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American Express and Singapore Airlines Enhance Business Card with New Exclusive Benefits for SMEs


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2025 – American Express and Singapore Airlines today announced the introduction of new benefits to the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, designed to provide greater travel rewards and enhanced redemption options for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The enhancements include a higher limit on converting HighFlyer points to KrisFlyer miles and the ability to redeem points for KrisFlyer Elite Gold status at a discounted rate.

Left to Right: Mr. Marlin Brown, Singapore Country Manager, American Express and Mr. Ng Yung Han, Vice President Global and Corporate Sales, Singapore Airlines
Left to Right: Mr. Marlin Brown, Singapore Country Manager, American Express and Mr. Ng Yung Han, Vice President Global and Corporate Sales, Singapore Airlines

Updated Benefits for the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card

Starting 23 April 20251, new and refreshed benefits include:

  • Increased limit for HighFlyer point-to-KrisFlyer mile conversion to 150,000 miles – previously capped at 100,000 miles. HighFlyer points convert to KrisFlyer miles at a 1:1 rate.
  • Attaining KrisFlyer Elite Gold status with the redemption of 100,000 HighFlyer points, compared with the standard requirement of 125,000 points2.
  • Welcome bonus of 10,000 HighFlyer points when businesses new to the HighFlyer programme complete their first flight, booked via the Singapore Airlines HighFlyer booking portal.
  • Access to accelerated KrisFlyer Elite Gold status upgrade for one corporate traveller3 with a minimum spending of S$15,000 on eligible Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights in the first year of Card Membership.
  • Bonus of 6,000 HighFlyer points, when Card Members pay their annual renewal membership fee.
  • Earn rate of up to 8 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on Singapore Airlines or Scoot flights. This includes 2 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on eligible Singapore Airlines Group transactions4, 1 bonus HighFlyer point per S$1 spent on qualifying Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights on the Card, and a base rate of 5 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent awarded by Singapore Airlines for HighFlyer members who purchase an eligible flight ticket.
  • Card Members also enjoy 1.2 HighFlyer points per S$1 on all other eligible spending on the Card.

Card Members will continue to enjoy existing benefits such as:

  • 0% interest on instalments over six months on Singapore Airlines flights.
  • Accor Plus membership, including a complimentary night stay every year, up to 50% off dining across AccorHotels properties in Asia Pacific, with annual fee payment.
  • Hertz Gold status with 10% off best available retail rates, one car class upgrade for rentals, and more.

With these benefits, the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card will have an annual fee of S$400 including 9% GST, starting 23 April 2025.

Mr. Marlin Brown, Singapore Country Manager, American Express, said, “Building on our 25-year partnership with Singapore Airlines, we are excited to refresh the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, which is designed to help business owners go further – delivering greater rewards, travel benefits and financial flexibility to support their growth.”

Mr. Ng Yung Han, Vice President Global and Corporate Sales, Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines’ long-standing collaboration with American Express has allowed us to deliver even more benefits and rewards to our customers. The Singapore Airlines HighFlyer business travel programme, coupled with these enhancements to the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, offers a comprehensive suite of rewards to small and medium enterprises. These are tailored to give them even greater flexibility and value as they travel with Singapore Airlines.”

Please visit go.amex/siabusinessterms for more details on the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card.


1 Terms and conditions apply. Visit go.amex/siabusinessterms for more details.
2 Subject to the terms and conditions of the Singapore Airlines HighFlyer programme.
3 An eligible Card Member who qualifies for this benefit can nominate one employee from the business registered in the HighFlyer programme, known as a corporate traveller, to receive the benefit. Each business is eligible for this benefit once.
4 Transactions include eligible Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights and eligible purchases made on KrisShop.

Hashtag: #AmericanExpress #SingaporeAirlines






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

About American Express

American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at and connect with us on , , , , and .

Key links to products, services and corporate sustainability information: , , , , , , , , , , , and .

Live Local+ @CCF 2025: Positive Education Seminar Successfully Held at Cyberport

Cyberport, Negawatt, and Our Hong Kong Foundation Join Forces to Promote Positive Education and Sustainable Development


HONG KONG SAR – Media OuReach Newswire – 24 March 2025 – Cyberport, Negawatt Utility Limited (Negawatt), and Our Hong Kong Foundation are delighted to announce that the “Live Local+ @CCF 2025: Positive Education Symposium” was successfully held on March 22, 2025, at Cyberport Arcade’s Atrium. This event marked the launch of the “Live Local+” initiative, supported by the Committee on Home-School Co-operation, the Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools, the United Nations Global Leadership and ESG Programme, and the Federation of Parent-Teacher Associations of the 18 Districts. The initiative aims to enhance the mental and physical well-being of Hong Kong students, parents, and educators while promoting green living through positive education and sustainable development.

Mr. Eugene Fong, Chairman of the Committee on Home-School Co-operation; Mr. Ricky Choi, Director of Smart Living at Cyberport; Mr. Victor Kwok, Deputy Head of Research at Our Hong Kong Foundation; Mr. Arthur Lam, Founder and CEO of Negawatt; and representatives from the Federation of Parent-Teacher Associations of the 18 Districts jointly officiated the launch of "Live Local+."
Mr. Eugene Fong, Chairman of the Committee on Home-School Co-operation; Mr. Ricky Choi, Director of Smart Living at Cyberport; Mr. Victor Kwok, Deputy Head of Research at Our Hong Kong Foundation; Mr. Arthur Lam, Founder and CEO of Negawatt; and representatives from the Federation of Parent-Teacher Associations of the 18 Districts jointly officiated the launch of “Live Local+.”

The “Live Local+” initiative aligns with the Education Bureau’s “4Rs Mental Health Charter” and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Leveraging cutting-edge digital technology and data, it promotes the concept of Eudaimonic Happiness, fostering positive family relationships to support academic growth and encouraging sustainable behaviors outside the classroom. In its first year, the initiative targets providing free support to 50 schools for transformation, with plans to expand to 300 schools within three years. The seminar attracted over 80 educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders, who gathered to explore the future of positive education and sustainable development.

Mr. Ricky Choi, Director of Smart Living at Cyberport (far left), and Mr. Arthur Lam, Founder and CEO of Negawatt (far right), posed with distinguished speakers, including Ms. Stephanie Au, five-time Olympic swimmer (second from right); Ms. Camille Cheng, Hong Kong swimmer (second from left); Ms. Piano Mok (third from right); and Ms. Lydia Chan (third from left).
Mr. Ricky Choi, Director of Smart Living at Cyberport (far left), and Mr. Arthur Lam, Founder and CEO of Negawatt (far right), posed with distinguished speakers, including Ms. Stephanie Au, five-time Olympic swimmer (second from right); Ms. Camille Cheng, Hong Kong swimmer (second from left); Ms. Piano Mok (third from right); and Ms. Lydia Chan (third from left).

Event Highlights

The event took place from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, featuring several engaging segments:

Opening Remarks: Mr. Eugene Fong, Chairman of the Committee on Home-School Co-operation, delivered the opening speech, joined by Mr. Ricky Choi, Director of Smart Living at Cyberport; Mr. Victor Kwok, Deputy Research Director at Our Hong Kong Foundation; Mr. Johnny Chong, Hong Kong Director of the United Nations Global Leadership and ESG Programme; and Mr. Arthur Lam, Founder and CEO of Negawatt and ZERO2 App. They shared insights on positive education and ESG, emphasizing their positive impact on Hong Kong’s education system and sustainable development.

Launch Ceremony: A grand launch ceremony was held, led by the host with a countdown. Representatives from the Committee on Home-School Co-operation, the Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools, the United Nations Global Leadership and ESG Programme, the Federation of Parent-Teacher Associations of the 18 Districts, and prominent speakers took the stage together to officially launch “Live Local+,” symbolizing a new chapter in education and sustainability.

Star Speaker Sharing: Several distinguished speakers inspired attendees:

– Ms. Stephanie Au, a five-time Hong Kong Olympic swimmer, shared her experiences with resilience and personal growth.

– Ms. Camille Cheng, a three-time Hong Kong Olympic swimmer, discussed the importance of relaxation for mental and physical balance.

– Ms. Piano Mok, an expert in arts and etiquette, explored the role of relationships in positive education.

– Ms. Lydia Chan, a holistic sleep therapist for adults and children, highlighted the value of rest for mental health.

Social Enterprises and Hong Kong Local Brands: Representatives from Hong Kong social enterprises and Hong Kong Local brands, including Hello Cocoa, Broken Fingers, Gift N Take, Re Pillow Co., Fair Taste, and Superwrap, showcased their contributions to sustainable development and community empowerment, demonstrating the tangible impact of ESG initiatives.

Synergy of Cyberport, Negawatt, and Our Hong Kong Foundation

The event exemplified the collaborative strengths of Cyberport, Negawatt, and Our Hong Kong Foundation:

– Cyberport, Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship and startup incubator, hosts over 2,000 community enterprises. It drives green economic growth and smart city development by supporting innovative tech solutions for smart living and sustainability.

– Negawatt, through its ZERO2 app, enables schools and participants to record and quantify ESG behaviors, particularly assessing the engagement of school stakeholders (students, parents, and educators) in positive education. This fosters green living and holistic student development.

– Our Hong Kong Foundation offers fresh perspectives on Hong Kong’s education and sustainability through policy research and cultural promotion. Together, the three entities are building a future centered on positive education and sustainable development.

Mr. Eugene Fong, Chairman of the Committee on Home-School Co-operation, said: “The Committee has long been committed to fostering home-school collaboration to promote positive education and character development. ‘Live Local+’ integrates technology and education, providing an essential platform for parents, schools, and students. The pandemic reshaped family-school communication, underscoring the importance of collaboration. Today, students connect with the world through smartphones and social media, often beyond parents’ full understanding. Positive education is vital in this complex world, guiding children with the right values. ‘Live Local+’ drives cross-sector collaboration, injecting new energy into Hong Kong’s education ecosystem.”

Mr. Ricky Choi, Director of Smart Living at Cyberport, remarked: “Cyberport is thrilled to host both the ‘Live Local+ @CCF 2025: Positive Education Seminar’ and a recruitment expo on the same day, both closely tied to positive education and talent nurturing. As a cradle for Hong Kong’s tech talent, Cyberport recognizes the importance of talent to societal progress and the qualities future leaders need. ‘Live Local+’ not only provides a platform for educating the next generation but also fosters collaboration across families and schools, laying the foundation for Hong Kong’s talent pool.”

Mr. Victor Kwok, Deputy Head of Research at Our Hong Kong Foundation, stated: “Education, technology, and talent are interconnected and inseparable. ‘Live Local+’ is a rare initiative that uses a data-driven platform for two-way interaction, uniting stakeholders to advance positive education. Beyond policy research, this program offers practical value, demonstrating how to integrate Chinese culture with positive education. We look forward to further collaboration with partners to contribute to Hong Kong’s education and sustainability.”

Mr. Arthur Lam, Founder and CEO of Negawatt and ZERO2, added: “Currently, the impact of positive education is challenging to quantify and document effectively. Through the ZERO2 app, ‘Live Local+’ serves as a tech platform that digitizes positive education and ESG behaviors for students, teachers, and parents. With diverse activities and tasks, it enables them to easily track and measure their positive values and ESG impact both in and out of school. This helps students and parents apply their learning while allowing schools to build a digital record of ESG and positive education efforts. The core of ‘Live Local+’ lies in fostering happiness, social value, and well-being through a systematic, inclusive, and participatory approach to sustainable development and positive education.”

Looking Ahead

Cyberport, Negawatt, and Our Hong Kong Foundation will continue their close partnership to raise awareness of positive education and sustainability through “Live Local+.” By integrating education with technology, they aim to empower Hong Kong’s education sector and youth to create a brighter future.

Hashtag: #CCF2025

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

Negawatt Utility Limited, ZERO2

Negawatt Utility Limited is an AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) technology company specializing in ESG and smart living/smart city solutions. We leverage property technology to drive digital transformation for property owners and building users, delivering measurable ESG impact. In 2023, we launched ZERO2, a B2B2C ESG gamification app, to help schools and businesses digitally track and quantify ESG behaviors, enhancing stakeholder engagement. ZERO2 has successfully provided ESG digitalization and employee engagement solutions for organizations such as the Hong Kong Housing Society, Zurich Insurance, DBS Bank, and others, supporting their sustainability goals.

ZERO2 enables schools and businesses to design customized ESG missions, quantify carbon reduction behaviors, and generate regular ESG data reports to track and showcase their impact. Additionally, through merchant discounts and reward mechanisms, ZERO2 encourages individual users to participate in green consumption and low-carbon actions, collectively advancing sustainability. Our efforts have been widely recognized, recently earning the 2025 WISDP World Sustainable Development Planners Association “Outstanding Award for Quality Education Innovation and Technology,” highlighting our innovative contributions to ESG education and technology.

Cyberport

Cyberport is Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship and incubator for entrepreneurship with over 2,000 members including over 900 onsite and close to 1,100 offsite start-ups and technology companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government. With a vision to be the hub for digital technology, thereby creating a new economic driver for Hong Kong, Cyberport is committed to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem by cultivating talent, promoting entrepreneurship among youth, supporting start-ups, fostering industry development by promoting strategic collaboration with local and international partners, and integrating new and traditional economies by accelerating digital transformation in public and private sectors.

Our Hong Kong Foundation

Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) is a non-government, non-profit organisation founded in November 2014 by Honourary Chairman Mr Tung Chee-hwa, former Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. OHKF aims to contribute to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability as well as its sustainable development under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.

Taiwan Becomes Asia’s Happiest Place in 2025

Shilin Night Market, Taiwan. (Photo: agoda)

Taiwan has been named the happiest place in Asia, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report. 

Crowne Plaza Vientiane to Host Wedding Fair 2025

Crowne Plaza Vientiane to Host Wedding Fair 2025

On 29-30 March, Crowne Plaza Vientiane, a five-star hotel in the capital, will host Wedding Fair 2025: Your Forever Starts From Here.

Leading APAC Flexible Workspace The Work Project to Open First UK Location


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2025 – The Work Project (TWP), the global luxury workspace provider, has marked its entry into the UK market with its first location to open at prime office tower, One Leadenhall, in the centre of the City of London.

Leading APAC Flexible Workspace The Work Project to Open First UK Location
Leading APAC Flexible Workspace The Work Project to Open First UK Location

Developed by Brookfield Properties, London’s new landmark skyscraper One Leadenhall is approaching completion and will provide 430,000 sq ft of office space over its 35 floors, including ground floor retail space and a public terrace overlooking the adjacent Grade II*-listed, Victorian Leadenhall Market.

Designed by the award-winning architecture practice Make, One Leadenhall is one of the most keenly anticipated new office spaces in the City and is 90% pre-let/under offer ahead of its opening in 2026.

For its UK launch, TWP at One Leadenhall will provide 30,000 sq ft of luxury workspace over two floors, specifically designed for occupiers desiring the best address and views, high-end customized design, and personalized service. TWP will occupy levels 22-23 of One Leadenhall, offering 360-degree, unrestricted panoramic views across London to its occupiers.

In entering the UK market, TWP will be drawing on nearly a decade of experience operating high quality, flexible workspace with its existing portfolio comprising 20 locations across Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. Majority owned by CapitaLand, one of Asia’s largest diversified real estate groups, TWP is the market leader in the prime central districts of Singapore CBD with 10 locations. In February 2024, it entered a 50/50 joint venture with Dexus, Australia’s largest office landlord, to grow its premium flexible space offer and now has nine locations in Australia.

Underpinned by 5-star hospitality values and standards, TWP is now targeting a London flexible workspace market which remains resilient and well positioned for continued growth and strategic expansion. TWP aims to fill a gap at the higher end of the market and respond to the flight to top quality by catering for organisations looking for best-in-class workspaces in world-class buildings in prime locations.

Junny Lee, Founder and CEO of The Work Project, said: “After success in Singapore and Australia, we are now all-in to establish The Work Project as the market leader in London, offering unprecedented quality and levels of service. In Brookfield Properties at One Leadenhall, we have the perfect partner and location to deliver the exceptional work experience we have become known for in other major cities on the other side of the globe.

Office landlords in London are increasing the amount of square footage in their buildings dedicated to flexible workspace, but not in their most prized, prime spaces. By launching at One Leadenhall, we are genuinely offering the London market something new and starting at a level we mean to carry on.”

Martin Wallace, Head of Leasing at Brookfield Properties UK, said: “This partnership with The Work Project further underlines the appeal of One Leadenhall as the landmark new office building in the City of London. The Work Project shares Brookfield Properties’ approach to creating spaces for collaboration and will enhance the sense of community that is integral to all our buildings. We look forward to welcoming them to their new home in London.”

TWP at Leadenhall has been designed by Farago Han Studio, a multifaceted boutique design studio based in Sydney. Taking inspiration from the history and heritage of the neighbouring Leadenhall Market, the workspace has taken a contemporary interpretation of the market’s main entrance to Gracechurch Street, which was built in a Queen Anne Revival style. The two floors will evoke modern splendour with exceptional levels of craftmanship and attention to design detail applied across the office suites, arrival galleries lounges and meeting rooms.

TWP has plans to expand in London, partnering with similarly prestigious buildings and locations in the City and West End, with a target portfolio of circa 400,000 sq ft by the end of 2030.
Hashtag: #TheWorkProject #TWP




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

About The Work Project

is a leading provider of flexible workspaces designed to empower businesses and enhance productivity. TWP creates beautifully crafted modern spaces that are flexible, modular, and customizable to meet the unique needs of each client. By prioritising client branding, expansion capabilities, and individual work cultures, TWP ensures that every workspace becomes an extension of the company it serves.

AnyMind Group’s AnyTag extends support for influencer discovery, campaigns and analytics on Xiaohongshu

Empowering Marketers with Deeper Insights into China’s Leading Lifestyle Platform


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2025 – AnyMind Group [TSE:5027], a Business-Process-as-a-Service company for marketing, e-commerce and digital transformation, has today announced that its influencer marketing platform, AnyTag, now supports users to run influencer discovery, influencer marketing campaigns and campaign analytics on one of China’s fastest-growing social media platforms, Xiaohongshu. This announcement follows AnyMind Group being named a first-tier partner of Xiaohongshu on February 3rd, 2025.

AnyMind Group’s AnyTag extends support for influencer discovery, campaigns and analytics on Xiaohongshu
AnyMind Group’s AnyTag extends support for influencer discovery, campaigns and analytics on Xiaohongshu

The move enables marketers to easily discover influencers, activate, manage, analyze and attribute influencer marketing campaigns across various platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, YouTube, Threads, Douyin, and now Xiaohongshu, all through a single interface.

Xiaohongshu boasts a vast user base, predominantly comprising young, trend-conscious consumers who actively seek product recommendations, travel tips, and lifestyle content. By incorporating Xiaohongshu data into AnyTag, users can now leverage Xiaohongshu data to streamline the influencer discovery and collaboration process. The integration provides access to key data points such as follower demographics and engagement insights, enabling users to identify influencers whose content aligns with their brand and campaign goals, including:

  • Audience Demographics: Users can access follower demographics and interest topic distribution, along with the identification of the original source and the exact province and city within China where followers are from.
  • Engagement Insights: Insights into an influencer’s posting habits, average engagement metrics and content categories
  • Post Details: Access to post content and pricing from an influencer

This expansion underscores AnyMind Group’s commitment to provide a robust end-to-end solution that caters to the evolving needs of marketers aiming to reach social media users across APAC and the Middle East, including Chinese users. By leveraging AnyTag’s robust capabilities, brands can now craft more targeted and effective influencer marketing campaigns on Xiaohongshu, alongside campaigns on leading global social media platforms.

Kosuke Sogo, CEO and co-founder of AnyMind Group, said: “Apart from recently adding AI-powered capabilities to help marketers achieve more on AnyTag, we’re continuing to expand the scale and connectivity of our platform. Ultimately, we want to make influencer marketing more accessible for marketers, whether within Asia or those looking to drive impact on audiences in Asia.”

AnyMind Group launched AnyTag in 2016, and the platform now provides features that provide marketers with breadth and depth in influencer marketing, from robust insights into influencers across the region, the ability to track the impact of influencer marketing campaigns to business results, and functionalities to run affiliate marketing-based campaigns with influencers, to identification of influencer and content trends across the region and social media analytics. The company also recently launched GenAI-based features on the platform, such as automated campaign brief creation and multi-modal influencer search and recommendations, that learn from data of over 945,000 influencers and influencer data points and more than 12,000 influencer marketing campaigns.Hashtag: #AnyMindGroup #Xiaohongshu #AnyTag #Data #BPaaS #InfluencerMarketing #Marketing





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

AnyMind Group

About AnyMind Group

Founded in April 2016, AnyMind Group [TSE:5027] is a Business-Process-as-a-Service company for marketing, e-commerce and digital transformation. The company provides two broad offerings to brands and businesses, publishers and influencers: Brand Commerce and Partner Growth. Brand Commerce provides businesses with the company’s platforms for manufacturing, e-commerce enablement, live commerce, marketing, logistics and AI utilization, whilst Partner Growth provides web and mobile app publishers along with influencers and content creators with platforms for monetization and optimization. AnyMind Group has over 1,900 staff across 24 offices in 15 markets, including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, India, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

About BPaaS

Business-Process-as-a-Service (BPaaS) is a business model that merges and creates an additional layer of value on top of Software-as-a-Service or SaaS (software-centric) and Business Process Outsourcing or BPO (operations-centric), by providing greater flexibility and scalability to the entire business process lifecycle. Through BPaaS, enterprises can tap into agile and adaptive end-to-end process lifecycle management through a combination of technology and operations teams that leverage on local and regional best practices, for the designing, development, implementation, optimization, and automation across the business process.

Asia’s digital future takes centre stage at Economist Impact’s 5th annual Technology for Change Asia in Hong Kong


HONG KONG SAR – Media OuReach Newswire – 24 March 2025 – Economist Impact successfully concluded its 5th annual Technology for Change Asia on March 12th and 13th at the Hopewell Hotel in Hong Kong, bringing together over 570 leaders to explore the transformative power of emerging technologies for business and society.

Photo caption: Albert Wong Hak-keung, chief executive officer of Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, Allan Zeman, chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, Angel Ng, regional CEO, Greater China of Prudential plc, George Hara, group chairman and CEO of DEFTA Partners and Tom Standage, deputy editor of The Economist, engage in a conversation at Technology for Change Asia.
Photo caption: Albert Wong Hak-keung, chief executive officer of Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, Allan Zeman, chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, Angel Ng, regional CEO, Greater China of Prudential plc, George Hara, group chairman and CEO of DEFTA Partners and Tom Standage, deputy editor of The Economist, engage in a conversation at Technology for Change Asia.

Taking place in Hong Kong for the 2nd year, the two-day event explored key themes including the future of work in the AI era, the quantum revolution, sustainable tech solutions, human-centered innovation, the Greater Bay Area’s transformation, China’s digital roadmap, smart and green mobility, and ethical AI.

In an opening ministerial keynote address, the Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that Hong Kong, along with the Greater Bay Area, is poised to emerge as a leading international innovation centre because the region is building an ecosystem of patient capital, fostering a pro-innovation environment, and leveraging its unique strengths under the ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement to attract top-tier talent and drive technological progress, including in cutting-edge fields like AI.

Over 70 speakers, including renowned physicist Professor Brian Cox, shared insights on the region’s emerging investment and business opportunities. The event highlighted the unique position of the Greater Bay Area in using technology for business impact, and featured discussions on how businesses and governments can prioritise the human element in technology research and adoption to close the digital divide.

The event featured speakers from leading organisations including Alibaba.com, Booking.com, Deutsche Bank, DHL, Google, HSBC, IBM, JLL, Klook, Lan Kwai Fong Group, Li & Fung, Li Auto, LinkedIn, Mercedes-Benz Group, OCBC, Swire Hotels Group, Tencent Quantum Lab, Uber, and WhatsApp, and many more.

“From quantum computing to ethical AI, Technology for Change Asia tackled the innovations defining our future,” said Charles Ross, principal, technology and society, Asia-Pacific at Economist Impact. “The conversations we had were not just about technology but about shaping a more resilient and equitable world.”

The 5th annual Technology for Change Asia was sponsored by the Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA Program, Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, Tata Communications, IBM, AIA and McKinsey Global Institute. The event was supported by Brand Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Tourism Board, AI Club Asia, Asia MarTech Society, and the British Consulate-General Hong Kong. The official travel partner was Cathay Pacific.

For more information about Technology for Change Asia, please visit http://econimpact.co/TFCpress
Hashtag: #EconomistImpact

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

About Economist Impact

Economist Impact empowers businesses, governments and foundations to catalyse change and enable progress. Uniting the expertise The Economist Group is known for under a single brand, Economist Impact brings together policy research and insights, data visualisation, custom storytelling, events and media. Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think tank with the creativity of a media brand, engaging an influential audience in the areas of sustainability, healthcare and new globalisation. Visit for more information.

VinFuture Prize empowered the woman scientist Dr. Firdausi Qadri to give back to Bangladesh


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Neswire – 24 March 2025 – A leading force in cholera vaccine research, Dr. Firdausi Qadri at the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) has dedicated her career to combating this dramatic mortal disease through the innovative improvement of oral cholera vaccination, aiming to large-scale vaccination effort in developing countries.

Vinfuture

Sharing with the VinFuture Foundation, Dr. Qadri reflects on her groundbreaking work and her passion for expanding STEM education for women. In the face of societal barriers, particularly in Bangladesh, she remains committed to empowering women in science and using her VinFuture Prize value to strengthen the country’s scientific community.

The ongoing battle against cholera

Having established herself as one of the scientific titans in the vaccine area, Dr. Qadri has developed a single oral dose of an affordable cholera vaccine to address the public health needs in Bangladesh. Her research opens the possibility of large-scale vaccination campaigns in poor countries to prevent outbreaks and reduce the healthcare cost burden, allowing them to invest in education and economic activities. This revolutionizing discovery has earned her global recognition, including the 2024 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators from Developing Countries.

The VinFuture Prize was completely unexpected, but it has given me immense energy and a profound sense of purpose to turn scientific solutions into real-world applications that benefit those in adverse settings, including humanitarian crises globally,” Dr. Qadri said.

Beyond its personal significance, the VinFuture Prize also empowered Dr. Qadri to give back to her home country. In 2014, Dr. Qadri formed a non-profit research institution called the ideSHi (Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives) located on the 11th floor of Blue Moon Gram Tower in ECB Chattar, Dhaka. She shared an astounding initiative to expand this institute using the 500,000 USD prize value from VinFuture, “Together with the VinFuture Prize money and a quarter of my personal funds, I took a bold step forward, acquiring an additional 5,000 square feet of space within the same building as ideSHi’s original facility,” she elaborated.

This facility is a bold initiative dedicated to improving public health and nurturing the next generation of scientists. Since then, this institute provides state-of-the-art facilities, offers training programs, collaborates with international partners, conducts research on genetic diseases including thalassemia – the most common blood disorder in Bangladesh – as well as infectious diseases.

Over the past decade, ideSHi has expanded tremendously, and this new extension will allow us to tackle even more critical health challenges while further strengthening scientific capacity in Bangladesh,” she shared. “With prize money received from VinFuture, I am confident that this support will help ideSHi develop pragmatic solutions to public health challenges and ultimately help advance Bangladesh’s position in biomedical research.”

The achievement results in her determination after witnessing firsthand the dire impact of cholera and diarrheal diseases. Her journey began as a scientist with a deep passion for immunology, later on extended her work beyond the laboratory to the field, fully devoted to the cause of uplifting the lives of Bangladesh and beyond.

However, through her extensive work in diarrheal diseases at their main hospital in Bangladesh, Dr. Qadri estimates an annual intake of approximately 200,000 patients, with 90-95% comes from impoverished backgrounds. Living in overcrowded conditions with shared toilets, kitchens, and bathrooms, they face rapid disease transmission. “If one person contracts cholera, the infection can spread to three other people in the family and beyond due to contaminated hands and food,” Dr. Qadri explained. “It’s very difficult to control.”

Recognizing the persistent devastation of global health crises, Dr. Qadri extended her research beyond the laboratory. She conducted field studies on vaccine effectiveness, distribution strategies, and public health interventions. Her efforts extended beyond academia as she worked more with the government, advocating for necessary actions to improve healthcare access.

Over 15 to 20 years, my work has evolved to encompass not just vaccine development, but also implementation strategies – exploring the effectiveness of different modes in delivering vaccines and understanding how to integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) with vaccination programs to achieve cholera control,” she noted.

Dr. Qadri emphasized that cholera remains a disease of poverty, often overlooked due to its association with inadequate sanitation and clean water access. She also pointed out that some governments were reluctant to acknowledge the disease’s prevalence, fearing for their global image. Therefore, she expressed deep gratitude and immense joy at being recognized by such a prestigious global award as the VinFuture Prize. “This recognition is a tremendous honor and serves as a motivation for me to move ahead,” she shared.

Breaking glass ceilings

Dr. Qadri’s dedication to rigorous scientific research and her success in the cholera vaccine area serves as an inspiration for young women all over the world. However, ​​for women in science, particularly in developing countries across Asia, the road is often fraught with challenges. Deep-seated prejudices and invisible glass ceilings make it difficult for women to gain recognition in male-dominated fields.

I always want to be known as a scientist, not a “woman scientist,” who works alongside men as equals“, Dr. Qadri shared. “But I cannot deny that acceptance has not always come easily.”

The unwavering support of her family played a crucial role, encouraging her to push boundaries and proving that a woman is just as capable as a man. “I traveled to remote areas, worked long hours in the field, and committed myself fully to scientific research. I have managed to overcome many prejudices, though challenges remain,” she noted.

It is also a driving force that motivates her to passionately advocate for empowering women in STEM education. According to her, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are the foundation of progress, driving innovation and shaping the future. Yet, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, not only in developing countries but even in advanced economies.

If we truly want to make a meaningful contribution to the world, women must be part of this transformation,” Dr. Qadri emphasized.

Many hesitate to pursue careers in STEM, not due to a lack of ability but because of societal expectations and deeply ingrained biases. Fields including engineering and mathematics, in particular, remain male-dominated, with cultural norms dictating which professions are deemed “suitable” for women.

Another critical factor is the cost and commitment required. STEM education is more demanding, expensive, and time-intensive compared to fields including finance or commerce. Success in STEM requires years of dedication and persistence, making it an uphill battle, especially for women who must balance professional ambitions with societal expectations of family life.

I try to use my journey to show young women that it is possible to have a family, raise children, and do science.” She remarked, “You just need to know the mechanism to do it. There is no secret formula: just focus, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the work you choose to do.”

Addressing health disparities

Driven by the goal to seek effective preventive public health solutions for Bangladesh and other developing countries, Dr. Qadri focuses on large-scale clinical studies using Vietnamese live vaccine train, which allowed her to conclude the benefit, power and feasibility of an oral dose of an affordable vaccine.

Vietnam, which has been able to control cholera better through concerted public health efforts, has always been an example I reflected on.” She stated, “If Vietnam can better control cholera through a comprehensive public health approach, why can’t we?”

Besides vaccination, the scientific titan emphasized the need for a holistic approach, including improvements in WASH education, and surveillance. However, behavioral change and access to clean water remain significant hurdles. Thus, according to Dr. Qadri, to provide crucial protection in the short term, there are two key strategies: reactive vaccination during an outbreak and preventive vaccination to build immunity.

However, a major obstacle the world faces is the global shortage of cholera vaccines. “Despite cholera affecting millions across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, only 80 million vaccine doses are currently available annually. This is far below what is needed – Bangladesh alone requires 100 million doses in the coming years,” she noted.

The economic constraints surrounding cholera vaccines also present a challenge. Since cholera is often considered a “disease of poverty,” many pharmaceutical companies hesitate to invest in its production due to low profit margins. “This is already happening,” she stressed.

To address this, Dr. Qadri actively advocates for increased vaccine production in Bangladesh. She shared that one of her team’s key achievements has been demonstrating that in a major outbreak, giving the vaccine in a reactive way can quickly reduce the number of cases. “We have implemented this strategy in multiple regions of Bangladesh,” Dr. Qadri added.

More importantly, as a result of our dedication, we now have a national cholera control plan, centered on preventive vaccination, ensuring that people receive doses regularly – whether annually or every three years – to stay protected before outbreaks occur. This is a significant milestone in our fight against the disease.” she said.
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VinFuture

The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide.

The nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7).

The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring women innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields.