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LINKIN PARK ROCK THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL KICK OFF SHOW PRESENTED BY PEPSI®

MILLIONS OF FANS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD TUNED IN TO WATCH THE ICONIC ROCK BAND’S UNMISSABLE PERFORMANCE AHEAD OF THE BIGGEST GAME IN CLUB FOOTBALL

MUNICH, June 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — #PEPSIKICKOFFSHOW – Global superstars LINKIN PARK delivered an exceptional headline performance at the Munich Football Arena for this year’s UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi. One of the world’s most iconic rock bands performed live, just minutes before the biggest match in European club football, with the eagerly awaited show providing an unforgettable experience for the thousands in the stadium and the millions watching around the globe.

LINKIN PARK ROCK THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL KICK OFF SHOW PRESENTED BY PEPSI
LINKIN PARK ROCK THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL KICK OFF SHOW PRESENTED BY PEPSI

The UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi took place in front of a sold-out crowd ahead of the epic encounter between Paris Saint-German and FC Internazionale Milano, with LINKIN PARK entertaining fans with an exhilarating performance, featuring fan favourite tracks, an iconic stage and world-class special effects.

LINKIN PARK recently made a triumphant return to the spotlight with the release of FROM ZERO, their first new music in seven years. The album hit the top of the charts across the globe and features #1 smashes “Heavy Is The Crown” and “The Emptiness Machine,” which surged as the biggest rock song of 2024 with over 250 million streams. Notably, as reported by Billboard, LINKIN PARK was the one-and-only rock band to cross over 2 Billion yearly streams in 2024. 

Now, the band has taken its brand-new era to new heights by uniting football and music fans with a mesmerising performance featuring a setlist representing the best of their legacy, past and present. Throughout the performance LINKIN PARK gave a typically energetic performance of iconic hits including “In The End” and “Numb”, as well as “Heavy Is The Crown” and “The Emptiness Machine” from their new FROM ZERO (Deluxe Edition) album, which launched on 16th May. Fans can catch LINKIN PARK on their From Zero World Tour now, with all dates and remaining tickets available at linkinpark.com/tour

The setlist also featured a segment of the track LINKIN PARK recorded to mark the official announcement in April, blending the band’s iconic sound with the culture of European football. Incorporating sounds inspired by UEFA Champions League football – the strike of leather, the whistle of a free kick, the sounds of the most passionate fans in the world – the segment was a direct nod to football fans in the stadium and around the world.

LINKIN PARK’s standout performance combined masked performers in flowing capes, dynamic flag choreography, and cutting-edge SFX to create a visually striking blend of music, movement, and design.

With historically deep roots in sport and music, Pepsi is proud to present the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show each year by merging the worlds of football and music together to create one night of epic entertainment. The momentous event continues to showcase the most iconic artists and unites football and music fans alike through one compelling spectacle, embodying Pepsi’s ‘Thirsty For More’ global platform.

Fans are encouraged to stay in-the-know by following Pepsi on Instagram,  X (formally Twitter), and Facebook.

#PEPSIKICKOFFSHOW

LINKIN PARK ROCK THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL KICK OFF SHOW PRESENTED BY PEPSI
LINKIN PARK ROCK THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL KICK OFF SHOW PRESENTED BY PEPSI

 

 

Fall of Mongolian coalition government could lead to severe economic downturn

  • Mongolia faces a crunch parliamentary vote on Monday which could lead to fall of coalition government
  • New analysis from Mongolian Economic Development Board indicates this could lead to a sharp fall in national income and foreign direct investment (FDI), as well as spiralling inflation
  • Political instability will jeopardise economic progress achieved in the last few years

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, June 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Mongolia’s parliament prepares to vote on Monday on whether the country’s coalition government should remain in office, new economic analysis warns that the demise of the government could see the size of Mongolia’s economy contract by over 20% within six months, and FDI fall by almost 40% year-on-year.

Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene called on Wednesday for members of the Great State Khural to decide on whether the coalition government, which has been in place since last June’s parliamentary elections, should remain as a way of ending recent political instability. The Prime Minister is due to address the Khural on Monday ahead of a ‘confidence vote’ – likely to be deemed one of the most important moments in Mongolia’s political history since becoming a democracy in the early 1990s.

As the vote approaches, new economic data – which can be viewed in full here – produced by Mongolia’s Economic Development Board warns of the scale of the economic hit Mongolia could face, namely:

  • A 22% reduction in Gross National Income within six months
  • A 12.2% increase in inflation within a year
  • Year-on-year unemployment rising to 2.5%
  • The Mongolian Tugrik depreciating against the US Dollar by 17.9% by the end of 2025
  • An 18-point year-on-year decrease in Mongolia’s Political Stability Index

These forecasts are in line with the experiences of other countries where political instability has had a negative impact on the economy, including following the fall of a coalition government:

  • According to data from the World Bank and other key sources, the coalition breakdown in Estonia caused FDI to tumble from 7.54% in 2021, to 0.74% in 2024, and its economic growth to stall from 7.3% in 2021, to -0.9% in 2024
  • An international study analysing data from up to 169 countries between 1960 and 2004 has concluded that high levels of political instability are associated with lower GDP per capita growth, particularly due to declining productivity growth and reduced accumulation of physical and human capital

Commenting, Dr Batnasan B., Professor at the Business School of the National University of Mongolia and Member of the Economic Development Board, said:

The latest data clearly highlights the potential economic consequences of a collapse in Mongolia’s coalition government: a sharp economic downturn, runaway inflation, and a rise in unemployment.

“It is entirely appropriate that elected representatives decide who governs the country. But it is equally important that such decisions are made with full access to the facts and a clear understanding of the potential risks.

“The Economic Development Board’s analysis—combined with lessons from other countries that have faced similar circumstances—presents a compelling warning: all the hard-won economic progress Mongolia has achieved in recent years could be jeopardized if Monday’s vote results in increased political instability.”

This new analysis, as well as precedent from around the world, clearly shows the magnitude of the decision to be taken by lawmakers on Monday, and the jeopardy to the significant economic progress Mongolia has made since the COVID-19 pandemic, including adding $9 billion USD to its economy and increasing GDP per capita by an additional $2,400.

NOTES

Economic Development Board of Mongolia: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574363563476

Full economic analysis available here: https://nrpa.gov.mn/mn/zasgiyn-gazryn-togtvorguy-baydal

From Declaration to Action: Advancing Global Graft Fight under IAACA Steer

HONG KONG, June 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In May last year, the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), a 180-member-strong international anti-corruption organization currently headed by Danny Woo Ying-ming, Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong, China adopted the “Hong Kong Declaration on Strengthening International Cooperation in Preventing and Fighting Corruption” (the Declaration).

The Declaration outlines four key areas in which anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) are encouraged to strengthen their efforts: international collaboration, capacity building, public engagement as well as research and development. Over the past year, ACAs around the world has significantly advanced their efforts in the aforesaid areas.

At the IAACA Executive Committee meeting chaired by the ICAC in May this year, IAACA Executive Committee members updated each other on their respective accomplishments since the adoption of the Declaration.

“The first anniversary of the Declaration is a pivotal milestone which underscores the collective commitment of IAACA members. Members’ achievements and contributions highlight the significant strides made in combating and preventing corruption globally since the adoption of the Hong Kong Declaration,” Hong Kong ICAC Commissioner and IAACA President Danny Woo Ying-ming said.

In the past year, many ACAs have strengthened cooperation in criminal matters such as assisting other jurisdictions in preventing and detecting the transfer of corruption proceeds, recovering illicit assets, and denying safe havens to fugitives. Individual ACAs also entered into memoranda of understanding with various counterparts to enhance anti-corruption cooperation for investigations, prosecutions, etc. ICAC, for example, has signed MOUs with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and anti-corruption agencies from seven countries.

Another effective initiative for international collaboration was the strong partnership and active participation in global international organisations and platforms. Beyond IAACA, ACAs have worked closely together through initiatives such as the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network), ASEAN Parties Against Corruption, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, European Contact-Point Network against Corruption, G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, etc. During the year, ACAs attended various events hosted by these international organisations around the world and took the opportunities to exchange graft-fighting knowledge, experience and insights.

Capacity building is another pillar of the Declaration. It calls on ACAs to assist other jurisdictions to enhance anti-corruption capacity through trainings, exchanges, workshops as well as partnership projects. In this aspect, the Hong Kong ICAC launched the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption in 2024 and conducted over 30 international training programmes, benefitting more than 2,600 participants from over 70 countries. The anti-corruption academies in the Special Investigating Unit of South Africa, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission of Malaysia and the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority of Saudi Arabia also provided training programmes to assist other jurisdictions in enhancing anti-corruption capacities.

ACAs, under the Hong Kong Declaration, have also implemented diverse strategies to engage the society in fighting corruption, enhance public awareness and promote workplace integrity. Different awareness-raising campaigns organized by ACAs through social media publicity, online activities, school campaigns, large-scale anti-corruption events for citizens had effectively encouraged a culture of integrity and legality. In 2024, marking its 50th anniversary, ICAC hosted community events, unveiled Café “1974”, renovated its exhibition hall with interactive exhibits, and conducted multimedia campaigns that amassed 27 million online views. The Anti-Corruption Bureau of Brunei Darussalam has trained public officers as anti-corruption ambassadors to educate colleagues and provide guidance. The Corruption Practices Investigation Bureau of Singapore has developed teaching kits and books for teenagers, and launched the Anti-Corruption Badge Programme for uniformed groups. The Financial Crimes Commission of Mauritius has also introduced the secondary school campaign to encourage youth engagement in financial crime prevention.

The Hong Kong Declaration also advocates the development of methodologies and indicators to measure corruption risks and trends. For example, the National Transparency Authority of Greece conducted a nationwide public opinion survey to collect qualitative and quantitative insights on corruption experiences, informing evidence-based policy decisions. Similarly, the Integrity Authority of Hungary is developing a methodology to measure corruption among the Hungarian population. In Italy, the National Anti-Corruption Authority has developed 70 risk indicators and is refining its ability to predict potential corruption by integrating statistical-econometric models and machine-learning techniques and extending the system to other databases. In addition, to strengthen investigative and preventive measures, ACAs had integrated advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, in their initiatives. In Hong Kong, ICAC has developed AI-powered tools to assist officers in formulating corruption prevention advice based on corruption prevention reports, consultations, and publications. These tools also provide real-time guidance to the public and answer inquiries about ICAC and anti-corruption laws. Countries such as Italy, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia had also established digital systems for public procurement and contract management.

“Efforts by IAACA members have not only reinforced their collective commitment but also facilitated the exchange of valuable experiences and best practices across diverse regions and organizations. Those collaborative initiatives align with the Hong Kong Declaration and are essential for ensuring the long-term effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, ultimately cultivating a global culture of integrity and good governance,” Mr Woo said.

EOFY Sale 2025: Slash Winter Power Bills with BLUETTI’s Smart Energy Solutions

Offers on Portable Power Stations, Solar Panels, and Home Backup Systems from June 1–30

SYDNEY, June 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As energy use climbs during the colder months, BLUETTI is launching its End of Financial Year (EOFY) Sale to help Australians combat rising power bills. Running from June 1 to June 30, the sale features discounts on various power products, providing the perfect chance to stock up for camping trips and winter home backup.

BLUETTI EOFY Sale is ON
BLUETTI EOFY Sale is ON

Grab-and-Go Power for Outdoor Adventures

Whether it’s for camping or emergency use, BLUETTI’s lightweight solutions like the AC2A and AC70 are built for convenience and portability. Weighing just 3.6kg, the AC2A serves as a compact uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to power laptops, modems, and mini appliances nonstop. The AC70, with its compact 10.2kg build and ergonomic handle, is a favorite among campers. Many users report using it to run CPAP machines with humidifiers on overnight easily.

Reliable Off-Grid Power for Longer Journeys

For those venturing further off the grid, the AC180 and Elite 200 V2 offer robust performance in compact designs. Suited for 4WDs, caravans, boats, and remote worksites, these units deliver high power output with ultra-fast recharging—up to 80% in just 45 minutes. Paired with the Charger 1, travelers can pull up to 560W from a vehicle while driving. BLUETTI’s foldable solar panels ensure a continuous, renewable energy supply for extended stays.

Home Backup That Pays Off

At home, the modular AC300+B300K system brings stability and savings. Ideal for winter blackouts and peak-hour tariffs, this setup allows homeowners to run essentials such as heaters, fridges, and coffee machines while reducing dependence on the grid. Its modular design supports easy expansion—no rewiring required—making it a future-ready investment. With efficient charging from the grid and solar panels, it helps owners to lower energy costs using a peak-load-shaving strategy.

Power Smarter This Winter

BLUETTI’s EOFY Sale is a timely opportunity to secure cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions for both home and travel. Offers up to 43% end June 30. Visit bluettipower.com.au to explore the full range and enjoy major savings this winter.

About BLUETTI

As a technology pioneer in clean energy, BLUETTI provides affordable clean energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use. Focusing on innovation and customer needs, BLUETTI has become a trusted industry leader in over 110 countries and regions.

Golden Goblet Awards Lineup Announced: Spotlight on This Year’s Top Contenders

SHANGHAI, May 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is set to return from June 13 to June 22, bringing ten days of cinematic celebration to the city. Today, organizers unveiled the official selection for the prestigious Golden Goblet Awards, with winners scheduled to be announced later in June.


49 films have been selected as finalists:

Main Competition

AFTER THE FOG
Director: Miriam Heard
Country/Region: Chile, United Kingdom, France

BLACK RED YELLOW
Director: Aktan Arym Kubat
Country/Region: Kyrgyzstan

CYCLONE
Director: Flavia Castro
Country/Region: Brazil

MY FATHER’S SON
Director: QIU Sheng
Country/Region: China, France

LOSS OF BALANCE
Director: Korek Bojanowski
Country/Region: Poland

LUISA 
Director: Julia Roesler
Country/Region: Germany

ONE WACKY SUMMER
Director: CAO Baoping
Country/Region: China

ON SUMMER SAND
Director: Shinya Tamada
Country/Region: Japan

THE REBORN
Director: Santiago Esteves
Country/Region: Argentina, Spain, Chile

THE SCENT OF THINGS REMEMBERED
Director: António Ferreira
Country/Region: Portugal, Brazil

WILD NIGHTS, TAMED BEASTS
Director: WANG Tong
Country/Region: China

YOU BELIEVE IN ANGELS, MR. DROWAK?
Director: Nicolas Steiner
Country/Region: Germany, Switzerland

Asian New Talent

AS THE WATER FLOWS
Director: BIAN Zhuo
Country/Region: China

BRAND NEW LANDSCAPE
Director: Yuiga Danzuka
Country/Region: Japan

GRACE FOR SALE
Director: Gözde Yetişkin, Emre Sert
Country/Region: Turkey

KANTO 
Director: Ensar Altay
Country/Region: Turkey

ODDS BEATER
Director: CHENG Liang
Country/Region: China

RIVERSTONE
Director: Lalith Rathnayake
Country/Region: Sri Lanka

SEVEN DAYS
Director: QIU Yujie
Country/Region: China

THE DAUGHTER
Director: Pourya Kakavand
Country/Region: Iran

THE LAST SUMMER
Director: SHI Renfei
Country/Region: China

VICTORIA
Director: Sivaranjini J
Country/Region: India

WATER CAN GO ANYWHERE
Director: FANG Liang
Country/Region: China

WHERE THE NIGHT STANDS STILL
Director: Liryc Dela Cruz
Country/Region: Italy, Philippines

Documentary

A PART OF THE LAND
Director: Nima Mahdian Asl
Country/Region: Iran

BRIGADE 2045 
Director: Olivia Luengas Magana
Country/Region: Mexico

CATCHERS ON THE MOON
Director: XU Huijing
Country/Region: China

CONSTANZA
Director: Agustín Márquez Gómez
Country/Region: Spain

THE GUARDIAN OF STORIES 
Director: Claudia Bellasi, Markus Steiner Ender
Country/Region: Laos

Animation

EDGE OF TIME
Director: LI Wei, WENG Ming, Shinichiro Watanabe, Shuhei Morita
Country/Region: China

MAGIC BEACH 
Director: Robert Connolly
Country/Region: Australia

MAKE A GIRL
Director: Gensho Yasuda
Country/Region: Japan

THE SONGBIRDS’ SECRET
Director: Antoine Lanciaux
Country/Region: France, Switzerland, Belgium

TOM AND JERRY: FORBIDDEN COMPASS
Director: ZHANG Gang
Country/Region: China, United States of America

Short Film (Live Action)

A STORY ABOUT WINTER
Director: LUO Zhaoguang, ZHOU Nanjun
Country/Region: China

CHILDREN OF THE LAND
Director: XU Rui
Country/Region: China

CROW 
Director: XU Jianming
Country/Region: China

DEAD IN THE WATER
Director: Leila Hekmatnia
Country/Region: Iran

JOANA IS LEAVING
Director: Jonathan Millet
Country/Region: France

JUDITE, OR FIRST REBELLION
Director: Pedro Carneiro
Country/Region: Portugal

NO ONE KNOWS I DISAPPEARED
Director: BO Hanxiong
Country/Region: China

THE END OF THE WORLD
Director: Alessandro Mosca
Country/Region: Peru

THE FOUNTAIN OF MEMORY
Director: Jordi Sanz Angrill
Country/Region: Spain

VIDEO GAME AUTEUR
Director: Txema Novelo
Country/Region: Mexico

SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)

I AM NOT HERE ANYMORE
Director: Nawojka Wierzbowska
Country/Region: Poland, France

LITTLE STORY
Director: Mirjam Plettinx
Country/Region: Belgium

LOVE MUSIC FRIEND
Director: XU Zao
Country/Region: China

SON
Director: Zhanna Bekmambetova
Country/Region: Russia, Kazakstan

TRIASSIC CUDDLE
Director: Iulia Turicianu
Country/Region: Romania

As China’s only A-list film festival, SIFF has long served as a major platform for Chinese-language cinema and emerging talents across Asia. Guided by the principles of “Asian, Chinese Film, and New Talents,” this year’s festival is expected to feature around 60 Chinese-language films, spanning competition entries, premieres, and restored classics.

The Golden Goblet Awards continue to grow in global stature, setting a new record this year. The five competition sections received over 3,900 submissions from 119 countries and regions. Of those, more than 2,800 films entered competition, with notable increases in entries from the Americas and Africa. Short film submissions rose 18% year-over-year.

This year also boasts the highest premiere rate in SIFF history: over 1,820 films hold world premiere status, and more than 520 will have their international premiere, pushing the combined premiere rate above 80%.

The international jury panel includes 21 members from 13 countries and regions across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Italian director and screenwriter Giuseppe Tornatore, the president of the jury this year, stated:

“A film festival is not just a celebration of cinema; it’s an opportunity for people from different nations to come together, exchange ideas, and appreciate exceptional films. I’m honored to serve as a juror at SIFF and to enjoy these incredible works alongside my fellow jury members in Shanghai.”

This year’s edition also introduces several firsts: the merger of the SIFF Film Market with the Shanghai TV Festival’s market to form a unified International Film and TV Market; the launch of the “Asia Now” section highlighting regional perspectives.

Tickets for the 27th SIFF go on sale at noon on June 5. Following SIFF, the Shanghai TV Festival will run from June 23 to June 27.

CDC Sets the Bar for Ethical Innovation with APEA 2025 Win

Commerce Dot Com Sdn Bhd honoured with Corporate Excellence Award at APEA 2025 for driving ethical, inclusive, and impactful digital transformation in Malaysia’s public procurement sector.


PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 May 2025 – In an era where digital transformation often prioritises scale and speed, Commerce Dot Com Sdn. Bhd. (CDC) is proving that integrity, inclusion, and impact can and should guide innovation. This conviction has now been recognised regionally, as CDC was honoured with the Corporate Excellence Award at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025.

Group Chief Operating Officer of Commerce Dot Com Sdn. Bhd., En. Abdul Halim Mohammed Yusof (center), receiving the Corporate Excellence Award at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.
Group Chief Operating Officer of Commerce Dot Com Sdn. Bhd., En. Abdul Halim Mohammed Yusof (center), receiving the Corporate Excellence Award at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.

The award recognises companies that exemplify business leadership and innovation grounded in ethical values. For CDC, it’s a milestone that crowns a 25-year journey of shaping Malaysia’s public procurement landscape through technology that serves not only government, but people.

“This award affirms a principle we’ve held since day one: innovation must be purposeful, and progress must be principled,” said Group Chief Operating Officer Abdul Halim Mohammed Yusof. “We accept this not just as recognition, but as a responsibility—to continue leading with ethics, empathy, and excellence.”

CDC pioneered the digitalisation of Malaysia’s public procurement in 2000 with the launch of ePerolehan—a system that now connects over 180,000 registered suppliers, including a growing base of SMEs and micro-enterprises. Beyond numbers, ePerolehan represents a vision: to democratise access, enhance transparency, and reduce friction in public-sector spending.

This approach, anchored in good governance, has earned CDC trust from both the public and private sectors. Its systems are not only robust and secure, but designed to serve national development priorities such as vendor empowerment, fiscal responsibility, and data accountability.

From employee wellness to leadership development, CDC’s internal programmes are structured to ensure its values are not just stated but lived.

Looking ahead, CDC is not resting on legacy. It is actively enhancing ePerolehan with AI-driven analytics, real-time decision dashboards, and user-centric design updates, all while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity and public accountability.

As digital governance becomes a strategic priority across Southeast Asia, CDC is also exploring regional collaborations to share Malaysia’s e-procurement model and insights.

Hashtag: #CommerceDotCom #ePerolehan #EthicalInnovation #PublicProcurement #DigitalTransformation #APEA2025 #CorporateExcellence #GovTech #MalaysiaTech




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

Duke-NUS celebrates 20 years of medical innovation with largest ever graduating class

  • Duke-NUS Medical School’s Class of 2025 graduates 121 medical and doctoral students, including MDs, MD-PhDs, PhDs, and masters’ degrees
  • Landmark first batch of Masters in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality graduates, unique to Southeast Asia
  • Inaugural graduates from conditional admissions pathways with NUS and SUTD
  • 41% of MD and MD-PhD graduates made bold mid-career shifts from fields such as law, PR, accounting and mental health support

SINGAPORE, May 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Celebrating 20 years of transformative medical education, Duke-NUS Medical School graduated its largest cohort yet today, the Class of 2025, in a vibrant ceremony at the Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium in Academia attended by guest-of-honour Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health.

Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, poses for a picture with some graduates of the Duke-NUS Medical School Class of 2025, including MDs, MD-PhDs and PhDs // Photo Credit: Duke-NUS Medical School
Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, poses for a picture with some graduates of the Duke-NUS Medical School Class of 2025, including MDs, MD-PhDs and PhDs // Photo Credit: Duke-NUS Medical School

Marking a strategic milestone for Duke-NUS, the graduating class included 72 Doctor of Medicine (MD) graduates—five of whom are also earning PhDs—and 27 PhD candidates from the Integrated Biology and Medicine, Quantitative Biology and Medicine and Clinical and Translational Sciences programmes.

Among the MD graduates was the first group of individuals emerging from the Duke-NUS conditional admissions pathways with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). These pathways are designed to attract talent from engineering, information technology and other undergraduate programmes.

Dean Professor Thomas Coffman said: “Collaborating with seven partner universities, including Duke University and NUS, these pathways are designed to allow students to earn a first degree in diverse academic majors while providing an opportunity to seamlessly transition into medicine. It’s a powerful model for developing doctors who are outstanding clinicians but also bring valuable multi-disciplinary skills into our healthcare system.”

This cohort also includes the inaugural batch of graduates of the Master’s in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality (MPSHQ) programme, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. The MPSHQ is focused on building highly reliable healthcare systems that are of consistent quality and safety.

The Class of 2025 represents Duke-NUS’ commitment to broadening the skillset and experience of our students, with 41 per cent of MD and MD-PhD graduates having transitioned mid-career from professions that include law, public relations, accounting and mental health peer support. Additionally, 58 per cent of the Class of 2025’s graduates are women, underscoring the School’s dedication to fostering diversity in the learning environment.

Said Dr Faith Wong Pih Yng, previously a modelmaking student and senior peer support specialist at Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health, now MD graduate, “Among the many hospital postings, what stood out most vividly was assisting in and witnessing childbirth—the intense anticipation and joy of welcoming a new life into the world was simply unmatched. Ultimately, however, the memories I cherish most are the countless hours spent with my classmates, supporting one another and peer-teaching.”  

Duke-NUS MD graduates received their degrees, awarded jointly by Duke University and the National University of Singapore, in front of friends and family, as well as notable guests, including Duke University School of Medicine Dean Professor Mary Klotman, SingHealth Group CEO Professor Ng Wai Hoe, and keynote speaker, Dr Amy Abernethy, member of Duke University’s board of trustees and co-founder of Highlander Health.

Caring and compassion underlines the Class of 2025’s accomplishments, especially beyond academia. Partaking in a wealth of community service projects, some of their cohort, such as Dr Dana Chow Wai Shin, MD, started the Healthy to Thrive initiative, the first Duke-NUS-led public health screening event dedicated to migrant workers. 

The cohort was also recognised for their outstanding achievements, which were given out the night before. Awards such as the Singapore Medical Association-Lee Foundation Prizes and Teamsmanship Awards presented to graduates who demonstrated excellence in academics, community service, and leadership.

In the aspect of research and scholarship, the Class of 2025 did not flag, publishing an exceptional 253 papers and publications in their time at Duke-NUS, several as first authors in prominent journals such as Nature Medicine, Immunity and EMBO Molecular Medicine. MD-PhD graduate Dr Katherine Nay Yaung, first author on a paper published in Lancet Rheumatology, wrote about artificial intelligence and high-dimensional technologies to diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases, and PhD graduate Dr Aishwarya Prakash, named first author and published in American Heart AssociationJournal, who found a type of peptide to have protective qualities for the heart after sustaining damage.

“The conversations I’ve had with patients emphasise a shift towards continuity of care and empowering individuals to make their own health choices. In moments where I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that being a small part of each patient’s journey has been a privilege,” said Dr Pang Wui Ming Jeremy, recipient of the SingHealth Prize in Family Medicine, Singapore Medical Association-Lee Foundation Teamsmanship Award for exemplary team values in medicine and Duke-NUS Achievement Prize.

As Duke-NUS enters its third decade, the School continues to redefine medical education and research, nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders who are not just exceptional doctors but visionary innovators ready to make an impact in Singapore and beyond.

About Duke-NUS Medical School

Duke-NUS is Singapore’s flagship graduate-entry medical school, established in 2005 with a strategic, government-led partnership between two world-class institutions: Duke University School of Medicine and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Through an innovative curriculum, students at Duke-NUS are nurtured to become multi-faceted ‘Clinicians Plus’ poised to steer the healthcare and biomedical ecosystem in Singapore and beyond. A leader in ground-breaking research and translational innovation, Duke-NUS has gained international renown through its five Signature Research Programmes and ten Centres. The enduring impact of its discoveries is amplified by its successful Academic Medicine partnership with Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), Singapore’s largest healthcare group. This strategic alliance has led to the creation of 15 Academic Clinical Programmes, which harness multi-disciplinary research and education to transform medicine and improve lives.   

For more information, please visit www.duke-nus.edu.sg 

Expanding External Opening-Up and Deepening Exchange and Cooperation

CHENGDU, China, May 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 20th Western China International Fair was held in Chengdu from May 25 to 29 under the theme “Deepen Reform for More Momentum, Expand Openness for Greater Growth.”

Expanding External Opening-Up and Deepening Exchange and Cooperation
Expanding External Opening-Up and Deepening Exchange and Cooperation

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Fair’s establishment, attracting over 3,000 enterprises from 62 countries and regions, with Bolivia, Cuba, and Nicaragua participating for the first time. Representatives from the guest countries of honor, Hungary and Laos, indicated that through the Fair, they have reached cooperation intentions with several Chinese enterprises and see broad collaboration potential with Western China in culture, tourism, technology, and culinary sectors. The next-generation artificial sun “China’s HL-3” and other new and pioneering technologies and products were showcased at this Fair, speaking volumes about Western China’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and scientific innovation potential. Currently, 13 of China’s 80 national-level advanced manufacturing clusters are located in Western provinces.

During this Fair, various parties from Western China signed 416 investment cooperation projects with domestic and international investors, totaling 354.3 billion yuan. Economic and trade matchmaking events such as the Multinational Enterprises “Invest in Sichuan” Symposium (Italy Session) and the 15th Western China International Sourcing Conference have provided broader platforms for exchange and cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises.