 PROTECT study4 of sparsentan in IgA nephropathy, one of the largest interventional studies to date in IgA nephropathy and the only head-to-head trial in this rare kidney disease. It is a global, randomised, multicentre, double-blind, parallel-arm, active-controlled clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of 400 mg of sparsentan, compared to 300 mg of irbesartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker(ARB)), in 404 patients ages 18 years and up with IgA nephropathy and persistent proteinuria despite receiving at least 50% of maximum label dose and maximally tolerated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or ARB therapy.4,17

The PROTECT study met its primary endpoint at the pre-specified interim analysis with statistical significance.4 After 36 weeks of treatment, patients receiving sparsentan (n=202) achieved a mean reduction in proteinuria from baseline of 49.8 percent, compared to a mean reduction in proteinuria from baseline of 15.1 percent for irbesartan-treated patients (n=202).4,17 Treatment emergent adverse events and serious adverse events were well-balanced between sparsentan and irbesartan, except for dizziness (30 [15%] vs 13 [6%] patients) and hypotension (26 (13%] vs eight (4%] patients).4 For more information, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).18,19

References:

  1. Trachtman H, et al. Sparsentan: the first and only non-immunosuppressive therapy for the reduction of proteinuria in IgA nephropathy. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2024 Jun;20(6):571-576. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2024.2319132.
  2. Komers R, et al. Dual inhibition of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and endothelin-1 in treatment of chronic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2016 May 15;310(10):R877-84. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00425.2015.
  3. NICE Draft Final Guidance on sparsentan (May 2025).
  4. Rovin BH, et al. Efficacy and safety of sparsentan versus irbesartan in patients with IgA nephropathy (PROTECT): 2-year results from a randomised, active-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2023 Dec 2;402(10417):2077-2090. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02302-4.
  5. Travere Therapeutics and CSL Vifor Announce Standard EU Approval of FILSPARI® (sparsentan) for IgA Nephropathy; press release (April 2025).
  6. Pitcher D, et al. Long-Term Outcomes in IgA Nephropathy. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2023;18(6):727–38.av.
  7. Reich HN, et al. Remission of proteinuria improves prognosis in IgA nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007;18:3177–83.
  8. Sharma S, et al. From Proteinuria to Fibrosis: An Update on Pathophysiology and Treatment Options. Kidney Blood Press Res. 2021;46:411−20.
  9. Bagchi S, et al. Supportive Management of IgA Nephropathy With Renin-Angiotensin Blockade, the AIIMS Primary IgA Nephropathy Cohort (APPROACH) Study. Kidney Int Rep. 2021 Feb 26;6(6):1661-1668. doi: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.02.018. PMID: 34169207; PMCID: PMC8207308.
  10. European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2020) Orphan designation for the treatment of primary IgA nephropathy https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/orphan-designations/eu-3-20-2345 (accessed May 2025).
  11. Barratt J, et al. Therapy of IgA nephropathy: time for a paradigm change. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024 Aug 15;11:1461879. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1461879. PMID: 39211339; PMCID: PMC11358106.
  12. KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Glomerular Disease, Kidney International (2021) 100, S1-S276 https://kdigo.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/KDIGO-Glomerular-Diseases-Guideline-2021-English.pdf (accessed May 2025).
  13. NKF Kidney Disease Stages https://kidneycareuk.org/kidney-disease-information/stages-of-kidney-disease/stages-of-chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/ (accessed May 2025).
  14. NKF Haemodialysis https://kidneycareuk.org/kidney-disease-information/treatments/patient-info-haemodialysis-hd/ (accessed May 2025).
  15. NKF Transplants for All https://www.kidney.org/transplantationNKUK Transplantation https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/transplantation/ (accessed May 2025).
  16. Mayo Clinic What is IgA Nephropathy? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iga-nephropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352268 (accessed May 2025).
  17. Heerspink HJL, et al. PROTECT Investigators. Sparsentan in patients with IgA nephropathy: a prespecified interim analysis from a randomised, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial. Lancet. 2023 May 13;401(10388):1584-1594. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00569-X. Epub 2023 Apr 1. PMID: 37015244.
  18. Filspari EU131-SmPC_SPT_UK_200mg UK SmPC (May 2025).
  19. Filspari EU131-SmPC_SPT_UK_400mg UK SmPC (May 2025).

CSL Vifor Media Contact

Thomas Hutter
+41 79 957 96 73
media@viforpharma.com

Job no: UK-SPT-25000110  Date: 23 May 2025

Sporting Goods Industry Unites: Urgent Action Needed to Tackle Physical Inactivity Crisis Projected to Cost $300B by 2030

  • The global sporting goods industry launched the first-ever Sporting Goods Physical Activity Impact Report: Moving the World Toward an Active Future at an exclusive World Health Assembly side-event in Geneva yesterday
  • The report draws attention to the escalating global physical inactivity crisis and the urgent need for increased cross-sector collaboration
  • Initiatives undertaken by members of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) to address physical inactivity across the globe, are highlighted
  • Speakers at the event included Sir Gareth Southgate, Assistant Director-General World Health Organization Dr Ailan Li, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler, Nike’s Dan Burrows, IOC’s Dr Jane Thornton, and Dr Andy Moose of the World Economic Forum

GENEVA, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The sporting goods industry stepped onto the global health stage at a landmark side event at the World Health Assembly this week in Geneva, hosted by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).

 

 

The event welcomed WFSGI members adidas, Arena, ASICS, Decathlon, Nike, On, Puma, Speedo, Specialized and Shimano, alongside leaders from the World Health Organisation, the International Olympic Committee, Business at OECD (BIAC), the World Economic Forum, and global Ministers of Health.

Introducing the report, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler issued a call to action for increased cross-sector collaboration, explaining: “This is not just a health issue — it’s an economic, social and environmental imperative. This report highlights the breadth of actions our industry is taking to help empower and inspire people to live more active lives and the power of collaboration over competition amongst our member brands.”

The report underscores the urgent need to address physical inactivity — a crisis affecting over 1.8 billion adults and 81% of adolescents worldwide. With inactivity levels projected to rise to 35% by 2030, the economic toll is expected to surpass $300 billion annually.

Key highlights in the report include:

  • The sporting goods industry’s role in improving public health through inspiring campaigns, community programs, and innovative and inclusive products.
  • Case studies from WFSGI member brands such Elite Technology, Shimano, Elite International.
  • Cross-sector partnership models to move the inactive, create safe and positive experiences and shift the story.
  • The need for urgent action and increased collaboration across the sporting goods industry along with deeper engagement with governments and public sector organizations, to address the rise of global physical inactivity.

Download the full report and learn more: wfsgi.org/impact2025.

Notes to Editors

  • Images will be available here on 23rd of May at 1000 CEST.

About WFSGI

The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) is the global voice of the sporting goods industry. Representing brands, manufacturers, retailers, and national federations, WFSGI advocates for policies and initiatives that foster health, sustainability, and economic growth through sport and physical activity.

 

Sporting Goods Industry Unites: Urgent Action Needed to Tackle Physical Inactivity Crisis Projected to Cost $300B by 2030

  • The global sporting goods industry launched the first-ever Sporting Goods Physical Activity Impact Report: Moving the World Toward an Active Future at an exclusive World Health Assembly side-event in Geneva yesterday
  • The report draws attention to the escalating global physical inactivity crisis and the urgent need for increased cross-sector collaboration
  • Initiatives undertaken by members of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) to address physical inactivity across the globe, are highlighted
  • Speakers at the event included Sir Gareth Southgate, Assistant Director-General World Health Organization Dr Ailan Li, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler, Nike’s Dan Burrows, IOC’s Dr Jane Thornton, and Dr Andy Moose of the World Economic Forum

GENEVA, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The sporting goods industry stepped onto the global health stage at a landmark side event at the World Health Assembly this week in Geneva, hosted by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).

 

 

The event welcomed WFSGI members adidas, Arena, ASICS, Decathlon, Nike, On, Puma, Speedo, Specialized and Shimano, alongside leaders from the World Health Organisation, the International Olympic Committee, Business at OECD (BIAC), the World Economic Forum, and global Ministers of Health.

Introducing the report, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler issued a call to action for increased cross-sector collaboration, explaining: “This is not just a health issue — it’s an economic, social and environmental imperative. This report highlights the breadth of actions our industry is taking to help empower and inspire people to live more active lives and the power of collaboration over competition amongst our member brands.”

The report underscores the urgent need to address physical inactivity — a crisis affecting over 1.8 billion adults and 81% of adolescents worldwide. With inactivity levels projected to rise to 35% by 2030, the economic toll is expected to surpass $300 billion annually.

Key highlights in the report include:

  • The sporting goods industry’s role in improving public health through inspiring campaigns, community programs, and innovative and inclusive products.
  • Case studies from WFSGI member brands such as Asics, Shimano and Yonex, tackling access barriers for youth, women, and underserved communities.
  • Cross-sector partnership models to move the inactive, create safe and positive experiences and shift the story.
  • The need for urgent action and increased collaboration across the sporting goods industry along with deeper engagement with governments and public sector organizations, to address the rise of global physical inactivity.

Download the full report and learn more: wfsgi.org/impact2025.

Notes to Editors

  • Images will be available here on 23rd of May at 1000 CEST.

About WFSGI

The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) is the global voice of the sporting goods industry. Representing brands, manufacturers, retailers, and national federations, WFSGI advocates for policies and initiatives that foster health, sustainability, and economic growth through sport and physical activity.

Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wfsgi_logo-1.jpg

Sporting Goods Industry Unites: Urgent Action Needed to Tackle Physical Inactivity Crisis Projected to Cost $300B by 2030

  • The global sporting goods industry launched the first-ever Sporting Goods Physical Activity Impact Report: Moving the World Toward an Active Future at an exclusive World Health Assembly side-event in Geneva yesterday
  • The report draws attention to the escalating global physical inactivity crisis and the urgent need for increased cross-sector collaboration
  • Initiatives undertaken by members of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) to address physical inactivity across the globe, are highlighted
  • Speakers at the event included Sir Gareth Southgate, Assistant Director-General World Health Organization Dr Ailan Li, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler, Nike’s Dan Burrows, IOC’s Dr Jane Thornton, and Dr Andy Moose of the World Economic Forum

GENEVA, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The sporting goods industry stepped onto the global health stage at a landmark side event at the World Health Assembly this week in Geneva, hosted by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).

 

 

The event welcomed WFSGI members adidas, Arena, ASICS, Decathlon, Nike, On, Puma, Speedo, Specialized and Shimano, alongside leaders from the World Health Organisation, the International Olympic Committee, Business at OECD (BIAC), the World Economic Forum, and global Ministers of Health.

Introducing the report, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler issued a call to action for increased cross-sector collaboration, explaining: “This is not just a health issue — it’s an economic, social and environmental imperative. This report highlights the breadth of actions our industry is taking to help empower and inspire people to live more active lives and the power of collaboration over competition amongst our member brands.”

The report underscores the urgent need to address physical inactivity — a crisis affecting over 1.8 billion adults and 81% of adolescents worldwide. With inactivity levels projected to rise to 35% by 2030, the economic toll is expected to surpass $300 billion annually.

Key highlights in the report include:

  • The sporting goods industry’s role in improving public health through inspiring campaigns, community programs, and innovative and inclusive products.
  • Case studies from WFSGI member brands such as Asics, Shimano and Yonex, tackling access barriers for youth, women, and underserved communities.
  • Cross-sector partnership models to move the inactive, create safe and positive experiences and shift the story.
  • The need for urgent action and increased collaboration across the sporting goods industry along with deeper engagement with governments and public sector organizations, to address the rise of global physical inactivity.

Download the full report and learn more: wfsgi.org/impact2025.

Notes to Editors

  • Images will be available here on 23rd of May at 1000 CEST.

About WFSGI

The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) is the global voice of the sporting goods industry. Representing brands, manufacturers, retailers, and national federations, WFSGI advocates for policies and initiatives that foster health, sustainability, and economic growth through sport and physical activity.

Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wfsgi_logo-2.jpg

WSPN Launches New Website, Unveiling Enhanced Vision for Next-Generation Stablecoin Infrastructure

SINGAPORE, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Worldwide Stablecoin Payment Network (WSPN) today announced the launch of its completely redesigned website, reflecting the company’s expanded vision and capabilities as a leader in next-generation stablecoin infrastructure. The new site highlights WSPN’s commitment to advancing global value flows through efficient, secure, and low-cost payment solutions.

The revamped website showcases WSPN’s evolution beyond traditional stablecoins, emphasizing its role in reshaping the future of payments and fueling digital globalization. With a focus on practical applications for both everyday users and institutional clients, the platform details WSPN’s comprehensive suite of services designed to bridge traditional finance and Web3 environments.

“Our new website clearly showcases WSPN’s core mission: building a stablecoin ecosystem that’s accessible, practical, and transformative for users worldwide,” said Raymond Yuan, Founder & CEO of WSPN. “As we construct the financial infrastructure of the future, this digital platform serves as our bridge to communicate value to global users.”

Key Features Highlighted on the New Website

The redesigned platform showcases several core capabilities that position WSPN at the forefront of stablecoin innovation:

  • Fast, Reliable On/Off-Ramps: Seamless connections between traditional finance and Web3, supported by hundreds of integrated partners
  • Multi-Chain Availability & Conversion: Deployment across 8+ leading blockchains with advanced cross-chain conversion capabilities
  • Developer-Friendly API & Dashboard Access: Robust tools empowering developers and businesses to build scalable fintech solutions

The website also emphasizes WSPN’s impressive operational metrics, including processing over $10 million transaction volumes daily and serving more than 500 institutional clients globally. Users can complete mint and burn operations in under 5 minutes, with 1:1 lossless swaps available 24/7.

“WSPN stablecoins are purposefully evolved for everyday impact,” added Raymond. “Whether you’re an individual seeking price stability for cross-border transfers or an institution building sophisticated DeFi applications, our platform provides the security, speed, and scalability needed in today’s digital economy.”

Visit the new WSPN website at www.wspn.io to explore the full range of stablecoin solutions and learn how WSPN is advancing worldwide value flows.

About WSPN

WSPN is a leading provider of next-generation stablecoin infrastructure, committed to building a more secure, efficient, and transparent payment solution for the global economy. Their flagship product, WUSD stablecoin, is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. Dollar and aims to optimize secure digital payments for Web3 users. WSPN’s Stablecoin 2.0 approach prioritizes user-centricity, community governance, and accessibility, paving the way for widespread stablecoin adoption.

Learn more: www.wspn.ioX | LinkedIn

Teen Innovators Win Top Prize for Plastic Alternative in Hang Seng x HKFYG’s Seek Our Ways Social Ideation Programme


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 May 2025 – A team of four Form Three students from Good Hope School has developed a revolutionary plastic alternative, earning them the Junior Division Grand Award in the inaugural Seek Our Ways Social Ideation Programme. Their invention, the “Fully Biodegradable Gel”, offers an edible, dissolvable and eco-friendly solution to single-use plastic.

Eric Chan Sui-wai, Commissioner for Youth officiates at the Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme Awards Presentation Ceremony, alongside Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG, Grace Chan Man-yee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, distinguished guests and over 400 students.
Eric Chan Sui-wai, Commissioner for Youth officiates at the Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme Awards Presentation Ceremony, alongside Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG, Grace Chan Man-yee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, distinguished guests and over 400 students.

Supported by Hang Seng Bank and organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Leadership Institute, the Programme themed “Future Exploration is in the Hands of Youths”, focused on three key social areas: “Environment and Sustainable Development,” “Promoting Sports for All,” and “Elderly and Wellness.” It encourages young people to tackle social issues through creative solutions. The debut edition attracted an overwhelming response, receiving nearly 1,000 applications from students. After over 10,000 hours of diverse learning and mentorship over six months, more than 400 participants developed nearly 90 innovative solutions to drive social progress.

Following rigorous rounds of competition, nine teams advanced to the finals held recently, where they presented their ideas to a panel of judges. Three winning teams were selected based on their solutions’ effectiveness, innovation, scalability and their presentation skills.

The Final Pitching Competition and Award Presentation Ceremony took place at Hang Seng Headquarters, with Eric Chan Sui-wai, Commissioner for Youth officiating as the Guest of Honor. He was joined by Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG and Grace Chan Man-yee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. The event also brought together school representatives, mentors and over 400 students to witness the emergence of winning teams.

Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, said, “As Hong Kong’s largest local bank, Hang Seng Bank is very pleased to leverage our connections and the expertise of our colleagues to empower youth in driving social innovation through this Programme, alongside our financial support. We hope this Programme encourages young people to engage with societal issues, broaden their horizons and ignite their interests in social innovation.”

Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG, remarked, “Social innovation requires keen insight and the courage to change; every change begins with attention to issues and imagination for the future. I am delighted to see participants actively engage in the Programme, injecting new hope and possibility into society.” She also expressed her gratitude to Hang Seng Bank and other partnering organisations for their support in nurturing future leaders.”

Fifteen-year-old students Ho Lok Ting, Law Hau Wing, Lo Sin Sum and Tsang Lok Yu, the Grand Award winners in the Junior Secondary Division, designed their “Fully Biodegradable Gel” after learning about sea turtles harmed by plastic waste. The material, made from gelatin and agar, can package dry foods or even serve as shopping bags while decomposing harmlessly.” Law Hau Wing said, “Traditional plastic linger for centuries as it is non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment. Our ‘Fully Biodegradable Gel’ disappears without a trace. We hope to collaborate with food manufacturers to bring the product to market.”

The Senior Secondary Division Grand Award went to Fanling Kau Yan College, where five Form Four and Form Five students, Chen Tin Oi, Lee Yan Ue, Liang Ka Ki, Ng Ka Yin and Zou Tsz Ham designed a “One School, One Elderly Centre” proposal to pair schools with elderly centres, fostering mutual learning and companionship. Inspired by an initiative in their sister school in Mainland China, the team developed a sustainable model including curricula, activities, and a B2B framework to scale the project in Hong Kong.

A cross-university team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong College of Technology, won the Tertiary Division Grand Award for “Fruitful”, a project repurposing apple pulp into leather-like material. Over the past six months, team members Cheng Hoi Kei, Ho Ka Hei, Lai In Ha, Wong Ngai Fung and Yau Ho Lun conducted in-depth research on this technology and overcame technical challenges. They aim to produce wallets, coasters and other accessories, reducing reliance on synthetic fabrics to promote sustainable development in Hong Kong.

Each winning team will receive HK$20,000 and an opportunity for valuable career immersion experience at Hang Seng Bank. Audience-voted “My Favourite Team” Awards were also presented, with each winning team receiving HK$5,000. For further details about the winning teams, please refer to the appendix. The second edition of the Programme will open for applications by the end of this year, encouraging more youngsters to drive social progress.

Winning teams of Grand Award

Grand Award – Junior Secondary Division
School and
Name of Students
Good Hope School
Lo Sin Sum, Ho Lok Ting, Law Hau Wing, and Tsang Lok Yu
Theme Environment and Sustainable Development
Proposal Byebye Traditional Plastic
Description “Fully Biodegradable Gel” is a new material designed to support heavy items, similar to conventional plastic. It is available in two types:

  • Type 1: Crafted from gelatin, this variant offers a firmer texture, making it ideal for packaging noodles and dry foods. It comes in red, green, orange, and transparent colours, dyed using vegetable and plant powders.

  • Type 2: Made from agar powder, this type provides a softer, a more flexible texture with strong water resistance. Distinguished by its blue colour, its texture is similar to traditional plastic, making it ideal for shopping bags.

Teen Innovators Win Top Prize for Plastic Alternative in Hang Seng x HKFYG’s Seek Our Ways Social Ideation Programme / Page 7

Grand Award – Senior Secondary Division
School and
Name of
Students
Fanling Kau Yan College
Chen Tin Oi, Lee Yan Ue, Zou Tsz Ham, Liang Ka Ki and Ng Ka Yin

Theme Elderly and Wellness
Proposal One School, One Elderly Centre
Description Through interviews with frontline elderly service social workers, elderly policy researchers and secondary school management, the team discovered that current intergenerational integration programmes are often one-time services lacking continuity and depth, failing to fully address the needs of the elderly and wasting school resources. The “One School, One Elderly Centre” initiative aims to:

1. Match elderly centres with secondary schools

2. Equip members of elderly centre and secondary school students with knowledge

3. Facilitate communication between the two groups

4. Document their interactions for improved communication

The programme offers sustained, face-to-face exchange activities over one year, along with matching support, lesson plans, teaching materials and suggested activities for participating organisations through an online platform to facilitate collaboration between schools and elderly centres.

Grand Award – Tertiary Division
School and
Name of
Students
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong College of Technology
Lai In Ha, Cheng Hoi Kei, Wong Ngai Fung, Yau Ho Lun and Ho Ka Hei

Theme Environment and Sustainable Development
Proposal Fruitful
Description The team proposed an innovative biomaterial solution that converts waste pulp from the juice industry into high-performance eco-friendly materials. This technology can increase the bio-based content of the pulp to over 85%, reducing carbon emissions by 95% compared to traditional materials. Additionally, it boasts excellent physical properties, effectively addressing the challenges posed by limited food waste recycling facilities.

Winning teams of “My Favourite Team” Award voted by the event’s audience

Divison Theme School Name of
Students
Proposal
Junior Secondary Environment and Sustainable Development Good Hope School Ho Lok Ting, Law Hau Wing, Lo Sin Sum and Tsang Lok Yu Byebye Traditional Plastic
Senior Secondary Promoting Sports for All St. Paul’s Convent School Chan Hoi Yau, Jiang Ka Yi, Kwok Hiu Ching, Tai Cheuk Wing and Yung Chi Kay

City of Maze Runners
Tertiary Environment and Sustainable Development The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong College of Technology Cheng Hoi Kei, Ho Ka Hei, Lai In Ha, Wong Ngai Fung and Yau Ho Lun

Fruitful

Hashtag: #TheHongKongFederationofYouthGroups

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“CP Group,” through “True IDC,” Launches Thailand’s First AI Hyperscale Data Center, Elevating Digital Infrastructure into the Giga Data Center Era and Advancing Thailand as the Digital Hub of ASEAN

BANGKOK, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — True Internet Data Center (True IDC), a leading data center and cloud service provider under Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), officially launched Thailand’s first AI Hyperscale Data Center, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the nation’s digital infrastructure to support the new economy and positioning Thailand as the digital hub of ASEAN.

“CP Group,” through “True IDC,” Launches Thailand’s First AI Hyperscale Data Center, Elevating Digital Infrastructure into the Giga Data Center Era and Advancing Thailand as the Digital Hub of ASEAN
“CP Group,” through “True IDC,” Launches Thailand’s First AI Hyperscale Data Center, Elevating Digital Infrastructure into the Giga Data Center Era and Advancing Thailand as the Digital Hub of ASEAN

Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, Chief Executive Officer of Charoen Pokphand Group, stated that the launch of this AI Hyperscale Data Center marks a significant milestone in Thailand’s entry into the Giga Data Center era. Digital infrastructure not only supports technological advancement, but also serves as a key mechanism for driving the country’s new economy—benefiting both businesses and citizens. It enhances Thailand’s global competitiveness and readiness for the AI-driven future at both national and regional levels. Moreover, this data center investment fosters knowledge transfer for the Thai people.

To enable everyone—individuals, companies, and industries—to access AI and cloud technology, a fundamental requirement is a robust data center. This development brings immense benefits to Thailand and its industries, and contributes to the broader region by establishing Thailand as a regional hub while fostering domestic digital research and development.” stated by Mr. Suphachai.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Board of Investment (BOI), added “I would like to extend my congratulations to True IDC on the launch of its new data center. This is a historic moment for a Thai company to develop hyperscale digital infrastructure. This data center will play a crucial role in elevating Thailand into a digital economic hub of the region, supported by a strong digital ecosystem and enhanced attractiveness for investment in digital and technology-driven industries.”

Mr. Thanasorn Jaidee, President of True IDC, shared, “This new AI Hyperscale Data Center sets a new benchmark for Thailand’s data center industry in terms of technology, engineering, and sustainability. It is designed to handle hyperscale workloads and clients with architecture tailored for the digital era—especially industries powered by data, cloud, and AI. This foundation enhances Thailand’s capability to independently and securely develop advanced technologies.”

This AI Hyperscale Data Center is purpose-built for AI processing and large-scale workloads, equipped with over 20 megawatts of power capacity to support high-performance and stable computing, including Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) workloads. The facility features a high-efficiency smart fan wall unit cooling system and is designed to support liquid cooling technology. It also includes high redundancy backup systems to ensure uninterrupted computing operations and continuous business services. The center is optimized for energy efficiency with Thailand’s best-in-class Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and houses a Data Center Innovation Lab for testing and developing new solutions across various industries.

This AI Hyperscale Data Center also plays a critical role in supporting the digital transformation of industries, especially Thailand’s New S-Curve industries, such as electric vehicles (EV), digital health and medical services, smart agriculture, fintech and digital finance, digital content, and the creative economy. All of these sectors rely heavily on massive data processing and high-performance computing. Having a modern domestic digital infrastructure empowers these industries to maximize their competitiveness without relying heavily on foreign data infrastructure.