Media OutReach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2025 – ​ Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Mr Charles Ng yesterday (April 10) concluded his visit to the Middle East, covering Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a strategic gateway for Middle Eastern enterprises to expand in the Asia-Pacific region including Mainland China. Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong Mr Charles Ng yesterday (April 10) concluded his visit to the Middle East, covering Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a strategic gateway for Middle Eastern enterprises to expand in the Asia-Pacific region including Mainland China. During the visit, Mr Ng met with business leaders, family office representatives and industry stakeholders across Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, including representatives from Investopia. He also attended a series of high-level business roundtables entitled Hong Kong Growth Dialogues: Building Asia’s Future Super-Corridor, co-organised with Asia House. He also met with local media and elaborated on Hong Kong’s business advantages. Mr Ng said, “Hong Kong, as a global financial centre, an innovation and technology base, and a ‘super connector’ between Mainland China and international markets, offers abundant business opportunities from recent key developments, including the Northern Metropolis, the Airport City Skytopia and West Kowloon Cultural District, etc. We welcome businesses from the Middle East to capitalise on the opportunities our city offers.” Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong Mr Charles Ng yesterday (April 10) concluded his visit to the Middle East, covering Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a strategic gateway for Middle Eastern enterprises to expand in the Asia-Pacific region including Mainland China. He added, “Hong Kong’s strategic position in Asia, coupled with the Middle East’s long-term strategies, such as Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071, fosters collaboration and shared economic growth. By leveraging Hong Kong’s business advantages, we can strengthen co-operation in various areas, including finance, technology, trade, sustainability and tourism amid a fast-changing global economic landscape.” Hong Kong and the Middle East are deepening financial and economic ties, creating powerful synergies for cross-border investment and shared growth. Recent developments, including cross-listed ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and the recognition of key Middle Eastern stock exchanges as Recognised Stock Exchanges, underscore the growing integration of capital markets between two regions. During the visit, Mr Ng also promoted Hong Kong’s Islamic finance capabilities, citing its successful issuance of three government sukuk and a level playing field for Shariah-compliant products through tax neutrality measures. Participants at the events expressed keen interest in Hong Kong’s business environment and connectivity. Vice President of the Logistics Division at Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Group Mrs Saffia Abdulla Kanoo said, “I gained valuable insights into Hong Kong and its key sectors through the roundtable discussions. I was particularly impressed by the city’s robust financial infrastructure, strong rule of law, and its role as a hub for innovation and capital flows. The session was highly informative and engaging, inspiring me to further explore the opportunities available in Hong Kong.” Hashtag: #InvestHK The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

CYBERJAYA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2025 – Cerebrill, dedicated to supporting cognitive health and development, recently co-organised the DPulze Cerebrill Aidilfitri FIDE Rated Chess tournament with partners AMS Brilliant Move, Kelab Sukan dan Rekreasi Madani, and Marcus Chess Academy. Winners at the DPulze Cerebrill Aidilfitri FIDE Rated tournament pose with their medals and certificates, joined by event co-organisers The two-day tournament took place at DPulze Shopping Centre in Cyberjaya on the 12th and 13th of April 2025, attracting over 400 participants across both days. Day one featured a competitive open tournament, with more than 130 participants vying for top honours in a FIDE-rated setting. The Champion received RM500, while the runner-up and third place were awarded RM300 and RM250, respectively. All winners were presented with certificates and medals. Meanwhile, day two focused on young players under 14, with over 270 participants showcasing their skills and passion for the game. This tournament served as an important milestone in their chess journey, helping them further develop their abilities. The prize pool included RM300 for the champion, RM200 for the runner-up, as well as additional awards for the top players in the under-10 and under-12 categories, plus a special recognition for the best female player. Andy Tan, Product Manager at Cerebrill said, “At Cerebrill, our mission is to empower minds by creating opportunities for promoting cognitive health and growth, and we believe chess is a powerful tool for developing those skills. We are proud to work alongside partners who share this vision and together, we are providing a space where young talent can grow and leave their mark. This tournament marks just the beginning of Cerebrill’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth in chess and the larger chess community as a whole.” [From left to right] Aqilah Husna and Poh Yu Tian Cerebrill remains the proud sponsor of two chess ambassadors – Poh Yu Tian, the youngest Malaysian to hold the International Master title, and Aqilah Husna, an emerging talent with exceptional potential. The company also aims to further support the local chess community by holding more tournaments at neighbourhood malls across the country, through partnerships with local chess organisations throughout the country. The next tournament by Cerebrill is scheduled for 14th June 2025 at Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, with more details to be shared in the future. Stay up-to-date with Cerebrill’s latest events and initiatives by visiting their website at www.cerebrill.my. Cerebrill’s mission to promote cognitive and mental health extends beyond just events and sponsorships. With upcoming services such as neurofeedback therapy, as well as plans to introduce professional support systems, including personal and group counselling, it aims to help individuals of all ages enhance their cognitive and mental well-being. For more information on Cerebrill’s products and services, please contact Andy Tan at +60 11-5136 1013 or via [email protected] to learn more. Hashtag: #Cerebrill https://cerebrill.my/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2025 – In response to the recent earthquake in Thailand, FBS has reinforced its commitment to community support by aiding emergency relief efforts in the affected areas. FBS Enhances Local Rescue Capabilities in Thailand with Critical Equipment Donation In collaboration with long-time partner Mr. Chanchai Sueaphet, FBS has donated $5500 to provide a set of professional heavy rescue equipment to the Ruamkatanyu Foundation’s volunteer unit, based at Ban Phraek Police Station in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. This vital donation enhances the foundation’s ability to conduct urgent rescue operations and save lives in critical situations. Delivered on April 6, 2025, the donation strengthens the region’s disaster response capabilities at a crucial time. By equipping local teams with advanced rescue gear, FBS supports faster, safer, and more efficient emergency operations. The tools enable first responders to act swiftly, ensuring timely aid for affected communities and improving readiness for future emergencies. The Ruamkatanyu Foundation’s volunteer team, well-known for their rapid response to accidents and disasters, welcomed the support as a valuable boost to their life-saving efforts. “This life-saving equipment is essential for reaching and assisting victims after disasters. Thanks to FBS’s support, we’re now better equipped to help those in urgent need.” — Mr. Suriya Ammarit, Leader of the Ruamkatanyu Volunteer Team FBS is proud to collaborate on this meaningful initiative with long-standing partner Mr. Chanchai Sueaphet, who shared: “During holidays like Songkran, accidents often increase due to high travel. We’re proud that FBS values every life and stands alongside our rescue teams. I’m honored to represent FBS in donating this essential rescue equipment to the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. FBS continues to prove it’s a world-class broker committed to the well-being of Thai people and the greater good of society.” — Mr. Chanchai Sueaphet, FBS Partner Together, FBS and its partners reaffirm the mission of making a real difference beyond trading, delivering not just exceptional trading conditions, but also hope, care, and resilience to the communities that need it most.Hashtag: #FBS #CSR #Thailand https://fbs.com/https://www.facebook.com/financefreedomsuccess/https://www.instagram.com/fbs_forex/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About FBS FBS is a global brand that unites several independent brokerage companies under the licenses of FSC (Belize), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia). With 16 years of experience and over 100 international awards, FBS is steadily developing as one of the market’s most trusted brokers. Today, FBS serves over 27 000 000 traders and more than 700 000 partners around the globe.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2025 – As the 2025 international award ceremonies concluded under the spotlight, these prestigious events brought together the world’s most dazzling stars to witness a shining moment in the realm of art alongside countless viewers. The meticulously crafted red-carpet looks were undoubtedly among the most eye-catching highlights, with the natural diamond jewellery worn by the stars serving as an essential element of glamour. This year’s red-carpet jewellery showcased a diverse trend, becoming a focal point in the global fashion landscape. Diamond Necklaces At the 97th Academy Awards, rising star Mikey Madison captivated audiences wearing an antique necklace from Tiffany (The Tiffany Archives). This vintage piece, set in platinum and adorned with a stunning array of natural diamonds, highlighted the beauty of purity and luxury. The timeless elegance of these natural diamond creations added a unique brilliance to the first Oscar-winning actress born after 1995. Also at the Oscars, Ariana Grande dazzled in the De Beers Adonis Rose necklace, featuring a pear-shaped diamond pendant set in 18k white gold, perfectly blending classical romance with modern craftsmanship. Selena Gomez made a stunning appearance in the Bvlgari Le Magnifiche high jewellery necklace, which featured a central 10.16-carat pear-shaped diamond that became the focal point of her look, complementing her sparkling nude gown and perfectly embodying a new height of charm and elegance. Gal Gadot graced the Oscars red carpet in a striking red dress, paired with a vintage necklace designed by Angela Cummings for Tiffany in 1980. The diamond-encrusted design in gold and platinum evoked retro charm, showcasing Gal Gadot’s elegant yet graceful style. Top row, left to right: At the Oscars, Mikey Madison wore an antique diamond necklace from Tiffany, while Ariana Grande sported a diamond piece from the De Beers Adonis Rose collection. Bottom row, left to right: Selena Gomez dazzled in a Bvlgari Le Magnifiche diamond necklace, and Gal Gadot also chose an antique diamond necklace from Tiffany. Diamond Earrings While many stars opted for bold necklaces, some chose earrings to elevate their elegance. On the red carpet at this year’s Oscars, Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress Oscar at the 95th Academy Awards in 2023, wore the Plume de Paon asymmetrical earrings from Boucheron, designed in the shape of a peacock feather and adorned with diamonds set in white gold. These exquisite earrings perfectly complemented her blue gown. Demi Moore, nominated for Best Actress, wore Chopard Red Carpet collection earrings featuring 17.11 carats of diamonds with a silver gown, perfectly merging classic and modern styles to embody confidence and poise. At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Lady Gaga, who received the Innovator Award, showcased her personality with a stunning poppy red silk gown paired with diamond cocktail earrings from De Beers’ Enchanted Lotus collection. The combination of her red dress and diamond earrings enhanced her allure. For another look that day, Lady Gaga selected a pair of diamond earrings from De Beers’ Forces of Nature collection to elevate her sharply tailored black lace dress, beautifully blending futurism with wild aesthetics. Top row, left to right: Michelle Yeoh dazzles in Boucheron Plume de Paon peacock feather diamond earrings, while Demi Moore shines in diamond earrings from the Chopard Red Carpet collection in the Oscars Bottom row, left to right: Lady Gaga showcases two pairs of diamond earrings from De Beers Enchanted Lotus and Forces of Nature collection in iHeartRadio Music Awards (image source: internet). Diamond Rings Diamond rings are another essential piece of jewellery at award ceremonies. At the Oscars, Miley Cyrus made a striking entrance in a sequined black gown, dazzling with a stacked diamond ring from Boucheron’s Quatre Radiant Edition. This exquisite ring served as the perfect finishing touch, beautifully embodying a sense of freedom and luxury. Lisa, also at the Oscars, wore a diamond ring from Bvlgari’s Serpenti Viper collection, enhancing her look with intricate detail. The rose gold snake-shaped design of the diamond ring contrasted brilliantly with the sharp lines of her tuxedo, creating a style that is both sophisticated and unique. Coloured Diamonds The appearance of coloured diamonds on the red carpet is one of this year’s trends. Doja Cat shone in a necklace from Messika’s Solar Diva high jewellery collection at the Oscars, featuring a stunning 34-carat yellow diamond that radiated captivating brilliance, perfectly complementing her leopard-print evening gown and showcasing a wild charm. Men Wearing Diamonds Diamond jewellery has never been exclusive to women; male celebrities creatively incorporate jewellery into their looks as well. At the Oscars, Timothée Chalamet made a memorable statement in a light yellow suit, thoughtfully accessorizing with a Cartier gold necklace set with a natural diamond beneath his collar, adding layers and luxurious details to his overall appearance. Omar Apollo chose a diamond lizard brooch from Chopard made of 18K white gold, adorned with black, yellow, and brown diamonds, harmonizing beautifully with his black tuxedo and making him the center of attention. Top row, left to right: Miley Cyrus shines with a diamond ring frm the Boucheron Quatre Radiant Edition collection, while Lisa showcases a diamond ring from the Bvlgari Serpenti Viper collection at the Oscars. Bottom row, left to right: Doja Cat shines in a Messika Solar Diva high jewellery diamond necklace, Timothée Chalamet sports a Cartier diamond necklace, and Omar Apollo wears a Chopard lizard diamond brooch at the Oscars (image source: internet). Whether music superstars or actors, diamond jewellery remains the ultimate companion in showcasing celebrity charm at grand events. It enhances rather than overshadows the main occasions, subtly adding an eternal sparkle to every remarkable moment. The allure of diamond jewellery signifies glory, dreams, and aspirations, encapsulated in stardom. Every sparkle reflects the pursuit of art, and every brilliance stands as a testament to timeless classics. High resolution images are available to download here Hashtag: #RedCarpet #ADiamondisForever #NaturalDiamonds https://adiamondisforever.com/https://www.instagram.com/adiamondisforever/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2025 – In online trading, speed is king. Below, the experts at Octa, a regulated and trusted broker since 2011, break down the aspects of trading where speed matters most and offer an accessible way to accelerate trading progress. The modern world revolves around speed and solutions that solve problems faster than their predecessors. Speed advantage determines success in many industries and areas of life: information delivery, financial transactions, manufacturing, sports, and many more. This is especially true about all things digital, particularly online trading, where delays are considered a serious red flag by the modern consumer. Why modern trading is all about speed For modern traders, the broker’s ability to provide efficient order execution, fast withdrawals, and timely customer service are the key requirements for building trust. Without speed, a broker can hardly expect to establish long-term client relationships. Moreover, in the financial sector, speed comes in many forms. The e-brokerage industry entirely depends on high-speed data feeds and information transfers executed with millisecond precision. Retail traders who operate from their desktops or mobile devices find navigating the markets proportionately easier if they are fast enough where and when it counts. In online trading, especially in scalping or intraday trading with lesser timeframes, a breakout, reversal, or reaction to a news release can happen in seconds. Delayed order execution, a stuttering trading platform, or suspended reaction due to incomplete information can easily turn a low-risk, high-probability trade into a risky venture with an uncertain outcome. Where in trading speed makes the most difference Traders emphasise the importance of strategy, but it is the execution that often separates a positive outcome from a negative one. Choosing the right price movement direction is ineffective unless the action is taken on time. Fast execution results in less slippage, better prices, tighter spreads, and greater control over trading risks. Another speed-related factor that determines a positive trading experience and is, therefore, highly valued by traders is withdrawal speed. Octa broker’s recent survey shows that the ability to withdraw their funds without hiccups is one of the main reasons traders choose one broker over another. Octa broker uses its global reach to establish close cooperation with various payment providers and systems. This way, Octa offers some of the fastest withdrawals on the market while avoiding any hidden charges. All the broker’s fees are reflected in its terms and conditions and can be reviewed in advance. CFDs: a perfect instrument for modern-day trading Contracts for difference, or CFDs, are well-known for speed and flexibility. Instead of buying an asset or a futures contract with delivery obligations, CFDs involve trading price movement, and that makes the entire transaction faster and more direct. CFDs enable traders to profit from upward and downward market movements without restrictions. There is no need to wait for a market surge or borrow from an exchange when going short, as is often the case with crypto trading. This flexibility is especially advantageous in fast-moving markets, where direction can reverse in seconds. Another advantage of CFDs is tight spreads and direct market access, which ensures that the displayed prices are among the most competitive in the market. Trades are executed without interference, eliminating delays and improving the chances of getting filled at or near the intended price. Last but not least, CFDs provide multiple leverage options, which, if used wisely, can significantly increase a trader’s potential, albeit at the cost of increased exposure. Leverage allows traders to capitalise on short bursts of volatility instead of waiting for a major directional move to turn a profit. Modern trading is driven by speed, efficiency, and transparency. Brokers build trust by allowing traders to operate efficiently in a high-frequency environment and act on volatility without delay. By ensuring fast withdrawals and a transparent, clearly communicated fee structure, brokers facilitate a seamless trading journey for their clients, contributing to their success in a vibrant environment where speed reigns supreme. ___ Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to engage in any investment activity. It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs. Any action you take based on this content is at your sole discretion and risk. Octa and its affiliates accept no liability for any losses or consequences resulting from reliance on this material. Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Availability of products and services may vary by jurisdiction. Please ensure compliance with your local laws before accessing them. Hashtag: #Octa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Octa Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools. The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities. In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

LAGOS, NIGERIA – EQS Newswire – 15 April 2025 – The newly commissioned LGS2 12MW IT Load Data Centre built by Rack Centre-West Africa’s leading Tier III carrier and cloud neutral data centre, has been described as the best-in-class and a game changer that would revolutionise Nigeria’s digital landscape. The Chairman, Rack Centre, Maher Jarmakani, disclosed this during the official commissioning of the data centre held at the company’s head office in Lagos on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Jarmakani noted that the commissioning of the new facility reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation, reliability and security, stating that its goal of providing premium data infrastructure such as the 12MW IT load LGS2 was geared towards ensuring uninterrupted, energy-efficient, world-class services and providing scalable solutions for enterprises, cloud providers, and financial institutions. He disclosed that the company would continue to lead and play a critical role in powering Nigeria’s digital future. “It is important to note that Rack Centre is the only data center located on Lagos Mainland, and with its proximity to critical government apparatus, this facility provides the required connectivity that makes Alausa’s day-to-day communication and cloud services efficient and reliable. Rack Centre’s infrastructure ensures that every byte of data moves swiftly and securely, and our role as a digital switch platform will only grow—connecting people, businesses and ideas to build a truly advanced society,” he said. In his keynote address, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube stated that the unveiling of the new 12MW LGS2 IT Load data centre, marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards a truly digital economy. While commending the management of Rack Centre for constructing a data centre infrastructure with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind, he noted that investment in such advanced technology would certainly attract investors from across the globe particularly those who see Lagos as a hub of innovation and digital transformation. He further described the company as a trailblazer in the tech and data infrastructure space adding that this new facility represents a leap in the shared ambition to make Lagos a smart, globally competitive digital hub. Delivering the vote of thanks, the Chief Executive Officer, Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson expressed profound appreciation to the Lagos State Government for creating an enabling environment and providing the necessary support to deliver this landmark project. Johannisson explained that the facility offers best-in-class services that meet the highest international standards, offering scalable solutions to hyperscalers, enterprises, and cloud service providers. He described the newly commissioned facility as a significant milestone that symbolises a new chapter in Nigeria’s digital transformation, shaped by technological advancement, sustainable digitisation and AI. While acknowledging the company’s transformative journey over the last 12 years, he disclosed that the company had risen from a pioneering entrepreneurial venture into a cornerstone of West Africa’s digital ecosystem, thereby underlining its role in securing and enabling Nigeria’s digital economy. He further noted that with the facility now being utilised, the data centre capacity of the company would increase by eight-fold as this would consolidate its leadership as the digital infrastructure hub in sub-Saharan Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rack Centre. Download Image 1 – https://apo-opa.co/4cwwLP2 (L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson; Chief Operating Officer, Rack Centre, Ezekiel Egboye; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Sam Egube; Chairman, Jagal Group, Maher Jarmakani and Sales Director, Rack Centre, Folu Aderibigbe during the official commissioning of 12MW LGS2 IT Load Data centre facility in Lagos) Download Image 2 – https://apo-opa.co/4j7AbKC Download Image 3 – https://apo-opa.co/4cwrC9Z Download Image 4 – https://apo-opa.co/4lzRlT Hashtag: #RackCentre The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Rack Centre: Rack Centre is the leading Tier III Carrier and cloud-neutral data centre in the West African region. Established in 2012, the company focuses solely on providing best-in-class data centre colocation services and interconnection between carriers and customers. Knowing this gives customers a technically superior, physically more secure, and lower-cost environment for their information systems. The Carrier and Cloud neutrality advantage allows customers to manage traffic to get better value, lower latency, and higher resilience. It also creates an open market for partnerships between customers, networks, cloud and content providers, the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, AF-CIX, a fast-growing IXP and managed service providers. Rack Centre’s clientele includes 70+ telecommunication carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), global Tier 1 networks, and pan Africa international carriers, including direct interconnections to all undersea cables serving the South Atlantic Coast of Africa, including Equiano and in the foreseeable future 2Africa and every country on the Atlantic coast of Africa. For more information, visit https://Rack-Centre.com

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Neswire – 14 April 2025 – Together with world-renowned scientists including Prof. Joel F. Habener, Prof. Jens Juul Holst and Assoc. Prof. Svetlana Mojsov, Prof. Daniel Drucker at the University of Toronto and the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, has discovered the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), leading to life-changing therapies for people with diabetes and obesity while stimulating emerging applications for neurodegenerative diseases. This groundbreaking innovation has garnered significant recognition for him and the GLP-1 research group, exemplified by the prestigious 2023 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields, and the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, awarded earlier this April. Prof. Daniel Drucker, 2023 VinFuture Special Prize Laureate for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields, continues to receive recognition with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences In this interview, he reflects on the impact and influences of the VinFuture Prize on his further research, as well as the challenges and prospects of expanding GLP-1 accessibility. As global scientific recognition continues to evolve, he shares insights into the vital role of initiatives like the VinFuture Prize in inspiring the next generation of scientists. VinFuture: Recognizing transformative science The 2023 VinFuture Prize holds the distinction of being the first major international science and technology award to recognize and honor the scientists behind the discovery of the role of GLP-1. Following the VinFuture Prize, the GLP-1 research group has continuously received recognitions with numerous other prestigious accolades, including their listing among the 2024 Time 100 Most Influential People. Reflecting on this, Prof. Drucker expressed deep appreciation, noting that these awards provide invaluable support in pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. “As the VinFuture Prize gains prominence, having GLP-1 science acknowledged as a recipient also helps elevate the global understanding of how it can transform healthcare,” he emphasized. Continuing its commitment to recognizing impactful advancements, the 2024 VinFuture Prize honored innovators in the biomedical field for their development of CAR T-cell therapy for cancer and other diseases. According to Prof. Drucker, this innovation stands as “a remarkable example of how immunological science can revolutionize the treatment of many cancer types.” “With the honoring of AI and CAR T cell therapy, the trends I observe are consistent with other international awards, where similar innovative themes are celebrated around the same time or within a few years. This alignment reinforces the importance of these breakthroughs.” Prof. Drucker commented. Among the youngest international science-technology awards, now in its fifth year, the VinFuture Prize is steadily establishing its significance and reputation, evidenced by the increasing number of laureates continuing to receive recognition from prestigious international awards, most notably the Nobel Prize. Prominent examples include Dr. Katalin Karikó and Prof. Drew Weissman (Laureates of the 2021 VinFuture Grand Prize and 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Dr. Demis Hassabis and Dr. John Jumper (Laureates of the 2022 VinFuture Special Prize and 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry), and Prof. Geoffrey Hinton (Laureate of the 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize and 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics). “Despite being a relatively new award, the VinFuture Prize has done an exceptional job of highlighting high-quality science. The recognition of AI, coinciding with its recent recognition by the Nobel Prize, highlights its transformative impact on numerous aspects of society,” Prof. Drucker said. “So I think the VinFuture Prize council really has its finger on the leading edge of science in many areas.” Beyond diabetes 2024 was a landmark year for GLP-1 research, with several exciting clinical trials demonstrating benefits extending far beyond obesity to include the treatment of patients with heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, Prof. Drucker hinted at early promising results for patients with metabolic liver disease and noted ongoing studies exploring GLP-1’s effects on Alzheimer’s disease, with results expected soon. “The continuous wave of new findings will provide deeper insights into the full potential of GLP-1-based therapies.” Prof. Drucker commented, stating that each study will contribute to refining our understanding of this science. Furthermore, Prof. Drucker highlighted GLP-1’s neurological effects and its potential clinical application in addressing mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and compulsive behaviors. He noted that preliminary, early-stage trials with small patient groups investigating GLP-1’s potential in reducing cravings and treating addiction-related disorders have yielded promising initial results. “Several academic research centers are actively studying GLP-1’s effects on substance use disorders, and major pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have begun clinical trials to explore these applications further.” Prof. Drucker shared, “It will likely take 12 to 18 months before we gain a clearer picture of whether these medicines can be clinically effective in helping individuals reduce or quit substance use.” Prof. Drucker also highlighted compelling research indicating GLP-1’s interaction with the brain, extends beyond appetite regulation, suggesting a range of potential therapeutic applications. “Ongoing trials are underway in people with substance use disorders, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabinoids, and opioids, conditions for which existing medicines are not always very effective.” He elaborated, “We have trials underway for Alzheimer’s disease with oral semaglutide, which are expected to conclude by the end of 2025. These investigations will significantly enhance our understanding of GLP-1’s neurological impact and potential clinical applications.” Overcome barriers to maximize impact Despite the global excitement for the “Ozempic era”, there are many challenges hindering the widespread impact for GLP-1 medicines. These include the current high cost and limited accessibility of the treatments, the reliance on primarily two main drug options (semaglutide and tirzepatide), and the practical limitations of refrigeration and pen-based delivery for most formulations, as Prof. Drucker pointed out. “A key priority is the democratization of these treatments so that everyone who could benefit from them has access. To achieve this, we are working on small-molecule pills that are easier to manufacture and should be more affordable.” He explained. Prof. Drucker anticipated that increased competition in the GLP-1 market will lead to lower prices, development of newer versions that are easier to use, including once-monthly injections, thereby improving